Better Together, Hot Dogs and Tattoos: Red Quill Tattoo's Fourth Annual National Hot Dog Day Flash Event
The sizzle of summer and the hum of tattoo machines are coming together once again.
BY TESSA WISER
The Fourth Annual Red Quill Tattoo National Hot Dog Day Flash Event, presented by Holy Roller Tattoos, is back on Wednesday, July 16th, and it's more than just a celebration of America’s favorite snack.
Held in the historic Creamery Building, this one-of-a-kind event blends art, food, and community spirit—all for a good cause. All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, an organization that provides meals and vital support to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
This beloved tradition was founded by Matthew Luettger, the artist behind Holy Roller Tattoos, who saw a unique opportunity to turn a quirky national holiday into a meaningful act of service.
“Having been allowed to serve those in our community who are the most vulnerable, in conjunction with Matt Talbot Kitchen and outreach, I have been blessed to see the help and care they give to those who walk through their doors every day to receive nourishment,” Luettger said. “But the hot dog is more than just nourishment; it is the food of celebration.”
This isn’t just about charity—it’s about hot dogs.
“The hot dog is more than just nourishment; it is the food of celebration. I wanted to use the celebration to help shine a light on those of our city who could use that joy and spirit in their everyday lives.”
Why hot dogs?
To Luettger, the humble hot dog represents something greater–a symbol of American culture, history, and unity.
“National Hot Dog Day celebrates the food that provides the very flavor to innumerable celebrations across the country,” Luettger said. “To me, the hot dog is an enduring symbol of celebration, community, and cultural identity. A truly unique, all-American creation, invented initially by immigrants in New York, for hard-working Americans at an affordable price.”
“After gaining popularity due to its ease and convenience, coupled with innate affordability, the hot dog spread from coast to coast, picking up local customs, flavors, and lore along the way.”
As the hot dog traveled from coast to coast, it picked up new flavors, regional flair, and stories, much like tattoos themselves, which carry personal meaning and local pride.
All six artists at Red Quill will be participating in inking tattoos during the day. Also in the Creamery Building, Mana Games and Ivanna Cone will be participating in the festivities. Mana Games will make and sell hot dogs, creating unique flavor profiles different each year.
Ivanna Cone will be serving a maple and beef tallow ice cream with a pickled blueberry relish, topped with pork cracklin' dust.
Jules Meyers, Miss Hotdog Nebraska winner
This year, 1867 Bar is participating in National Hot Dog Day by hosting “Glizzfest.” Local bands Mindrott, Fascinus Rex, Face, and Phuzz will perform at 1867 after a hard day’s work of tattooing. All proceeds will be donated to Matt Talbott Kitchen and Outreach.
“We also started hosting a raffle last year, offering some great prizes, and this year's event is even bigger and better,” Luettger said. “And we hope to crown our second-ever “Miss Hotdog Nebraska” after the day.”
Tattoos will be available on a walk-in basis; you don't need to make an appointment. It is first-come, first-served. There will be hot dog themed coloring pages and games available for kids.
Tune in to Red Quill Tattoo’s Instagram to find out who wins Miss Hotdog Nebraska 2025.
National Hot Dog Day is always the third Wednesday in July. Tattoos will be available at Red Quill Tattoo (701 P. St., 2nd floor) from 12:00 to 8:00, followed by a concert at 1867 Bar (101 N. 14th St.). Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the show starts at 8:00 p.m.
“We even have a piñata this year,” Luettger said. “Eat a hot dog, play a game, buy a raffle ticket, get a tattoo, donate, and then enjoy some local music.”