COVID-19 can’t stop one of America’s biggest 4th of July traditions from happening … ’cause the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest WILL go down this year … but with some major changes.

TMZ Sports has learned … the event is set to take place at a private location without fans in 2020 … and will feature 1/3 of the competitors to ensure social distancing.

The hot dog eating contest usually draws thousands of fans at Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island each year … but given the global pandemic, it’s all gonna be behind closed doors.

We’re told all staffers will be wearing masks and gloves, and all eaters will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the showdown … and the location will be sanitized to the max.

As we previously reported, 12-time champ Joey Chestnut said back in April he was preparing for the event as if it were happening … so he’ll be ready to try to smash his record of 74 franks in 10 minutes.

To make things even sweeter, Major League Eating — the organization behind the event — and the eaters are making donations to local food banks and will honor essential workers in NYC for their service.