2023 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival

We’re GRILLIN’ & GROOVIN’ again at the 2023 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival, presented by Hy-Vee, 3 pm-11 pm, Saturday, August 5th in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. The event features live entertainment, food and more.

Created by the NLBM in 2013, the Hot Dog Festival celebrates the historical connection between our national pastime and baseball fan’s favorite ballpark food; the hotdog. Proceeds benefit the NLBM.

Don’t miss a stellar concert lineup featuring DRU HILL, CON FUNK SHUN, THE SOS BAND, QUEENS OF SOUL JAZZ (Jeanette Harris & Althea Rene) and more! The festival gates open at 3 pm with live band performances beginning at 3:30 pm.

TICKET INFORMATION FOR 2023 ANNUAL HEART OF AMERICAN HOTDOG FESTIVAL.

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

General Admission Tickets: $50 (after July 15 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)

Reserved Seating: $75 (limited number of tickets available and includes a chair with prime seating)

VIP Experience: $125 (limited number of tickets available; includes premium VIP seating, festival t-shirt, 2 complimentary hotdogs and 2 complimentary cocktails, access to VIP Bar)

*Reserved Seats Tickets and VIP Experience Tickets WILL NOT BE SOLD THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL*

For additional frequently asked questions regarding the festival please visit – www.nlbm.com/heart-of-america-hot-dog-festival/

• Frequently Asked Questions:

NLBM: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will be open for its regular hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Museum will close at 5:00 pm.

ENTRANCE/TICKET GATE: The main entrance will be on the east side of Paseo near 18th Street. There will be a designated lane for advanced ticket holders to enter the festival faster. Once you enter the festival, there is NO entery except cases in extreme emergency situations.

FOOD: This event, through food sales, is a major fundraiser for the NLBM.  We will provide a delicious variety of Hot Dogs, snacks and specialty offerings, along with water, soda, and adult beverages (must be 21 to order alcohol). There are NO FREE food offerings or give-away promotions for food at the festival. 

TICKETS: PLEASE PRINT ALL ONLINE TICKET RECIEPTS TO EXCHANGE FOR SECURE FESTIVAL WRISTBANDS  AT THE ENTRANCE. Please be prepared to show proof of purchase.

WHAT YOU CAN BRING: Lawn chairs can be brought into the festival grounds.

WHAT YOU CAN NOT BRING: Outside food, drinks, coolers or large cooler bags, and outside alcohol are prohibited from being brought onto the festival grounds. Food and drinks will be sold at the festival. Also, please do not bring tents or canopies, and umbrellas.

RAIN OR SHINE EVENT: This is a rain or shine event, scheduled for August 5th, 2023. No refunds or rainchecks on the day of the event. The event will not be rescheduled.

FESTIVAL GROUNDS: All activities are scheduled outdoors in a secure fenced area on Paseo Blvd bordered by east 18th Street (south) and Truman Road (north).  Perimeter established for event ticket holders only.

WHAT YOU CAN BRING: Lawn chairs can be brought into the festival grounds. Please be mindful that umbrellas that may obstruct the view of other patrons.

WHAT YOU CAN NOT BRING: Outside food, drinks, coolers or large cooler bags, and outside alcohol are prohibited from being brought onto the festival grounds.  Food and drinks will be sold at the festival.  Also, please DO NOT bring tents or canopies, and umbrellas.

SMOKE FREE FESTIVAL: Although this is an outdoor environment, smoking is not allowed under festival tents and will be discouraged on the festival grounds per instructions from the KCFD-Fire Marshall.

NO PETS PLEASE: Only assistive animals (as well as those part of any entertainment) are allowed on the festival grounds.

CHILDREN: Children must be accompanied AT ALL TIMES by an adult while on the festival grounds.

RESTROOMS AVAILABLE: Portable restroom facilities and hand washing stations will be available on the festival grounds.

VENDOR OPPORTUNTIES: Please contact Events Coordinator Cathie Moss at 816.221.1920