Bloody Good: The Market Shops’ 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival Returns

South Walton’s favorite Bloody Mary showdown returns October 10 with 16 competing cocktails, live music, local bites, and a cause worth raising a glass to. Bloody Mary lovers, mark your calendars.

One of South Walton’s most spirited fall traditions is returning to The Market Shops on Saturday, October 10, bringing creative cocktails, local flavors, live music, football, and plenty of friendly competition along with it.

The 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, presented by Beach Liquors and benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, will take over the Miramar Beach shopping center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests can sip and sample 16 Bloody Marys created by some of the area’s favorite restaurants, bars, and mixologists, all made with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka and served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida.

This year’s lineup includes 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. You won’t want to miss the fun!”

And yes, there are bragging rights on the line.

Guests will help decide the first-, second-, and third-place People’s Choice Awards, while a panel of local celebrity judges will select winners for Judge’s Choice and Best Bloody Accoutrement. This year’s awards will be handmade by local artist Aria Gaffrey.

The festival goes well beyond the Bloody Mary glass.

Restaurants throughout The Market Shops, including Ben & Jerry’s, Clean Juice, Jalapeño Mexican Grill Express, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Parlor Doughnuts, and Pizza by the Sea, will serve bites and treats throughout the afternoon. Local businesses including Edward Jones, Escapology, Favori Boutique, Foil + Pin Parlor, and Sun, Surf, Sand Insurance will also join the festivities.

Those looking to mix things up can grab craft brews from Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, spiked seltzers from Palm Folly, or visit the Bubbly Bar for Good Clean Wine rosé and sparkling wine. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast will also be serving a mocktail, while Buffalo Rock will keep the Hydration Station stocked with water.

There will be plenty happening between sips, too.

Catalyst will perform live on the main stage, while DJ Dad keeps the courtyard moving. SEC football games will stream on the big screen throughout the event, and guests can stop by an interactive photo booth, enjoy a cigar from Shore Thing Cigars, or create a custom trucker hat with Dozer Custom Trucker Hats.

Jake’s Beach Service will also outfit the main lawn lounge with extra seating, giving festivalgoers a place to settle in and take it all in.

Behind the food, drinks, and festivities is a cause with a lasting local impact.

Over the past decade, the Bloody Mary Festival has raised more than $227,000 for local charities. Proceeds from this year’s event will support Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, which works with individuals and families to build and improve homes and expand access to affordable homeownership.

“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 now for $65 in advance through BigTickets and will be $75 at the door on the day of the festival.

Information about tickets, exclusive room rates, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorships is available at themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.

Parking will be available at The Market Shops, though spaces are expected to fill quickly. Additional parking will be offered at The Beach House on the south side of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, with a complimentary Beachworx-sponsored shuttle running to and from the festival from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Whether you come for the competition, the cocktails, the music, or the cause, this year’s Bloody Mary Festival has all the ingredients for one very lively Saturday on the Emerald Coast.

For more info and to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit the official website.