Wellington's Two-Week Beer and Hotdog Event Is Back to Celebrate the Humble Sausage

The capital loves pairing cold frosty ones with meat between buns. Where Visa Wellington On a Plate sees more than 200 inventive burger creations pop up across the city every year, Hopdogs is a celebration when the humble sausage truly shines.

The Hopdogs concept first came about at the start of 2020 when Lewis Culshaw (Heyday Beer Co.) joined forces with Jamie Lawton-Mckenzie (Kegstar) and Stefan Peace and Philipe Bradfield of Parrotdog. The group wanted to do something that would boost the hospitality scene in Wellington following the nationwide lockdown. The first Hopdogs event in September 2020 saw ten bars and ten breweries serve up signature gourmet hotdogs and beers to match. This year, it has expanded to 21 breweries and 42 venues.

Taking place over 18 days from Thursday, June 10–Sunday, June 27, Hopdogs 2021 will see each venue produce a minimum of two hotdogs and a beer match. Venues have been given the guideline of 'get weird and wonderful'.

 

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Dogs last year included your classic American-style chilli cheese dog and franks slathered in ketchup and mustard. There were plenty of inventive offerings to go around, too, including a braised carrot dog, banana churros stuffed between a Brezelmania glazed bun and a beer-battered vegan creation on a stick.

This year's lineup of Hopdogs can be expected closer to the event, but you can expect to hop between the likes of Ascot, Burger Liquor, Rogue & Vagabond, Rosie's Cantina and Wilson's BBQ for fresh signature hotdogs. Those pouring brews to match include Boneface, Choice Bro's, Double Vision, Garage Project, Heyday Beer Co, Kereru, Parrotdog and Whistling Sisters, among several others.

Hopdogs 2021 runs from Thursday, June 10–Sunday, June 27 across Wellington. For the full lineup of venues and breweries, visit the Hopdogs Instagram account.