News Summary
Phoenix is gearing up for the Epic Hot Dog Eating Contest at the Sidewinder Diner on May 18. Ten competitors will battle for a $5,000 cash prize, while attendees can enjoy free appetizers, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere with DJs and games. With the contest kicking off at 7:30 p.m., the event promises an entertaining evening for food enthusiasts and the community.
Phoenix to Host Epic Hot Dog Eating Contest with $5,000 Cash Prize on May 18
Phoenix will soon be the center of excitement as the Epic Hot Dog Eating Contest is set to take place at the Sidewinder Diner on Sunday, May 18. This highly anticipated event will feature 10 competitors vying for a grand prize of $5,000, drawing attention from food enthusiasts and competitive eaters alike.
Event Details
The festivities at Sidewinder, located at 924 E. Roosevelt St., will commence at 5 p.m. and run until midnight. While only 10 participants will be competing in the hot dog eating event, the public is invited to watch the action for free. The contest itself is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., promising an evening of entertainment for spectators.
In addition to the contest, the diner will offer free passed appetizers and enticing drink deals, including $3 Budweisers and $5 Fernets. Attendees can also explore the dine-in’s full menu, featuring an array of popular items such as Cheap Sloppy Joe, fries, elote ribs, chili dog, Not So Sonoran Dog, and smoked bologna sammy.
Entertainment Lineup
The event is designed as a festive experience, with the owner of Sidewinder describing it as a “giant party.” In addition to the hot dog eating contest, the evening will feature DJs, a dunk tank, and special guests, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all attendees.
Community Excitement
About Sidewinder Diner
Sidewinder is not only a popular diner and dive bar but also a project that pays homage to owner TJ Culp‘s childhood in Tucson. Along with co-owner Esther Noh, Culp also operates two other establishments, Progress and Sottise. The unique menu, inspired by Culp and his brother Jake’s upbringing, contributes to the diner’s appeal.
Previous Competitions and Future Plans
This contest is part of a growing trend of food-related competitions within the city. Similar events have successfully attracted crowds and have fostered a sense of community among participants and spectators. The excitement surrounding this competition signifies a future of more culinary events in Phoenix, increasing opportunities for local establishments and event organizers to engage the public.
For those seeking further information about the event or the diner itself, interested individuals can call 602-626-8535 or visit the Sidewinder website.
The Epic Hot Dog Eating Contest promises to be a highlight of Phoenix’s culinary calendar, combining competitive spirit and community support in a fun-filled environment on May 18.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Sidewinder Hot Dog Eating Contest
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Woman to Compete in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
- Bleacher Report: Joey Chestnut Sets World Record
- Wikipedia: Hot Dog Eating Contest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hot Dog Eating Contest
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
