2026 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival

We’re GRILLIN’ & GROOVIN’ again at the 2026 Heart of America Hotdog Festival, presented by Hy-Vee, 3 pm-11 pm, Saturday, August 22nd. This year’s Heart of America Hot Dog Festival, will be at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The event features live entertainment, your favorite ballpark foods, local food trucks and more.

Created by the NLBM in 2013, the Hotdog Festival celebrates the historical connection between our national pastime and the All-America hotdog! Proceeds benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM).

Don’t miss a sizzling musical lineup featuring with live band concerts featuring Zapp and Confunkshun and performances by Christopher Williams, Klymaxx, Julian Vaughn & Intro.

Festival gates will open at 3:00 pm with performances beginning at 3:30 pm.

TICKET INFORMATION FOR 2026 ANNUAL HEART OF AMERICAN HOTDOG FESTIVAL. Please note ticket service fees are not included.

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or rain checks on the day of the event. The event will NOT be rescheduled .

• Advanced General Admission Tickets: $35 (now through July 15th)

• General Admission Tickets: $50 (after July 15th and day of Festival)

• Child Ticket $10: Tickets can be purchased the day of the festival. Children must be accompanied by an Adult with a paid admission.) – (6-12 yrs of age)

• VIP Experience (limited number of tickets available): $125 Includes premium VIP seating, festival gift, 2 complimentary hotdog, 2 complimentary cocktails, 1 complimentary bottle of water; access to VIP Bar and restrooms.*VIP Experience Tickets WILL NOT BE SOLD THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL*

Send all completed Food Vendor, Retail Vendor and Community Information applications to Cathie Moss at cmoss@nlbm.com. Please note all approved applications must be coordinated directly with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. No third-party vendors will be accepted. Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee approval.