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Topsfield Fair Hot Dog Eating Contest Returns For 2026

The 8th annual contest is set for Oct. 3, with the first 12 eligible people to register competing at 3 p.m.

Robert McGee of Rockaway, New York, stands with the giant check he won at the 2025 Topsfield Fair Hot Dog Eating Contest. (Lauren Termini/Topsfield Fair)

TOPSFIELD, MA — The Topsfield Fair will bring back its Hot Dog Eating Contest during this year's 11-day fair this fall.

The 8th annual contest is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. on the Trianon Stage.

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The Topsfield Fair runs Oct. 2-12. The contest is sponsored by the B'nai B'rith booth and the Topsfield Fair. Contestants must be over 16 years of age to take part, and there is no cost to participate.

The first 12 people to register beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the contest at the Trianon Stage will compete.

Each competitor must complete an entry form and a waiver form before the deadline for entry, according to the announcement. Contestants can also pre-register online here.

During the seven-minute contest, participants will try to eat as many 1/4-pound Hebrew National hot dogs, including buns, as they can. The jumbo-sized hot dogs are twice the size of standard dogs.

"Each contestant will begin with six hot dogs with buns," said Marc Freedman, who runs the B'nai B'rith booth and oversees the contest. "More hot dogs will be brought to a contestant during the consumption of their last hot dog. Each contestant will also begin the contest with two bottles of water to drink while consuming the hot dogs.

"Additional water is provided as needed."

The winner will receive $208 from the B'nai B'rith booth in honor of the 208th Topsfield Fair.

The fair also released 2026 ticket information.

Daily admission will cost $20. Discount admission tickets will be available through Oct. 1 here as well as at the ticket booth at the fairgrounds starting this week.

General admission discount tickets cost $15 plus a $3 convenience fee and can be used on any day of the fair. A three-day pass, valid for any three days, will cost $42 plus a $3 convenience fee.

Children under 8 are free with an adult admission ticket. Discounted food vouchers and ride tickets will also be available in advance through the Fair's website.

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