Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest is turning 10, and Newtown Nation is inviting local businesses, vendors, chefs, community organizations, and supporters to be part of this milestone celebration.
The 10th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex in Sarasota, Florida. This beloved community event brings together food lovers, families, small businesses, local chefs, performers, and neighbors for a full day of culture, heritage, live entertainment, and unforgettable Southern cooking in the heart of Newtown.
A Celebration of Flavor, Culture, and Community
Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest honors the rich culinary traditions of Southern, Cajun, Creole, and Caribbean cooking, with collard greens at the center of the celebration.
Each year, the festival highlights local “Big Mamas,” home cooks, chefs, food vendors, and tradition-keepers who share recipes rooted in family, history, and community pride. The event also features the popular Collard Green Cook-Off, soul food vendors, food trucks, live music, community performances, local artisans, small business vendors, family-friendly activities, and free admission.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest is a meaningful way to support one of Newtown’s signature cultural events while gaining visibility for your business or organization.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels, including:
Platinum Sponsor – $1,050
Gold Sponsor – $850
Silver Sponsor – $650
Bronze Sponsor – $450
Green Sponsor – $250
Individual Sponsor – $150
Depending on the sponsorship level, benefits may include exhibitor space, logo recognition on the event website and social media, program ads, placement on the market flyer, festival T-shirts, certificates, and other recognition opportunities.
Your sponsorship helps support local food access, Newtown Farmers Market initiatives, small businesses, vendors, chefs, performers, and a celebration rooted in Black culinary heritage and community pride.
Vendor Opportunities
Vendor opportunities are also now available for local businesses, food vendors, food trucks, makers, artists, community organizations, and youth entrepreneurs.
Available vendor options include:
Standard Vendor, 10×10 tent – $125
Large Vendor, 10×20 tent – $150
Food Truck/Food Trailer – $175
Child Vendor, 16 and under – $50
This is a great opportunity to connect with festival attendees, promote your products or services, and be part of a high-energy, family-friendly community event.
Collard Green Cook-Off Entries
Think your collard greens deserve the spotlight? The festival’s signature Collard Green Cook-Off is also open for entries.
Cook-off entry is $20, giving local cooks and chefs the chance to compete, share their best recipe, and celebrate one of the South’s most beloved dishes.
Program Advertising
Sponsors may also have the opportunity to be featured in the event program. Program ad details and production requirements are included in the sponsorship packet, with the ad deadline listed as September 18, 2026. Ads must be submitted as high-resolution PDFs.
Be Part of the 10th Year
For ten years, Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest has brought people together through food, music, culture, and community connection. This milestone year is a chance to make the celebration even bigger, stronger, and more flavorful.
Whether you are interested in becoming a sponsor, reserving vendor space, entering the cook-off, or supporting the event in another way, Newtown Nation welcomes your participation.
