MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — The Market Shops will host its 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival on Saturday, October 11, with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County.
The festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can sample 18 different bloody marys crafted with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka and served by a mix of local restaurants, bars, caterers, and—new this year—a grocery store.
“This is remarkable to see how the Bloody Mary Festival has grown and evolved over the past ten years,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops.
“What began as a fun way to bring people together has become a signature event that draws both residents and visitors from near and far, all while making a meaningful impact in our community through Habitat for Humanity. We are honored to have hosted it here for the past decade and expect this year’s festival to be the best ever.”
Competing for the 2025 “Best Bloody Mary” title will be Aja 30A, Bayside Cafe, Big Bad Breakfast, Cafe 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 Cafe, Sandos, Signature Catering 30A, The Gulf Club, The Perfect Pig, The Red Bar, and Winn Dixie.
Festival participants will compete for People’s Choice Awards as voted by attendees and tallied by Hill Coleman, CPA. Local celebrity judges will also select winners for the Judge’s Choice and Best Bloody Accoutrement categories. Awards will be handmade by local artist Maxine Orange.
Food vendors at The Market Shops will add to the offerings, 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. Guests will also find a mix of boutique and lifestyle vendors on-site.
Additional beverages will be available, including craft beer from Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, spiked seltzer from Palm Folly, rosé and sparkling wine from Good Clean Wine, and a mocktail presented by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.
Entertainment will include live country music by Saltwater Revival, sponsored by Action Audio Video, and DJ Dad in the courtyard, sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners. SEC football games will be screened live on the big screen. Guests can also enjoy a photobooth courtesy of Legendary Marine, cigars from Shore Thing Cigars, and custom hats with Hawley Hat Bar.
Over the past nine years, the festival has raised more than $199,000 for local charities. Habitat for Humanity – Walton County will benefit from this year’s event.
“We are deeply honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s Bloody Mary Festival,” said Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, FL., Inc.
“Every ticket purchased and every sip enjoyed directly supports building safe, decent, and affordable homes for our neighbors. Together, we are not just raising glasses — we are raising walls and hope for families who need it most.”
Pre-sale tickets are available through Eventbrite for $60. Day-of tickets will be sold for $75. The festival’s official lodging sponsor, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, will provide exclusive room rates.
Parking will be available at The Market Shops, with overflow parking at The Beach House on the south side of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Emerald Coast Luxury Transportation will provide complimentary shuttle service from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
A long list of local media, business, and hospitality sponsors will support the event, including Visit South Walton, SoWal.com, Emerald Coast Magazine, Z96, 30A, VIP 30A Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine, and many others.
More information, including ticket sales and volunteer opportunities, is available at themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
