The Market Shops’ 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, presented by Beach Liquors, returns Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. Enjoy unlimited tastes of 16 creative bloody marys featuring Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka, served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida.
Competing for the 2026 “Best Bloody Mary” title: 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, and Winn Dixie.
“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!”
Guests will select first-, second-, and third-place People’s Choice winners. Local celebrity judges will choose the most delicious “Judge’s Choice” and most creative “Best Bloody Accoutrement” winners. Local artist Aria Gaffrey will handcraft the awards.
Bites and treats will come from Market Shops restaurants Ben & Jerry’s, Clean Juice, Jalapeño Mexican Grill Express, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Parlor Doughnuts, and Pizza by the Sea. Vendors include Edward Jones, Escapology, Favori Boutique, Foil + Pin Parlor, and Sun, Surf, Sand Insurance.
Other refreshments include Idyll Hounds Brewing Company craft brews, Palm Folly spiked seltzers, Buffalo Rock’s water Hydration Station, and an Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast mocktail. The Bubbly Bar will serve Good Clean Wine rosé and sparkling wine, courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and Hyatt Place by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard.
Jake’s Beach Service will provide additional main lawn lounge seating for enjoying local band Catalyst on the main stage. SEC football games will stream on Mariner’s sponsored big screen. DJ Dad will entertain in the courtyard, sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners, with an interactive photo booth courtesy of Legendary Marine. Shore Thing Cigars and Dozer Custom Trucker Hats will offer cigars and custom hats to commemorate the day.
The festival has raised over $227,000 for local charities in 10 years. This year’s proceeds support Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, a local nonprofit partnering with individuals and families to build and improve decent, affordable homes. “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 ….”
Tickets are $65 in advance through BigTickets or $75 at the door. Visit www.themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
Parking at The Market Shops is expected to fill quickly. Additional parking is available at The Beach House on the south side of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. A complimentary Beachworx-sponsored shuttle will run between the festival and additional parking from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
