Frankfort Gets Ready For Hot Dog Festival

Grab your umbrella and your appetite — because Frankfort’s Hot Dog Festival is back this weekend, and it’s bringing the full combo meal: food, fun, flying dogs, and a 60% chance of soggy socks.

The annual two-day celebration of all things hot dog kicks off this Friday, July 25, and runs through Saturday, July 26 in downtown Frankfort. Expect outrageous eats, dock-diving dogs, dachshund dashes, and the kind of vendor bargains that make your wallet say “thank you” and your closet say “please stop.”

But be warned: Mother Nature might be hungry too.

☁️ Forecast: Mostly Mustard, With a Chance of Thunder

• Friday: Starts off sunny, ends with surprise water park. Thunderstorms could roll in by afternoon. Highs near 86°F, and humidity thick enough to drink through a straw.

• Saturday: The weather looks… “Indiana unpredictable.” Expect clouds, humidity, and scattered rain showers, perfect for testing the waterproof rating on your fanny pack.

Festival organizers say the show will go on rain or shine, so long as lightning doesn’t try to join the Hot Dog Eating Contest.

“We’ve seen worse,” said one volunteer, holding a tarp in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. “If a dachshund in a tutu can make it through last year’s storm, so can we.”

🐶 What’s Happening?

Besides the hot dogs (obviously), here’s what’s cookin’:

• DockDogs® Shows: Dogs leap dramatically into a giant pool while their owners yell things like “GO, MUFFIN!” in public.

• Hot Dog Eating Contest: $1,000 prize for the person who can down the most dogs without calling 911.

• Dachshund Races: Like NASCAR, but furrier.

• Live Music: Includes everything from classic rock to gospel to a singing janitor who once went viral — because this is Frankfort and that’s how we roll.

• 200+ vendors: Crafts, games, food, face painting, and questionable fashion decisions.

🧴 Hot Dog Survival Tips™

• Pack a poncho: Or a trash bag. You’ll look ridiculous, but you’ll be dry and on theme.

• Get there early: Parking is like gold during the festival — and we don’t accept ketchup on hot dogs or late arrivals.

• Stay hydrated: One part water, one part lemonade, one part standing near the beer tent pretending to be with someone.

• Find a dry spot: Prairie Creek Park pavilion is the top pick for weather refugees and tired dads.

💬 Locals React

“It’s the only weekend I willingly eat 6 hot dogs and cheer for a chihuahua in a life vest,” said longtime Frankfort resident Marcy Blanton. “If that’s not America, I don’t know what is.”

“We came last year and left with funnel cake, sunburn, and a ceramic rooster lamp,” added one festival-goer. “We’ll be back.”

So whether you’re here for the eats, the dogs, or just the chance to witness someone deep-fry a Twinkie in the rain, Frankfort’s Hot Dog Festival has you covered — possibly in mustard.

For full schedules, contests, and weather alerts, visit:
🌐 frankfortmainstreet.org

Get ready to relish the flavor—this weekend the annual Hot Dog Festival returns to downtown Frankfort, and it’s gearing up to be bigger and better than ever!

What to Expect

• Hot Dog Trail & Unique Eats: Over 20 vendors will serve wild and wacky wieners—think gourmet twists and classic dogs galore Visit Indianafrankfortmainstreet.org.

• DockDogs® Competitions: Catch thrilling canine cannonballs with Big Air and Speed Retrieve contests all weekend frankfortmainstreet.org+7dockdogs.com+7Step Outside+7.

• Dachshund Dash & Ninja Courses: Cheer on sausage dogs as they sprint through fun obstacle courses Stay Happening+1Happening Next+1.

• Hot Dog Eating Showdown: Brave competitors face off in epic eating battles—$1,000 prize up for grabs frankfortmainstreet.org.

• Street Vaulting & BMX Stunts: Athleticism takes centre stage with vaulting displays and BMX Wonder Wheel stunts Stay Happening+1Happening Next+1.

• Live Music & Talent Shows: A full lineup—from Big 80’s Band to AGT’s “singing janitor” Richard Goodall—on multiple stages frankfortmainstreet.org+2Stay Happening+2Happening Next+2.

• Vendor Village & Family Zone: Browse 200+ local sellers offering crafts, food, drinks, beer/wine gardens, kids’ games, and more frankfortmainstreet.org+3Visit Indiana+3Stay Happening+3.

Schedule Highlights

• Friday: Opening ceremony at Veterans Park at 11 a.m.; DockDogs practice waves and performances follow through the evening frankfortmainstreet.org+9dockdogs.com+9Stay Happening+9.

• Saturday: More dogs in the water, contests, vaulting, baking, music, and BMX thrills lasting well into the evening dockdogs.comStay Happening.

Why You Should Go

• It’s Indiana’s largest two-day hot dog festival, blending quirky canine fun with savory eats and thrilling entertainment frankfortmainstreet.org+8Visit Indiana+8frankfortmainstreet.org+8.

• It supports Frankfort Main Street, the nonprofit group working to revitalize downtown through vibrant community events frankfortmainstreet.org+7Stay Happening+7Happening Next+7.

Insider Tips

• Bring lawn chairs or blankets—some events spread across Veterans Park and Prairie Creek Park.

• There’s something here for everyone: families, dog lovers, thrill-seekers, foodies, music fans—and yes, serious hot dog connoisseurs.

Looks like this Friday and Saturday—the dates of the Hot Dog Festival—will bring heat, humidity, and a high chance of thunderstorms, so here’s a breakdown:

🌡️ Weather at the Festival

• Friday, July 25: Sun to clouds with a few thunderstorms likely, especially in the late afternoon or evening. Could bring heavy downpours and gusty winds—plan for possible delays or sheltering. High of 86°F, low around 70°F.

• Saturday, July 26: Partly cloudy with scattered showers and thunder again. Humid and warm—expect highs near 85°F.

• Sunday, July 27: Still spotty storms possible, with highs around 83°F, so if you’re staying later in the weekend, pack accordingly.

✅ Festival-Day Essentials Checklist

• Bring waterproof gear: Umbrellas or packable rain jackets, and maybe an oversized poncho.

• Choose sturdy footwear: Something water-resistant in case patches of mud develop.

• Stay cool and hydrated: The sticky humidity means you’ll want sunscreen, water bottles, and shade breaks.

• Know where the shelters are: Vendor tents and covered areas will be hot spots during any downpours—map these out early.

• Scout indoor options: Some booths, shops and pavilions might offer a dry, cool break if storms roll through.

All in all, it should be a fun (if occasionally soggy) weekend. With a little prep, you’re set to enjoy all the hot dog madness—and maybe even a show in the rain! 🌭⛈️

Whether you’re a downtown regular or just craving your perfect wiener, Frankfort’s Hot Dog Festival promises a whole weekend of bites, barks, and bold fun. We’ll see you there!