Hot Dog Day brings pups to downtown Sarasota

By Carlin Gillen
| 9:30 a.m. June 28, 2026

Freya from Low Rider Dachshund rescue soaked up the summer rays at Hamlet's and The Bazaar's annual Hot Dog Day event.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Although dogs can’t technically speak, their barking definitely contributed to the celebration of National Hot Dog Day.

Hamlet’s Eatery and The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime brought back their annual Hot Dog Day for a sixth year in a row with a variety of vendors, live music, flavorful foods, drinks and a chance to meet some furry friends.

The heat didn’t stop attendees from exploring the different vendors on June 27. Hamlet’s Eatery and The Bazaar partnered with local businesses such as Low Rider Dachshund Rescue, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Arc Spay and Neuter, Margaritaville Vacations and The Coffee Spot.

Hamlet’s Eatery also brought back their hot dog topping bar, including vegan options, as well as $4 beers and free samples provided by Surfside, represented by Goldcoast Eagle.

“The Bazaar’s mission in general is to support small local businesses. When we do events outside, it allows us to bring in more small businesses, whether they’re for profit or nonprofit, to be able to support them and give them an affordable place to meet people and get to know the community,” said Kim Livengood, owner of Hamlet’s Eatery and The Bazaar.

Guests brought their own pups as well. The dogs, panting in the heat as they socialized, were of course given refreshing water bowls.

The true hot dog, aka the dachshunds, were the stars of the event. Low Rider Dachshund Rescue saved four dogs that day from kill shelters and met their fosters at the event.

“There’s nothing like the personal face-to-face. They see what we do, they talk to the volunteers, and they find out that almost everybody can do something,” said Melissa Kilmer, president and founder of Low Rider Dachshund Rescue.

Visit LowRiderRescue.org for more information on the Low Rider Dachsund Rescue.

George Parmelee keeping everyone entertained guest at the annual Hot Dog Day event.

Desiree Laventure, holding Tito and Jessie Showen holding Tikka, are enjoying the hot dogs from Hamlet's Eatery on their annual Hot Dog Day.

Attendees were sure to grab a hot dog from Hamlet's Eatery on their annual Hot Dog Day event.

Keller, a mut mix whose blind and deaf was still able to enjoy The Bazaar and Hamlet's Eatery's annual Hot Dog Day.

Woody, a new rescue from the Low Rider Dachshund, has paralyzed back legs but was still able to explore all the annual Hot Dog Day event had to offer.

Roxie Cave and Mike Gilkson with the Low Rider Dachshund Rescue.

Kim Livengood, owner of The Bazaar and Hamlet's Eatery.

Bunson, a pitbull on hospice was given a chance to meet new furry friends and celebrate Hot Dog Day.

Christina Antoniou, with the Arc Spay & Neauter tent.

Sisters, Linda Ruppert and Debbie Mcerinucci got to put on all the variety of topping on their hot dogs that Hamlet's Eatery had to offer.

Tiny Tim, a chiwini with paralyzed back legs didn't hold back meeting new friends in celebration of Hot Dog Day.

Karen Donahue and Jim Donahue celebrate Hot Dog Day with Hamlet's cheeseburgers instead.

Hamlet's Eatery provided a large array of topping, including vegan options all for their annual Hot Dog Day.

Anna, a pit terrier mix, enjoyed the shade at the annual Hot Dog Day at The Bazaar and Hamlet's Eatery.

Roxie Cave can't help but smile at new rescue Lulu, from Low Rider Dachshund Rescue, being held by volunteer Cyndi Fredricks.

author

Carlin Gillen

Carlin Gillen is an intern reporter for the Observer. Originally from Lakewood Ranch, she studies journalism and English at the University of Mississippi. She loves photography, writing and finding a story to tell within everyone.