National Hot Dog Day

National Hot Dog Day is associated with summer, warm days, amusement parks, and American football. Along with apple pie, the hot dog is considered one of the most iconic American foods. It’s no surprise this favorite snack has its own holiday, celebrated every year on the third Wednesday in July.

History

July is recognized as National Hot Dog Month in the United States, which is why this holiday takes place right in the middle of summer. The date was established by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. While it’s unclear when hot dogs first appeared in America, it’s believed they were sold in New York in the 19th century using sausages brought over by German immigrants.

Another early hot dog vendor was Anton Feuchtwanger from St. Louis. Entrepreneur Chris von der Ahe helped popularize hot dogs by selling them at baseball games and amusement parks. Since then, hot dogs have become one of America’s favorite street foods.

Interesting Facts

• German immigrants brought both sausages and dachshunds to the U.S. The name “hot dog” likely originated from the dog’s long, thin shape.
• There are countless regional hot dog styles across the U.S., with cities and states putting their own spin on the dish.
• Hot dogs are America’s favorite summer food. According to statistics, Americans consume about 9 billion hot dogs annually. On July 4 alone, 155 million hot dogs are sold, and another 26 million are enjoyed in stadiums throughout the year.
• The most popular toppings are mustard, ketchup, and chili peppers.

How to Take Part

Celebrate with friends at your favorite café or host a backyard party by the pool. Whether you buy your hot dog from a vendor or make it at home, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Use your favorite ingredients—chicken, turkey, tofu, or pork. Hot dogs can be baked, fried, grilled, or microwaved.

Think creatively about how to serve them. You can stick to the classic bun or try something new by slicing them into stews, serving them with beans, or pairing with pasta. And of course, don’t forget the drinks.

When is National Hot Dog Day in 2025?

National Hot Dog Day is observed on the third Wednesday in July each year.

Observations