The Sangarita Showdown will celebrate a decade of food, drinks and community support when the popular fundraiser returns to the Manatee County Fairgrounds this fall.
The 10th Annual Sangarita Showdown is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m. inside Veterans Hall at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W. in Palmetto.
Presented by the Division 8 Exchange Club, the event will bring together local restaurants competing for the titles of best sangria, best margarita and best appetizer. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample entries from participating establishments while supporting programs for local children and families.
Proceeds from the Sangarita Showdown benefit Parenting Matters, a nonprofit organization serving families in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The organization provides evidence-based parenting education and family support designed to strengthen families and help prevent child abuse. Services include parenting education, in-home support, classes, workshops and other resources, with many programs offered at little or no cost to families.
The annual fundraiser has become an important source of support for the organization. The 2025 Sangarita Showdown raised more than $105,000 after expenses for Parenting Matters, demonstrating the event’s growing impact on families throughout the region.
The 2026 event marks the 10th anniversary of the Sangarita Showdown, which began in 2016. Over the past decade, the event has combined local restaurants, community participation and charitable giving into an evening of friendly competition benefiting families in the area.
The milestone celebration will once again allow participating restaurants to showcase their creations as they compete for bragging rights in the three featured categories.
The 10th Annual Sangarita Showdown will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 13 at Veterans Hall at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. Additional information about tickets, participating restaurants and the 2026 event is expected to be announced as the date approaches.
