You don’t have to imagine what a 65-foot-long hot dog looks like anymore–you can see one right in the middle of Times Square.
After going viral during its 2024 debut, the world’s largest hot dog sculpture has officially returned to NYC for a limited time. The massive installation–which literally shoots confetti over visitors every day–is back as Hot Dog: The Second Serving with new surprise additions timed to America’s 250th anniversary.
Equal parts hilarious, bizarre and surprisingly thought-provoking, the supersized frankfurter is taking over Duffy Square now through August 8.
The world’s largest hot dog has returned to NYC
Created by Brooklyn-based artist duo Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw in partnership with Times Square Arts, the giant hot dog is hilariously enormous:
- Massive Scale: Stretching an incredible 65 feet long (roughly four NYC yellow cabs parked bumper-to-bumper)
- The Details: Features an oversized bun, a classic pink frankfurter, and a dramatic ribbon of yellow mustard
- The Highlight: Hidden hydraulics periodically launch dramatic bursts of confetti into one of the busiest pedestrian plazas in the world
While it makes for the ultimate viral photo op, there’s a deeper story underneath the mustard.
The artists originally unveiled the sculpture as a playful commentary on American culture, consumerism, and public spectacle. This 2026 return revisits those themes through the lens of America’s 250th anniversary.
As Catron and Outlaw put it, the giant hot dog “returns in an altered form to reflect an altered nation.”
What’s new for 2026?
Rather than simply re-installing the original sculpture, the artists reimagined it specifically for this summer.
Along with its signature daily confetti explosions, Hot Dog: The Second Serving features subtle visual tweaks and hidden surprise elements designed to mirror how the country has evolved over the last two years.
🌟 Opening day highlights:
- The Unveiling Ceremony: The official public celebration kicks off Wednesday, July 22 (5:30–6:30 pm) in Duffy Square
- “The Most American Pageant”: Immediately following the unveiling, stick around for a tongue-in-cheek live competition where comedians, puppeteers, and performers battle for the title of “Most American”
- Celebrity Judges: Hosted by Abby Lloyd, featuring judges Curtis Sliwa, Waris Ahluwalia, Lily Marotta, and Jean Cooney
- Hot Dogs Galore: Legendary vendor John’s Famous Hot Dogs will be on-site serving up classic NYC franks
Details & visitor info
- 🌭 What: Hot Dog: The Second Serving
- 📍 Where: Duffy Square, Broadway between 46th & 47th Streets
- 🗓️ When: July 21–August 8, 2026
- ⏰ Hours: Open 24/7
- 💵 Cost: Free
Whether you’re stopping by for the sheer absurdity, the daily confetti shower, or just an unforgettable summer selfie, this free installation is officially one of the most delightfully bizarre things to see in NYC this summer.