Building off of the success of Minot’s Taco Fest, Minot’s first ever Pizza Palooza will be coming to the Minot Municipal Auditorium Saturday. The event is for the entire family and kicks off at 3 p.m. and goes until midnight.

“Locals are always looking for more options for their families, and this event is going to offer a little bit for everybody,” said Kristen Haverluck, coordinator/owner of Engage Marketing & Events, in a press release.

“Everyone loves Pizza,” Haverluck added. “More so, a lot of us have fond memories that involve pizza. Pizza is the tie that binds us together.”

There is a variety of pizza that will be represented at the event. Local pizza makers, like Spicy Pie and The Starving Rooster, will offer their famous specialties while others like El Azteca and Fun on a Bun Hot Dog Stand will provide a little twist on the classic pizza. There are seven confirmed pizza makers for the event. Offered will be flatbreads, traditional pies, and some new favorites to be available for purchase by the slice.

Attendees will have the opportunity to fill up a “Pizza Passport” punch card to be entered in a drawing for door prizes from participating vendors.

A Junior Judging panel comprised of local youth ages 8- to 12-years-old will be voting for Minot’s Best Pizza. They will judge pizza based on crust, sauce, overall taste and appearance. A prime selection of vendors will be hosting a variety of goods for purchase along with yard games to play and balloon animals for the kids. A complete list of vendors and food vendors can be found in the event on Facebook.

For the 21 and over patrons, Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks will be participating in the event. They can be accessed under their tent inside the Auditorium for a selection of their current brews on tap. The event will also have a full-bar available with a Cocktail Tasting Upgrade for purchase.

Music for the daytime will be led by D & D Entertainment until 8 p.m. From there, The Boys of Summer from Belcourt will be taking the stage to rock the night away until midnight with their mix of country, rock and pop.