Fifth Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest & Eating Contest May 29, 2026

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We’ll let you decide if you want mustard (a Chicago must), ketchup or not at the Fifth Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest. The event will be held Friday-Sunday, May 29-May 31 in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood. Visit on Friday at 4-10pm, Sat/Sun from Noon-10 p.m. on 4000 N. Milwaukee Avenue between Cuyler Avenue and Irving Park Road. The event is being organized by the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Vienna Beef.

Ten of Chicagoland’s favorite hot dog vendors will compete to be the Top Dog! You get to be the judge. J’s Bacon Hot Dogs, 2025 People Choice’s winner is back along with Chicago’s Dog House, Baked Cheese Haus, Bust Outs, Byron’s Hot Dogs, Sausage Fest Food Truck, Frannie’s Beef and Catering, Lalo’s Coney Island, Lee Concessions and Leona’s Restaurants.

Are you the ultimate hot dog fan? Prove your hot dog loyalty by joining the hot dog eating contest. Five registrants can compete in a five-minute eating contest on Saturday, May 30 at 3 pm. Sign up online at windycityhotdogfest.com or on-site if spots are available. The winner will receive bragging rights!
Besides tasty dogs, patrons will listen to great local and regional acts on the event’s mainstage. Plus, don’t miss the kids’ area, arts & crafts vendors, Lincoln Apparel (Abraham Lincoln inspired design), Nicholas Holman Art (eclectic art) and Pocket Square Clothing.

In addition, don’t miss the Top Dog Parade on Sunday at noon! Sign up your pooch for the parade online at windycityhotdogfest.com

For something different, Bust Out’s is offering a Blue Dog — Vienna hot dog with balsamic onion jam spread on the bun, hydroponic Bibb lettuce topped with blue cheese crumble, and diced smoked cherrywood bacon. Or how about the always popular Chicago Dog House that has a Snoop Dog loaded with their homemade chorizo and beef chili, cheddar cheese, and fresh onions for a rich and savory bite.
Music acts on two stages include:
Main Stage Entertainment:
Friday, May 29
4:00pm – The Mosquitos
6:00pm – iPop
8:00pm – Kashmir

Saturday, May 30
12:30pm – Largemouth Band
2:00pm – Sucker Punch
3:00pm – Hot Dog Eating Contest
3:30pm – TNT – AC/DC Tribute
5:30pm – Funky Monks – Red Hot Chili Peppers Trib.
8:00pm – Hairbangers Ball

Sunday, May 31
12:30pm – Mariachi Los Palmeros
2:00pm – Spin Lizzy – Thin Lizzy Tribute
4:00pm – Naked Brunch
6:00pm – Soul Sacrifice
8:00pm – Journey 2 Jovi

Community Stage at the Six!
Friday, May 29
4:00 pm – Hugo Elvis
6:00 pm – Tavern Cats
8:00 pm – Crystal Lips

Saturday, May 30
12:30 pm – Chicago Ballet Center
1:30 pm – A Short Leap Theater Company
3:00 pm – Marianne + The Imaginary Band
4:30 pm – Gandy Gumbo
6:00 pm – The Jimi Project
7:30 pm – C3zr

Sunday, May 31
12:30 pm – Mi Flow Studio
3:00 pm – ChickenFat Orchestra
4:30 pm – Varsity Dropout
6:00 pm – Last Bar on the Left
7:30 pm – Large Mouth

Windy City Hot Dog Fest benefits the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. Their vision is to help create a unique and vital shopping/entertainment district that enriches the business community, embraces history, celebrates the arts, preserves their natural environment and promotes quality events to instill a ‘sense of place’ in the community. A $10 donation is suggested. As a non-profit organization and not city funded, donations will help these festivals stay around for all to enjoy.
“We’re excited to welcome the community back for the Fifth Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest,” said Linda Stagner, Executive Director of the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. “The continued support of our attendees, especially through the suggested gate donation, helps ensure this beloved tradition remains vibrant and accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information, please visit windycityhotdogfest.com.