Raise your glass, South Walton. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, The Market Shops will host the 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, a signature celebration of flavor and community that benefits Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.

This popular fall event invites guests to enjoy unlimited tastes of some of the area’s most creative and over-the-top bloody marys, all crafted with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can sip and sample 18 original bloody marys, each served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida.

Local favorites, new participants, and even a grocery store will compete for the 2025 title of “Best Bloody Mary.”

Confirmed competitors include Aja 30A, Bayside Café, Big Bad Breakfast, Café Nola, Cajun Corner, Cantina Laredo, Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant, Island Wing Company, Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Louis Louis, Ovide, Ruby Slipper Café, Sandos, Signature Catering 30A, The Gulf Club, The Perfect Pig, The Red Bar, and Winn-Dixie.

Voting and Awards

Festivalgoers will cast votes for the first, second, and third-place People’s Choice Awards, with results tallied by Hill Coleman, CPA. A panel of local celebrity judges will also present two additional honors: Judge’s Choice for best overall bloody mary and Best Bloody Accoutrement for the most creative garnish. Winners will receive handcrafted awards designed by local artist Maxine Orange.

Food, Drinks, and Live Entertainment

In addition to endless Bloody Marys, guests can enjoy food from a variety of The Market Shops restaurants, including Ben and Jerry’s, Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers, Jon Smith Subs, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Parlor Doughnuts, Pizza by the Sea, and Tuscany Italian Bistro. Retailers and vendors such as Edward Jones, Favori Boutique, Fit2Run, Foil + Pin Parlor, Naples Soap Company, and Sun Surf Sand Insurance will also be on site.

For those looking for options beyond Bloody Marys, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will serve craft brews, Palm Folly will provide spiked seltzers, and the Bubbly Bar will be pouring rosé and sparkling wine, courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, and Hyatt Place at Grand Boulevard. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast will also be serving a refreshing mocktail option for guests.

Music, Games, and Extras

Festival entertainment will include live country music from Saltwater Revival on the main stage, presented by Action Audio Video, and a lively courtyard set by DJ Dad, sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners. Guests can also catch their favorite SEC teams with live football games streamed on the big screen.

The main lawn will be outfitted by Jake’s Beach Service with plenty of seating for guests to kick back and enjoy the afternoon. A photo booth, courtesy of Legendary Marine, will be set up to capture the fun. Guests can also stop by Shore Thing Cigars or design a personalized trucker hat at the Hawley Hat Bar, which will include a special bloody mary patch to celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary.

Giving Back

Over the past nine years, the Bloody Mary Festival has raised more than $199,000 for local charities. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, a nonprofit that builds and improves homes in partnership with families who need safe and affordable housing.

“Every ticket purchased and every sip enjoyed directly supports building safe, decent, and affordable homes for our neighbors,” said Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. “Together, we are not just raising glasses. We are raising walls and hope for families who need it most.”

Tickets and Travel Info

• Pre-sale tickets are available now for $60 on Eventbrite

• Day-of tickets can be purchased at the door for $75

• Lodging specials are available through the festival’s official hotel partner, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard.

• Parking is limited at The Market Shops, with overflow available at The Beach House on the south side of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

• A complimentary shuttle provided by Emerald Coast Luxury Transportation will run between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Whether you come for the cocktails, the food, or the fun, this community favorite blends local flavor with a good cause and always delivers a feel-good time.

For tickets, lodging info, or to get involved, visit the official website.