Food holidays on July 17 — including National Peach Ice Cream Day and National Hot Dog Day

United States·July 17 2026

National Hot Dog Day

The hot dog, a quintessential American street food, has roots dating back to the 19th century when German immigrants introduced frankfurter sausages to the United States. Quickly gaining popularity, hot dogs are typically served in sliced buns with various garnishes and condiments. In 1994, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, established by the American Meat Institute, took on the role of promoting and organizing National Hot Dog Day, celebrated annually on July 23. The entire month of July is designated as National Hot Dog Month, with the date varying each year based on the North American Meat Institute's annual Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill, often serving charitable causes. The celebration involves cookouts across the country where people enjoy hot dogs with their preferred toppings. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council provides information about sausages and hot dogs, including nutrition, preparation, safety, and quality. Fun facts about hot dogs include their initial reference as “dachshund sausages,” association with baseball, regional variations like the Chicago dog, and the belief that the term “hot dog” originated from a 1901 cartoon by Tad Dorgan at the New York Polo Grounds. Despite being an iconic American dish, hot dogs have gained global popularity, transcending cultural boundaries and even capturing the palate of British royalty.