THE BIG WIENER PARTY 2026

Get ready for Asheville’s most outrageous (and delicious) summer event—The Big Wiener Party is back and bigger than ever!

This one-of-a-kind hot dog topping competition returns to the South Slope with even more flavor, more laughs, and now featuring a pre-party and activations at Asheville Sports Club alongside the main event at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ.

Nine local teams will go head-to-head, each transforming 2500 hot dogs into wild, over-the-top creations in pursuit of the ultimate title: The Big Wiener!
Other recognitions the teams will be competing for include:
-People’s Choice Wiener - Selected by popular vote
-Big Heart Wiener - Most dollars fundraised for the cause

The Competition
Watch as local teams battle it out with creative toppings, big personalities, and even bigger flavor.

Hosted by sensational foodies Kyle “The Vulgar Chef” Marcoux and Dan “The Food In My Beard” Whalen who are sure to keep the party going all day long!

We’re turning this into a full-blown playground for adults. Expect interactive, slightly ridiculous, and highly competitive fun across both locations:

• Entry to The Big Wiener Party
• 9 half-hot dogs (one from each competing team)
• Beer sampling
• Voting access for People’s Choice
• Full access to games + activations

Includes everything in General Admission, plus:

• BWP T-Shirt
• Bloody Mary or Mimosa at ASC Pre-Party
• Drink at Bear's
• 1 pass to the Photo Booth

This isn’t just about hot dogs (though…they’re pretty important).

In 2025, The Big Wiener Party raised over $3,500 in a single day, directly supporting access to free mental health sessions and resources for Asheville’s food & beverage community.

In 2026, we’re aiming for an even higher goal of $10,000 for Linked4Life.

Every ticket, every bite, and every vote helps us show up for the people who show up for this community every day.

Come hungry. Come ready to laugh. Come ready to support something bigger.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue, 135 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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