National Hot Dog Day 2025: Free & Bargain Dogs on July 16”

We are in the thick of hot dog season. You know, that magical time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Americans chow down on about 7 billion hot dogs. That's around 818 every second, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.

So, yeah, we take our dogs seriously, and naturally, there's a day dedicated to celebrating this summer food staple. National Hot Dog Day is Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and if you're craving a deal (or three), you're in the right place.

It's National Hot Dog Month and July 16 Is the Main Event

July is National Hot Dog Month, a time dedicated to celebrating one of America’s most iconic summer eats. And right in the middle of it all comes the main event: National Hot Dog Day, landing this year on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

It’s always on the third Wednesday in July and got its start during the pandemic, when the goal was to give people something easy and familiar to look forward to. Now, it’s grown into a full-blown celebration, with chains and convenience stores nationwide joining in with special offers.

Where to Score Free & Cheap Hot Dogs

Here's the good stuff—every deal, discount, and promo worth knowing. Got your appetite ready?

7‑Eleven & Speedway

• Now through July 22

• $2 Big Bite hot dogs

• Must be a 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards member

Grab a Big Bite for just two bucks using the rewards app. And yes, toppings are included.

Circle K

• July 16 only

• 2 hot dogs for $1

• Offer in the Circle K app

Two dogs for a dollar? Feels like 1995 again. Just hit the app, roll into the store, and grab your duo. Easy.

Dog Haus

• Free on July 16

• BOGO July 17–31

• Must join Haus Rewards

Dog Haus is turning 15 and giving out free Haus Dogs on July 16 to celebrate. Then you can snag a BOGO deal for the rest of the month. That's basically lunch and dinner sorted. Who's hungry?

Portillo's

• Now through July 20

• $1 hot dogs or Garden Dogs

• Must be a Perks member

You can grab two $1 dogs (including vegetarian Garden Dogs) if you're signed up for their loyalty program. What do you think—worth the trip?

Love's Travel Stops

• Now through July 18

• Free daily hot dog

• Through the Love's Connect App

Yes, you read that right: one free hot dog per day until Friday. Just claim the offer in the app and scan at checkout.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

• Now through July 31

• 200 bonus rewards points per hot dog purchase

It's not free, but it's like Freddy's is giving you a thank-you high five every time you grab a dog. Stack up those rewards.

Sonic Drive-In

• All month long

• $1 Corn Dog, $2 All-American Dog, $3 Footlong Coney

• Redeem weekly in the app

These app-exclusive deals rotate every week, so you might want to keep checking. That footlong Coney is no joke. Ever tried dipping it in ranch? Don't knock it till you try it.

Shake Shack

• Now through August 11

• 2 hot dogs for $8

• Available in-store, online, or in the app

Classic or Flat Top Dogs with toppings like chili, crispy onions, and bacon. Need we say more?

Sheetz

• July 16–22

• 2 free hot dogs with the purchase of 10 gallons of gas

Filling up the tank this week? Get a couple of hot dogs while you're at it. It's a win-win—car gets fed, you get fed. The offer lives in the Sheetz app under "OFFERZ."

Wienerschnitzel

• July 16 only

• 4 Chili Dogs for $4

No substitutions. Just classic chili dogs at a hot price. You'll need to buy in sets of four, but honestly, that's not a problem. Just don't forget the napkins—this one's messy in the best way.

True Story Foods

• July 16 only

• Buy one 6-pack, get one free ($49.99)

• Online code: HOTDOGS

Prefer your dogs organic and grass-fed? This one's for the organic eaters. True Story's your jam. Plus, you'll be entered to win a year's supply of hot dogs. What would you even do with that many?

Kangaroo Express

• July 16

• Free Ball Park Dog for military

• 50¢ for the rest of us

Military eats free. Everyone else gets a pretty sweet deal, too.

Rutter's

Limited time in July

6 new wild hot dogs:

• BLT Dog

• Fried Pickle Dog

• Reuben Dog

• Cheese Dog

• Cuban Dog

• Spicy Slaw Sausage

Rutter's is going all in this month. Fried pickle spear on a dog? Yes, please.

Hot Dogs Have Personality, Too

A $1 dog is solid, no doubt. But if you want to level up, why not try a hot dog with some serious personality? Bacon-wrapped to pickle-loaded, the regional styles are worth the detour.

• Chicago Dog: Poppy seed bun, neon relish, pickle spear, sport peppers and no ketchup, ever.

• Sonoran Dog: Bacon-wrapped and buried under beans, tomatoes, onions, and more.

• New York Cart Dog: Steamed, simple, and usually topped with sauerkraut or onion sauce.

• Coney Island Dog: Smothered in meat sauce, onions, and mustard (from Michigan, weirdly enough).

Want to Make It a Whole Thing?

• DIY Hot Dog Bar: Set up a build-your-own station with buns, dogs, and all the toppings: chili, cheese, crushed chips, slaw, you name it. Everyone gets to make their dream dog, no judgment.

• Backyard Cook-Off: Break out the grill and turn it into a friendly competition. Most creative dog wins the title of Dog Master 2025 (and probably gets out of cleanup duty).

• Around-the-World Sampler: July is National Hot Dog Month, so there's time to go beyond ketchup and mustard. Each week, try a new regional or international hot dog style. Chicago, Sonoran, Korean street-style. It’s an easy way to switch things up without going far.

Wrapping It Up (In a Bun)

Sometimes, the little things like a $1 chili dog deliver exactly the kind of joy summer calls for.

National Hot Dog Day is packed with deals, giveaways, and over-the-top flavor combos. Whether you are into the classics or the kind of dog that needs two hands and a stack of napkins, July 16 is a chance to celebrate something simple, nostalgic, and weirdly satisfying.

So, grab a hot dog, load it up, and call it dinner.

Happy hot-dogging.