43 Dachshund Races in the USA
(Northeast & Midwest Regions)
Looking for a fun event to enjoy with your Dachshund? There are so many Dachshund races and Doxie-related events (Wienerfests) throughout the USA for you to enjoy.
Many of these events are held every year. If you know of any Dachshund races or festivals in your area, make sure to drop us a message below. I will add it to our list.
Here is our list of Dachshund Races in the USA (Northeast & Midwest Regions).
The Northeast Region includes Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
The Midwest Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
NORTHEAST REGION:
Connecticut:
Event: Wiener Dog 100
Facebook Page: Wiener Dog 100 Races
Location: Lake Compounce, Bristol, Connecticut
Month: May
Description:
Following the races and winner ceremony there will be a hot dog bobbing contest for the dogs, and following that Lake Compounce will have a Pink’s Hot Dog eating contest. Only dogs who are signed up and confirmed closer to the race date will be admitted.
Massachusetts
Event: Cape Cod Doxie Day Inc
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Month: September
Description:
The Cape Cod Dachshund festival is a fun event with a dog parade, featuring dachshund rescue alumni, doxie dash race, dachshund cafe, contests, local vendors, non-profits, and more. It is a great way to have a good time and raise much needed funds for local animal wellness groups, shelters and rescue. We are an all volunteer 501(c)3 organization, and 100% of the proceeds from our events go to these causes.
Massachusetts
Event: Sausagefest
Location: Norwood, Massachusetts
Month: October
Description: Supporting Chance of a lifetime dachshund rescue.
Maine:
Event: Annual Maine Wienerfest
Facebook Page: Maine Wienerfest
Location: Belfast, Maine
Month: September
Description:
A celebration of dachshunds and the people who love them! Maine Wienerfest originated as an informal picnic and gathering for families who lived with these adorable, tiny dogs. It grew to include other activities with the number of dogs and dog lovers increasing each year.
This year, P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center and The Friends of Belfast Parks continue the tradition with all proceeds benefiting P.A.W.S. This event also includes a Grand Parade of Dachshunds, Canine Costume Contest and a Doxie Derby. There will be a Wiener Cook-off Contest and raffle opportunities!
New Jersey:
Event: Wiener Takes All
Facebook Page: Annual Wiener Dog Races
Location: Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ
Month: September
Description:
The Annual Wiener Dog Races, Wiener takes all, racing event is free to attend for fans and parking is free. There will be 10 “Wiener Dogs” in the Final race. Qualifiers will be run in between the live harness races. Only dogs permitted in the track and in each race are dachshunds. All canines must be currently licensed and up to date on all shots including rabies vaccination.
New York:
Event: Wiener Dog Trot
Facebook Page: Tioga Downs
Location: Nichols, New York
Month: June
Description:
New York:
Event: Dachshund Spring Fiesta
Site: Dachshund Spring Fiesta
Facebook Page: Washington Square Park Conservancy
Location: Washington Square Park, New York City
Month: April
Description:
Usually held on the last Saturday of April. Every spring, New York City’s Dachshund Spring Fiesta draws hundreds of sausage dogs from the tri-state area to Greenwich Village. The wiener dogs and their owners congregate around Washington Square Park’s marble triumphal arch, an iconic symbol of downtown Manhattan and one of the most recognizable monuments in the NYC metro area.
The event is hosted by the Washington Square Park Conservancy and promoted by Instagram’s @dachshundsofnyc and other weenie celebrities to ensure max turnout. The Dachshund Friendship Club annual dachshund parade brings together this celebrated breed and their guardians for a meet and greet in Washington Square Park. Meet fellow dachshund owners, enjoy the dogs on parade, and have a dog-gone fun day.
New York:
Event: Wiener Dog Race
Location: Batavia Downs, New York
Month: August
Description:
It looked like a trackside racing crowd from the 1960s at Batavia Downs as a gathering of more than 4,000 people jammed the stands and the apron to watch the 14th annual “Dachshund Dash.” The Wiener Dog Races are the centerpiece of Batavia Downs Family Fun Day presentation.
New York:
Event: Annual Rochester Dachshund Parade
Location: Washington Square Park, Rochester, NY
Month: May
Description:
The Rochester Dachshund Parade shows off hundreds of Dachshunds in Washington Square Park.
New York:
Event: Doxie Derbies for Oktoberfest
Location: Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY
Month: October
Description: This event is held in October at Hunter Mountain. Check out the events section of their Facebook page for details.
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Pennsylvania:
Event: Spoil Your Dog Day Event
Location: Zelienople, PA
Month: August
Description:
Zelienople Historical Society presents a free event for all dog lovers. Treats, games, fun things for spoil your dog day. Come enjoy the wiener dog races and a dog parade too.
Pennsylvania:
Event: Oktoberfest Dachshund Races
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Month: October
Description:
On your bark! Get set! Register! The annual running of the wiener dogs is back at Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) with more racing opportunities than ever before. Join in the festivities at SteelStacks by entering your fast, four-legged friends in the popular and absolutely unforgettable Dachshund Races.
This event also features a Wiener Dog Parade at the Oktoberfest arena at Levitt Pavilion and march around the festival. Pups can wear their favorite costume or simply come as they are. And, just like Munich’s Oktoberfest, a queen and king will be crowned!
Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is a free festival that features brew samples, authentic German food and beer, live music and schuhplattlers, as well as attractions like the exciting Beer-Lympics competition, Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k, the Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Eating Competition, local artisans and more!
Pennsylvania:
Event: Oktoberfest Weiner Dog Race
Facebook Page: Oktoberfest Weiner Dog Race
Location: St. Joseph Church, Erie, PA
Month: October
Description:
Annual Oktoberfest with Dachshund races.
Pennsylvania:
Event: Kennywood Wiener 100 Dachshund Race
Facebook Page: Kennywood
Video: Kennywood Video
Location: Kennywood, West Mifflin PA
Month: July
Description:
Purebred dachshunds only. The first heat will be for Rookies (Dachshunds that have never raced before.) The second and third is for Experienced Runners (dachshunds who have participated before, but have not won.) These will be divided into two groups: under and over 12 lbs. The final heat will be the Race of Champions (past winners only.)
Owners, who are interested in participating must provide a copy of a current Rabies Certificate and also a copy of their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Kennywood will provide up to 4 complimentary admission tickets to the owner the day of the Wiener 100. On the day of the race, there must be at least two people (one at the start; and one at the finish line.
After the race, we will all gather together for a buffet dinner at one of the pavilions. Since the Wiener 100 is an opportunity for the Pittsburgh Dachshund Lovers to get to know one another, we will take the registrations of those owners, who are going to stay for the buffet first.
MIDWEST REGION:
Illinois:
Event: Annual Wiener Dog Races
Facebook Page: Fox Valley Ice Arena
Location: Fox Valley Ice Arena, Illinois 60134
Month: February / March
Description:
Is your Wiener Dog the fastest of them all? Put your Wiener Dog to the test at the Chicago Steel Hockey Team’s Annual Wiener Dog Races! Plus, stick around for post-game Skate with the Steel! Winners of the races will receive prizes provided by Woofbeach.
All humans must have a ticket to that night’s Steel game. Each dog must have two humans present for the race, one to release and one to catch. Don’t have a Wiener Dog? Sit back, relax, and cheer on the races from the stands!
Illinois:
Event: Island Lake Oktoberfest Dachshund Derby
Facebook Page: Oktoberfest, Dachshund Races
Location: Water Tower Park, Island Lake, Illinois
Month: September
Description:
“Trophy and bragging rights as the Annual Island Lake Dachshund Derby Winner. We will have trophies for the top 3 heat winner ribbons participation awards and goodie bags along with a Doxie social before the races.”
Preregistration is required. Fill out the form called “Oktoberfest Dachshund Derby Entry Form-Rules“.
Illinois:
Event: Oktoberfest
Location: Knights of Columbus, Springfield, IL
Month: September
Description:
2022 info, We are having our Oktoberfest with dachshund racing on September 10th. It’s free Registration at 2:00 P.M. Race from 3-4.
Illinois:
Event: Annual Wiener Dog Race and Fashion Show
Location: Anna City Park, Anna, Illinois
Month: October
Description:
Kids Fest annual event will be featuring their Annual Wiener Dog Race and Fashion Show. Come out and enjoy Kids Fest as one of the many events being a part in the Union County Colorfest!
Illinois:
Event: Cross Town Bark Around Fundraiser and Doxie Social: Dachshund Dash
Facebook Page: MidWest Dachshund Rescue
Location: Wheaton, Illinois
Month: October
Description:
Join us for our Annual CTBA fundraiser and Doxie Social, held at DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL. Lots of fun activities including Wiener Races, Doxie Costume Contest, Talent Show, Peanut Butter Lick, Doxie Scent Trail, Raffles, Silent auctions, and the Doxie MidWay.
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Iowa:
Event: Annual Wiener Dog Races
Facebook Page: Search: Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel
Location: Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, Altoona, Iowa
Month: June
Description:
Join the fun as 48 dachshunds compete in a 30-yard dash for cash prizes. All competing dogs receive a goody bag
Iowa:
Event: Doxie Dash
Location: Buccaneer Arena, Urbandale, IA
Month: February
Description:
The Bucs will be taking on the Youngstown Phantoms and your Doxie will have the chance to take on other Doxies on the ice!
During the first intermission of the Buccaneers’ game, the Bucs and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa will bring “wiener dog” racing to Des Moines once again! Dachshund owners will be able to enter their dogs into the race for a chance at prizes and to help raise funds for the animals at the ARL!
Kansas:
Event: ICT Dachshund Races
Location: Kansas
Month: October
Description: ICT Dachshund Races holds the annual running of the wieners each year at the Wichita ICT Bloktoberfest.
Kansas:
Event: Howl-O-Weenie Weenie Races
Location: Kansas
Month: October
Description: Weenie races event! Event by Randi’s Rockin Dachshund Rescue.
Michigan:
Event: Frankenmuth Festivals wiener dog races
Location: Frankenmuth Festivals, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Month: September
Description: None
Michigan:
Event: West Michigan Dachshund Club
Facebook Group: West Michigan Dachshund Club
Location: West Michigan
Description:
This is a facebook group is for dachshund and dachshund mix owners to organize and plan gatherings in the West Michigan area. A good place to talk about and share pics and videos of our dogs, get involved with the community, learn about local dog events, socialize your dachshund, brag about your dog!
Michigan:
Event: Frankenmuth Dog Bowl: WIENER DOG RACES
Facebook Page: Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
Location: Frankenmuth, MI
Description:
Register and bring your Dachshund to race, enjoy dog-themed family friendly events.
Michigan:
Event: Annual Wiener Dog Race
Facebook Page: Wiener Dog Race link
Location: Jean Jardine Park, Harbor Springs, Michigan
Month: July
Description:
Annual Wiener Dog Races in Harbor Springs, Michigan held behind the Harbor Springs City Hall in Jean Jardine Park. Dachshunds only please.
Minnesota:
Event: Minnesota Dachshund Club Show
Facebook Event Page: Search: Minnesota Dachshund Club
Location: Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo, MN.
Month: August
Description: None
Minnesota:
Event: Wiener Dogs and Donuts
Video: Wiener Dogs and Donuts
Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN
Month: July
Description:
Sweet pups and sweet treats! Wiener Dogs and Donuts returns. Don’t miss our original dog race as these dachshunds dash down the track between live horse races. Plus, donut vendors from across the Twin Cities.
Minnesota:
Event: Renaissance Festival: Pet Fest
Video: Wiener Dog Race
Location: Shakopee, MN
Month: September
Description:
Minnesota’s Renaissance Festival includes a beard competition, a lederhosen and dirndl costume contest, weiner dog races, a sauerkraut-eating contest, Oktoberfest beer tastings, and much more.
Missouri:
Event: Wiener Takes All
Video: Wiener Takes All St. Charles
Location: St. Charles City Park, Missouri
Month: September
Description:
Saint Charles Oktoberfest’s Annual Wiener Dog Derby sponsored by FastLane! All spectators come at no cost. Participation for Dachshunds and owners only. So come on out to see who’s top dog in Saint Charles!
St. Charles City Parks Ordinance states that dogs are not allowed in Frontier Park. Dogs that are participating in the WIENER TAKES ALL Event. Please keep in mind that lots of people and children and loud noises will be in the park as well.
Missouri:
Event: Wiener Dog Derby
Location: Wiener Stadium in Soulard Market Park, Saint Louis, MO
Month: February
Description:
Your wiener has been working hard all off season for this, and now the time has arrived for the nation’s longest-running wiener dog derby! Registration for Wiener Dog Derby, where participants square off in Wiener Stadium at Soulard Market to determine the dashingest dachshund in all of the land.
As usual, in a series of six-dog elimination heats, competitors race down a 30-foot track with the winning wiener moving on to the next round until a champion is crowned. However, NEW THIS YEAR: there will be a Wiener Dog Derby hat contest (for hoomans only) so make sure you come dressed for the derby!
Nebraska:
Event: Running of the Wiener’s: Wiener Races
Facebook Page: Search: Running of the Wiener’s Chapman, Ne
Location: Chapman, NE
Month: September
Description: None
North Dakota:
Event: Weiner Dog Derby
Facebook Page: Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks
Location: Minot, ND
Month: May
Description:
Next Weiner Dog Race: May 21st, 2022. “All Daschunds and Daschund mixes welcome. If we have enough registered Daschunds we will have age categories but otherwise the top 3 dogs win. Each Daschund should bring two human assistants, one to let them go when the race director yells “go” and one to stand on the other end of the lane bribing them with food or treats to get them to the other end the fastest. Each dog participant will get a treat bag and custom race bandana to wear at the event.” ~ Hair of the Dog ND
North Dakota:
Event: Dachshund Dash
Facebook Page: Search Events page: Bismarck Animal Clinic and Hospital
Location: Bismarck Animal Clinic & Hospital, Bismarck, ND
Month: September
Description:
Annual Bismarck Animal Clinic & Hospital Dachshund Dash. Recommended donations for registration with all proceeds benefiting CDHS. You can Pre-register your Dachshund online at the Bismarck Animal Clinic & Hospital Facebook page or by filling out a registration form at the clinic.
South Dakota:
Event: Sioux Falls GermanFest
Facebook Page: Dakota Dachshund Rescue
Location: Fawick Park, Sioux Falls, SD
Month: September, October
Description:
Germanfest and Dachshund Races.
Ohio:
Event: Running of the Wieners
Facebook Page: Running of the Wieners at Oktoberfest
Location: Downtown Cincinnati, OH
Month: September
Description:
Running of the Wieners at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.
Ohio:
Event: Northeast Ohio Dachshund Picnic
Location: Kent, OH
Month: July
Description: Round up your dachshunds and gather together for an afternoon of family fun. We ask everyone in attendance to donate $1 per dog you bring (maximum of $5). We are also collecting bags of dry dog food for the Portage County Dog Warden, any size will do. We will have food and vendors, along with our costume contest, other contests, as well as raffles with great prizes. Hope to see you there!
Ohio:
Event: Dachshund Races – Fayette County Fair
Facebook Page: Ohio Colt Racing Association
Location: Washington Court House, Ohio
Month: July
Description:
Dachshund Races – Fayette County Fair. Ohio Colt Racing Association is hosting it’s annual wiener dog races during their county fair in July.
Ohio:
Event: National Dachshund Races – Circuit Championship
Facebook Page: National Dachshund Circuit Race
Location: Riverside Park Findlay, Ohio
Month: September
Description:
Admission at the door– 100% goes directly to Sophia’s Grace Foundation. One Free Admission per registered dog. Dress up events will start the day, followed by racing in the afternoon! Like last year, register for an event/race and get a dress-up event for free. Later on, join us for the Weenie Martini Party!! Wait till you see this year’s party favor! There will be auctions, food, and beverages.
Ohio:
Event: Running Of The Wieners
Facebook Page: Search: Columbus Pet Expo
Location: Columbus, OH
Month: March
Description:
Running Of The Wieners is held in many places around the world, from Cincinnati, OH to Melbourne, Australia. Now it has arrived to be a part of the 24th annual All American Columbus Pet Expo. The Running Of The Wieners is a 3 day event.
Each day there will be preliminary heats. The winner of each heat will compete in the final race held in the main arena daily. Each dachshund will be provided a hotdog costume for the race to be outfitted in. The straight track is 60 ft long with each dachshund having a person at each end.
Wisconsin:
Event: Brooktoberfest
Location: Stefans Soccer, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Month: October
Description:
Dachshund races at Brooktoberfest.
Wisconsin:
Event: DAS FEST
Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Month: August
Description:
DAS Fest takes place every year in August. Three days of polka, brats & brews year after year. Dachshund races and costume contest.
Wisconsin:
Event: Dachshund Derby
Location: German Fest, Milwaukee’s Lakefront Summerfest grounds, Menomonee Falls, WI
Month: July
Description:
Dachshund Derby event includes: Blessing of the Dachshunds, Dachshund Derby and Ribbons, and Dachshund Costume Contest.
REGISTRATION OPENS: JUNE
This Dachshund Race is the off-the-wall “brain child or pet project” of the late great Patrick T. Dineen. Following the races, watch the pint-sized pups strut their stuff trying to out-shine all others in a no-holds-barred Wiener Dog Costume Contest! Winners are determined by audience applause in conjunction with a dog loving Celebrity Judge.
Wisconsin:
Event: Annual Wiener Dog Derby
Facebook Page: Wisconsin Harley-Davidson
Location: Hosted by Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, Oconomowoc, WI
Month: August
Description:
It’s the Annual Wiener Dog Derby! Now part of our Dog Days event to bigger and better than ever! Register your dachshund ahead. You can register your doxie for the Race with 5 age categories (Young Puppy, Young Adult, Adult, or Senior. You can also register your dachshund for the Costume Contest, this year with 3 categories (Cutest, Best Biker Inspired or Most Creative).
You may register each dachshund for one or both categories (1 costume category per dog please). $100 gift card and trophy to the champion of each category. Special Wiener Dog Derby Bandana to all entrants, given out at the event. Fun for all, food, beer tent, and live dog-friendly entertainment.
Wisconsin:
Event: Wiener Dog Race
Facebook Page: Green Bay Gamblers Hockey
Location: Resch Complex, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Month: February, April
Description:
Come see wiener dog’s race across the ice.
We are Looking for More Doxie Races:
There are a lot of new and old dachshund race events posted online. We are looking for the most current and active annual dachshund races.
If you know of a Dachshund Race or event in your area, please leave me a message in the comments with the name of the active event and website link.
Can’t find any weenie dog races near you? Check out our post below for more Dachshund races around the USA (South and West Regions).
Up Next: Dachshund Races South & West Regions
Presque Isle Downs Casino did a weiner dog race in 2022. In Erie PA
Erie PA also has October fest discounts race in October at st. Joseph church
Hi Kelly, thank you so much for sharing this information with us, it’s very helpful. I have added it to our list of dachshund races.