The Market Shops will host its 11th annual Bloody Mary Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, offering unlimited tastes of South Walton’s bloody marys to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.
- The event, presented by Beach Liquors, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can sip and sample the area’s bloody marys, crafted with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka and served by area eateries, bars and mixologists. Each drink will be served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida.
“We are thrilled to host this premier event that brings together our area neighbors and guests to support Habitat for Humanity’s important mission in our community,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops. “This year’s event features our biggest-ever line-up of participants. You won’t want to miss the fun!”
Participants confirmed to compete for the 2026 “Best Bloody Mary” title include:
- Aja 30A
- Big Bad Breakfast
- Cafe Nola
- Cajun Corner
- Iron and Grape
- Island Wing Company
- La Crema
- LOLA
- Louis Louis
- Qué Pasa Mexican Kitchen & Tequila
- Ruby Slipper Cafe
- Shrimp Basket
- Surf Hut
- The Perfect Pig Grill and Fish House
- The Red Bar
- The Village Door
- Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
- Winn Dixie
Competitors will go for first-, second- and third-place People’s Choice awards, chosen by each guest in attendance. A panel of local celebrities will also judge each bloody mary to select the “Judge’s Choice” award for most delicious and the “Best Bloody Accoutrement” award for most creative. Awards will be handmade by local artist Aria Gaffrey.
Beyond bloody marys, guests can enjoy bites and treats from restaurants throughout The Market Shops, along with craft beer, spiked seltzers, wine, mocktails and water available throughout the event.
The festival will also feature live music from local band Catalyst, SEC football games streaming live on a big screen, a DJ, an interactive photo booth, cigars and custom trucker hats.
Over the past 10 years, the annual event has raised more than $227,000 for local charities. This year’s proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, a nonprofit housing organization that works to build and improve homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live.
- “We are incredibly grateful to The Market Shops and everyone who comes out year after year to support this event,” said Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. “This is such a fun day, but what I love most is knowing that behind all of that fun is a community choosing to help local families build a better future. Every ticket purchased, every sponsor, and every volunteer helps us continue creating affordable homeownership opportunities for the people who live and work right here in Walton County. We truly couldn’t do what we do without partnerships like this.”
Tickets are on sale through BigTickets for a pre-sale price of $65 or can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $75. More information about room rates, tickets, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship is available www.themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
Parking will be available at The Market Shops on the day of the festival but is expected to fill up fast. Additional parking will be available at The Beach House, on the south side of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, with a complimentary shuttle sponsored by Beachworx running to and from the festival from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
