The Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest with Connecticut Basement Systems returns to the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater to Bridgeport on Sunday, August 2, bringing together some of the state’s most celebrated pizzerias, craft beverage producers, live entertainment, and pizza enthusiasts for a one-day celebration of Connecticut’s iconic pizza culture.

The event will feature two ticketed sessions. A VIP session from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. includes unlimited cheese pizza samples from participating vendors, complimentary beverage tastings, and all-day festival access. General Admission begins at 1:00 p.m. and runs through 4:00 p.m., offering attendees access to beverage tastings and pizza available for purchase from participating vendors.

Featured pizza vendors include Alphonse’s Italian Street Food, Big Green Truck Pizza, Colony Grill, Frank Pepe Pizzeria, Grand Apizza, Inferno Apizza, Little Italy Pizza Truck, Nonna Lucia’s Dough-licious, Slice of
New Haven, The Parlor: A Pizza Joint, Una Dolce Vita, and Zuppardi’s Apizza.

The beverage lineup includes BADSONS Beer Co., Berlinetta Brewing, Dad Grass, Downeast Cider, Happy Dad, Josh Wines, Lucky One, Mishka Mead, New Belgium Brewing, Pizza Wine, RIPE Juice Bar, Sierra Nevada, The Long Drink, Woodstock, and additional beverage partners to be announced.

In addition to food and beverage tastings, attendees can participate in pizza-focused experiences throughout the day. Frank Zabski, owner of New Haven Pizza School, will demonstrate how pizza lovers can create authentic New Haven-style pizza at home or on an Ooni grill. Guests will also have the opportunity to watch a live recording of the Connecticut-based podcast Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show.

Live music will be provided by The Rum Runners, whose energetic blend of rock, Americana, folk and Irish influences has made them a favorite throughout the region.

“Let’s be honest… Connecticut treats pizza less like food and more like a professional sport,” said Kevin Begley, festival organizer and host of the Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show podcast. “We’ve all got our favorite go-to spot, our strongest pizza opinions, and at least one friend we’re convinced is completely wrong about where the best slice comes from. The Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest is where all of those debates can happen over great pizza, craft beer, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re loyal to New Haven-style apizza, chasing a new style you’ve never had, or just looking for an excuse to eat way too much pizza in one day, this is your event. Connecticut has one of the best pizza cultures anywhere, and this is our chance to celebrate it together.”

The Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest is sponsored by Connecticut Basement Systems, New Haven Pizza School, Mazda of Milford, Mohegan Sun Online Casino, All American Waste, JP McHale Pest Management, Jordan’s Furniture, and Powerstation Events.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Event Details

Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest with Connecticut Basement Systems
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Sunday, August 2, 2026

VIP Session: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• $50 per ticket
• Unlimited pizza samples
• Complimentary beverage tastings
• Stay all day
  

General Admission: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• $10 per ticket
• Complimentary beverage tastings
• $3 cheese slices available from participating vendors
• Additional pizza offerings available for purchase
  

For tickets and additional information, visit www.ctpizzaandbrewfest.com.