NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Dat Dog shares it is proving that America’s favorite tubular meat can be both fun and philanthropic at their 2nd Annual Fourth of July Fest, happening Friday, July 4, from 4-6 p.m., at Dat Dog on 5030 Freret St.. This year’s event builds on the success of last summer’s inaugural celebration and features a heart racing (and heart burning) hot dog eating contest with a $500 cash prize and the highly anticipated announcement of the 2025 Son of a Saint ‘Dog Design Contest winner — a beloved tradition in its 11th year that appoints a new official Son of a Saint ‘Dog to join the Dat Dog menu and raise funds and awareness for Son of a Saint’s mission to transform the lives of fatherless boys across the Greater New Orleans area.
Fourth of July Fest 2025 Highlights:
• Tasting Samples of Son of a Saint ‘Dog Design Contest Finalists (4–5 PM): Guests can enjoy free samples (while supplies last) of the three Son of a Saint ‘Dog Design Contest finalists that were chosen from the nearly 100 recipes submitted by the local hotdog-loving community.
- The Devil on Dumaine ‘Dog, by Rachael Bentley – Andouille Smoked Sausage, Cheddar Cheese, Chili, Slaw, Onions, Creole Mustard and Satan Sauce
- The Holy Hops ‘Dog, by Lauren Castorena – Guinness Beer Brat, American Cheese, Bacon, Grilled Onions and Bell Peppers, Ketchup and Yellow Mustard
- The SO SPICE SPICY ‘DOG, by Kimberly Huynh – Chipotle Vegan Sausage, Cheddar Cheese, Jalapenos, Chipotle Mayo, and Satan Sauce
• Son of a Saint ‘Dog Design Contest Winner Announcement (5 PM): After weeks of community taste testing and menu voting, the winning hot dog will be officially crowned and added to Dat Dog’s 2025–2026 House Specials menu. A portion of proceeds from every sale of this ‘dog is donated to the Son of a Saint organization.
• Hot Dog Eating Contest (following Son of a Saint ‘Dog ceremony): New Orleans’ most exciting hot dog eating contest is back, promising the thrill of competitive eating and the scandal of potential puking! Contestants will have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as they can for a shot at the $500 cash prize.
- Sign up here (if you have the stomach!): datdog.com/hot-dog-eating-contest
- Competing on behalf of a favorite charity and donating the prize money should you win is encouraged! The $25 entry fee will be waived.
• Misting Fans (ALL DAY): You simply cannot have an outdoor event in July in New Orleans without misting fans.
• Lil’ Dustin’s Italian Ice: Dustin, a Son of a Saint mentee, will be popping up to sell the refreshing Italian ices he has been creating for the past 13 years. A go-getting lifelong entrepreneur, he recently graduated from Edna Karr High School and will be attending Southern Baton Rouge in the Fall to major in Business.
• Abita Beer’s coolest summertime lager, “Beeracuda,” will be on tap for a great price, with 100% of proceeds being donated to Son of a Saint.
