Frankfort\u2019s signature summer event is set to return with new attractions, expanded entertainment, and continued emphasis on safety, according to Frankfort Main Street Director Kim Stevens.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Frankfort Hot Dog Festival will be the weekend of July 24,25,26 rain or shine. \u00a0The festival is typically scheduled for the last full weekend in July.<\/p>\n Speaking on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM\u2019s Party Line program, Stevens highlighted several additions to this year\u2019s Hot Dog Festival, including a large-scale dinosaur exhibit designed to attract families and younger attendees. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ve got some really great, exciting things happening for the Hot Dog Festival,\u201d Stevens said. \u201cWe are bringing in the dinosaur takeover, and there will be a dinosaur museum. There will be a 50-foot dinosaur that will be appearing, and there will be some that will be roaming around.\u201d<\/p>\n New Attractions and Family Focus<\/strong> Additional new features include live wood carving demonstrations and a glass blower performing throughout the weekend. Traditional favorites such as dock diving dogs will also return, drawing participants from across Indiana and beyond. \u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s going to be a staple of the Hot Dog Festival for years to come because they just bring so much fun and excitement,\u201d Stevens said, noting that some participants travel long distances to compete.<\/p>\n Expanded Entertainment and Participation<\/strong> The full entertainment schedule is expected to be released soon, with additional acts still being accepted in the coming weeks. \u00a0\u201cIf there\u2019s something that you want to see, please don\u2019t hesitate to give us a call,\u201d she said. \u201cWe still add some things up to about two weeks before.\u201d<\/p>\n Safety Planning a Top Priority<\/strong> The festival operates under a detailed emergency action plan that covers scenarios ranging from severe weather to lost children. Stevens pointed to last year\u2019s storms as an example of preparedness in action.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were able to get people to the emergency shelters as quickly as we could,\u201d she said. \u201cEverybody was safe, nobody got hurt, and we were able to go right back to the festival.\u201d \u201cYou\u2019re not there to be the hero,\u201d Stevens said. \u201cYou\u2019re there to get as many people out of the way as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Broader Downtown Efforts<\/strong> An upcoming Thursday Thunder event on July 2 will help kick off Independence Day celebrations and the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary, featuring live music, food vendors, and a veterans memorial display at Prairie Creek Park.<\/p>\n
The dinosaur exhibit is part of a broader effort to expand free, family-friendly activities at the festival. Stevens said organizers are prioritizing experiences that are both engaging and accessible. \u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not only fun and exciting for the kids, but it\u2019s also educational,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re really kind of looking at how we get the young people involved and things that are not going to be costing them anything to do.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clintoncountydailynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Frankfort-Main-Street-1024x519.jpg\")
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Organizers are also expanding the festival\u2019s entertainment footprint. Two stages will be active throughout the event, including the Farmers Bank Performance Center and a secondary stage on Clinton Street. \u00a0 \u201cBoth of those will be full of activity and fun for the entire family,\u201d Stevens said.<\/p>\n
With large crowds expected, Stevens emphasized that safety planning remains a central focus. Volunteers undergo regular training, including coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services. \u00a0 \u201cWe spend a lot of time on the training of our volunteers,\u201d she said. \u201cYou cannot be too prepared for that.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clintoncountydailynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Screenshot-2017-07-11-13.11.22-2-1-1024x490.png\")
She added that volunteers are trained to respond calmly and prioritize public safety rather than take unnecessary risks.<\/p>\n
Stevens noted that the Hot Dog Festival is just one part of a larger effort to bring people downtown and support local businesses. Events like Thursday Thunder concerts and movie nights are designed to showcase the community while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
\u201cWe are inviting folks to come to our community\u2014we want to show you what our living room looks like,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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