Taco Freakin’ Mania

October 9th at the Rusty Rudder

The Ultimate Taco + Margarita Throwdown in the 302 on October 9th

Time: VIP HOUR 5:00 • Event 6:00-8:30
Location: The Rusty Rudder, Dewey Beach

TacoMania is not your average food festival. It’s an all-out banger celebration of flavor, creativity, and community spirit—brought to life by the best chefs, bartenders, and artists in the region.

Each year, over 25 of your favorite local restaurants and mixologists compete head-to-head in the ultimate taco and margarita competition. You sample. You vote. You decide who takes home the crown.

From unforgettable bites and bold drinks to original artwork and live music, TacoMania brings it all—right to the heart of Dewey Beach.

What to expect:

  • Live music by Hot Sauce Band, DJ JY on the mic, and high-energy vibes

  • Taco and margarita tastings from 25+ local restaurants and bars

  • The Skull Show: a silent auction of 25 original ceramic skulls.

  • A stunning sunset over the bay at the iconic Rusty Rudder (free parking in Dewey Beach)

  • Your vote is helping crown this year’s TacoMania champions!!

Choose Your Flavor of Access

  • VIP Access – $100 Donation

    For the true TacoMania superfan.

    Exclusive 1-hour early entry starting at 5:00 PM

    Unlimited taco + margarita tastings from 25+ restaurants

    Complimentary tequila tasting featuring Corralejo premium tequilas

    Thank-you gift for VIP guests

    VIP access continues through the end of the event

    Only 100 VIP tickets available

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Why TacoMania Matters

This isn’t just a party—it’s the Developing Artist Collaboration’s only annual fundraiser. Every ticket helps us invest in creating spaces, programs, and opportunities that transform not only the lives of artists, but the culture and economy of the entire community.

When artists thrive, everyone benefits. A strong creative community means stronger local businesses, deeper connection, and a more vibrant, inclusive place to live.

We’re not here to make art for art’s sake—we’re here to build something that elevates all of us.

That’s why TacoMania matters. Your support doesn’t just fund programs—it fuels a movement.

Join us. Help power the future of our creative community.

Have some questions about TacoMania?

  • This is not a kid friendly event, please call a sitter for this one. We do NOT allow guests under 21. We are sorry, but we are unable to monitor underage drinking so please do not buy a ticket for anyone under 21.

  • Many of our competitors offer tacos where the protein can be optional. There are plenty of margaritas to enjoy, and there are usually many restaurants that can modify your sample.

  • YES! You still get to enjoy all of the tacos PLUS many restaurants can modify your sample in some cases to not have alcohol in it. There are NA options at the bar for purchase.

  • No, we are offering a discount on tickets this year for the month of August! This is our only fundraiser, so we really appreciate your investment!

  • We set up our skull auction on the same platform that you purchase your. ticket. You can easily bid on a skull, and you don’t even have to be there to bid remotely. The auction ends at 8:00PM prior to the awards so you can take it home with you.

  • We invite competitors due to limited space, but please reach out to us. We love to welcome new competitors events@developingarts.org!

A group of people celebrating at a live event with colorful lights and a stage. Two men in front are smiling and holding up a sign. One man is wearing a big gold chain and a blue beanie. Musical instruments and a performer are visible in the background.

2024 Best Taco Shore Island

Group celebrating with a sign labeled "Agave Rehoboth" at an event with people holding trophies and awards.

2024 Best Margarita Agave Rehoboth

Woman holding a colorful ceramic skull at a festive event with bright decorations.

2024 Best Skull Creation Mary Yeagley Bower

Check Out the 2024 Skull Gallery

Our DAC Artists turn ceramic skulls into stunning, one-of-a-kind artworks for TacoMania’s Skull Silent Auction. Each piece showcases their talent and helps raise funds for DAC’s artist development programs.

All proceeds go directly to support artist mentorship, education, and career growth. The top-voted skull wins $500 in career development services from DAC.

Thanks to our amazing artists, the 2024 auction raised over $4,000 to fuel our mission.

2024 Best in Show:
“Coral Calavera” by Mary Yeagley Bower

Check out the full 2024 Skull Galleria below.

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Our TacoMania Partners

  • Rusty Rudder & Highway One

    With the support of our friends at Highway One restaurant group, we moved TacoMania to the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach! More space, more competitors, and the best vibe on the shore.

    Visit the Rudder

  • Corralejo & Breakthru Beverage

    Aint no party like a Corralejo party! Did you know ALL of the tequila for this event is donated? Big thanks to Breakthru Beverage and Corralejo tequila for making our margarita dreams come true.

    Corralejo Cocktails
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