Dogs & Desserts; Here’s Who is Serving it Up For Owensboro Hot Dog Week

Every time Owensboro Burger Week rolls around, we all dream about what other kinds of weeks we would like to see. As a hot dog enthusiast myself, an official Hot Dog Week has always been my top choice.

The Excitement Builds For Buns & Fun

Rumor spread throughout town that this dream was about to become reality, and sure enough. It was as if we lit up a weiner-shaped beacon like the Bat Signal in Gotham. A hero appeared to save the day and organize not just a week of celebrating delicious food. We will also support small businesses and give back to our local veterans.

When is Owensboro Hot Dog Week?

Owensboro Hot Dog Week will be held from June 27th to July 5th, 2026. Food trucks, restaurants, and bakers all over town have come up with creative hot dog-inspired food and desserts to serve up. This is perfect timing, as it coincides with America's 250th Birthday celebrations.

Hot Dogs For a Cause

Organizer Spenser Clark is teaming up with Veterans' Empowered Together [AKA V.E.T.]. They are a non-profit organization that provides support and fosters a community for local veterans. A dollar from every entry sold will be put towards their current initiatives, including a bronze memorial statue planned for downtown. It will honor women in the armed forces.

Owensboro Hot Dog Week Kick-off Party

You'll be able to learn more about them and what they do at the Hot Dog Week Kick-off Party happening on June 27th at The Lot at 900 E. 4th Street here in Owensboro. Spenser told us that they plan to fit as many food trucks/vendors as possible so that people can try as many dogs & desserts as they want in one place to start the week. If you missed it, listen here:

From Weiners to Apple Pie

30 vendors, restaurants, and bakers are participating in Owensboro Hot Dog Week. One of them, Brasher's Lil' Nashville, isn't involved in the competition, but they will be slinging weiners left and right that week with a make-your-own hot dog bar. Fun fact, my bestie and fellow frank lover, Mercedez, and I celebrate National Hot Dog Day there every year. They have GREAT dogs. If you know you KNOW.

For those competing, there are three categories for entries. The “All-American Dog” category is for weiners under $8. The "Gourmet Dog" category is for the fancier weiners over $8. The third category is for when you need a lil somethin' sweet after your main course. The “As American As…” dessert category features entries inspired by classic American favorites like apple pie, banana pudding, etc.

Who is Participating in Owensboro Hot Dog Week?

There will be official judges (including yours truly) who will decide the winners, and there may even be a chance for you to vote for your favorite. So strap on that bib and get ready for some glizzies!!! Here are the glorious vendors and restaurants, as well as which categories they are participating in.

1. 54 Pizza East (As American As...)
2. 54 Pizza West (All American)
3. Antojitos Agape (Gourmet)
4. Beef O' Bradys (All American)
5. Bens Soft Pretzels (All American)
6. Benski's (All American)
7. Big Whiskey (Gourmet)
8. Black Flame Cartel (All American)
9. Blandford Family BBQ (Gourmet)
10. Bluegrass Bourbon Dessert Bar (As American As...)
11. Dog-Gon-It
12. Doozie Doez (As American As...)
13. Drake's (All American)
14. Gunny's Shack (Gourmet)
15. Hilbilly's BBQ (Gourmet)
16. Jay's Good Grub (Gourmet)
17. Kluckies (All American) *Also Alpha-gal friendly!
18. La Creme (As American As...)
19. Lure Seafood & Grille (Gourmet)
20. Lure Smoke Shack (Gourmet)
21. Madeline's Specialty Sweets (All American AND As American As...) *Gluten-free!
22. Montago's Tasty Tings (Gourmet)
23. Nathan's Famous (All-American & Gourmet)
24. Nikos Bakery (As American As...)
25. Perfectly Artisanal (As American As...)
26. Primal Craft Coffee (As American As...)
27. Primal Craft Dogz (Gourmet)
28. Simply Mama T's (All American)
29. The Sweet Spot (Gourmet)
30. The Twisted Tater (All American
31. Windy Hollow Biscuit House
32. Wonder Whip (As American As...)
33. Brasher's Lil Nashville (Not competing. Offering a make-your-own hot dog bar.)

Shout out to Kim's Diner, too. She is donating money to the cause even though she can't participate in the festivities for the week. Stay tuned for sneak peeks of what everyone is serving up!

Be sure to follow the official Owensboro Hot Dog Week Facebook page for updates and information. Come onnnnnnn, Weenie Week! Woohoo! Let's go!

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