Food and drink

Stacks of fun: the U.S. city celebrating its title as Pancake Capital of the World

If you have an obsession for the think and round hotcakes, then surely you’re aware of the prime location.

Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.

Update: Sep 6th, 2025 05:12 EDT

Now try not to get excited, but I’m about to tell you about a place that has more pancakes than traffic lights. Well, I’ve not actually done the sums, but I’m feeling confident. Keep reading...

The city in question is Williamsburg, Virginia, the self-proclaimed “Pancake Capital of the World,” which is putting its flapjacks front and center this fall, and locals are ready to eat their way into history.

What is the Williamsburg Pancake Festival?

The town’s first-ever Pancake Festival is set for September 26–27, 2025, in partnership with CultureFix, a local arts group. It kicks off on Friday evening – National Pancake Day – with a pajama-clad crowd tucking into syrup-drenched stacks at the Hellenic Center. There will be live music, a kids’ pancake-decorating zone, and even a “Pancake Lab” sponsored by Capitol Pancake House. Tickets for adults start at $20, but children and college students get in free.

Saturday shifts the party outdoors to Duke of Gloucester Street, where the Farmers Market becomes a carb carnival. Families can cheer dachshunds in the “Sausage Sprint,” listen to a pancake-themed children’s book reading, and watch professional eaters like Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry battle in the World Pancake Eating Championship.

9/27 The World Pancake Eating Championship presented by @eatingcontest and Visit Williamsburg. The Williamsburg Pancake Festival…pancake capital of the world plays host! Family, fun and flapjacks! 10 minutes spectacle of syrup and speed! Be there! pic.twitter.com/e894IAwOEF
— Nick Wehry (@NickWehry) August 9, 2025

Why does Williamsburg call itself the Pancake Capital of the World?

The truth is, Williamsburg earned the title simply by sheer density. The city is said to have more pancake houses per square mile than anywhere else in the country, a quirk that has become part of its cultural identity. From Astronomical Pancake House to Shorty’s Diner, locals never run short of syrupy options.

Edward Harris, CEO of Visit Williamsburg, summed it up best when speaking to Travel + Leisure: “We’ve embraced our identity as the Pancake Capital of the World, and now we’re serving up a festival that reflects the warmth, creativity, and community spirit Williamsburg is known for.”

For those lucky enough to be able to, head down and enjoy all the delights and fun on offer. to the ciFancy trying some at home? Here’s one tasty recipe to follow: