Raise a Glass: The Market Shops’ 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival Returns
Presented by Beach Liquors and benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (September 3, 2026) – The Market Shops will host its 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, presented by Beach Liquors, on Saturday, October 10. The annual event, benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative bloody marys, crafted with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka, and served by the area’s best eateries, bars, and mixologists.
Guests are invited to the shopping center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sip and sample 16 of the area’s most coveted bloody marys, each served in specialty cups provided by Compass Builders of Florida. Participants confirmed to compete for the 2026 title of “Best Bloody Mary” 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, 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!”
Bloody Mary competitors will compete for the highly coveted first-, second-, and third-place People’s Choice Award chosen by each guest in attendance. A panel of local celebrities will also judge each bloody mary to select the winners for the most delicious “Judge’s Choice” award and most creative “Best Bloody Accoutrement” award. Awards will be handmade by local artist, Aria Gaffrey.
In addition to an abundance of Bloody Marys, guests can enjoy an array of bites and treats from restaurants located 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. Local vendors Edward Jones, Escapology, Favori Boutique, Foil + Pin Parlor, and Sun, Surf, Sand Insurance will also be on hand, adding to the lively mix of offerings throughout the event.
For guests looking beyond Bloody Marys, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will be pouring a selection of craft brews, while Palm Folly will serve up spiked seltzers, and Buffalo Rock will keep guests refreshed with water from the Hydration Station. The Bubbly Bar, 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, will feature Good Clean Wine rosé and sparkling wine. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast will also offer a refreshing mocktail, ensuring there’s something for every guest to enjoy throughout the event.
Jake’s Beach Service will outfit the main lawn lounge with additional seating, creating the perfect spot for guests to relax and enjoy live music from local band Catalyst on the main stage. Throughout the event, various SEC football games will stream live on the big screen, sponsored by Mariner, giving guests a chance to keep up with their favorite teams. DJ Dad will keep the energy going in the courtyard, sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners, while an interactive photo booth, courtesy of Legendary Marine, will offer a fun way to capture the afternoon. Guests can also stop by Shore Thing Cigars for a cigar and Dozer Custom Trucker Hats to create a custom trucker hat to commemorate the day.
Over the past ten years, the annual event has raised over $227,000 for local charities. Money raised during the eleventh annual event will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, a local nonprofit housing organization that works toward building and improving 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 currently on sale through BigTickets for the pre-sale price of $65 or can be purchased the day of the event at the door for $75. To learn more about exclusive room rates, tickets, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship, visit 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, located on the south side of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and a complimentary shuttle sponsored by Beachworx, will travel to and from the festival from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Special thanks to additional sponsors including 30A, 30AEats, 30A Girls Who Eat, 30A Television, 360 Blue, 850 Foodie, 850 Magazine, BankPlus, Coast 93.3, Community Bank, Disposal Services, Emerald Coast Magazine, FrillSeekers, Good Grit Agency, Good Grit Magazine, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, Jaw Creative, Life Media Group, Mingle, Proffitt PR, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Saltaire, Scarlett Magazine, The Scout Guide, SoWal.com, Tallahassee Magazine, To Do In Destin, UPS, VIP 30A Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine, Visit South Walton, Winn Dixie, and Z96.
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About The Market Shops
Located at the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Market Shops is an upscale shopping, dining and entertainment center. The Market Shops is the Emerald Coast’s premier location for local and unique retailers, featuring an array of eateries from casual to fine dining. For more information, visit www.themarketshops.com or find The Market Shops on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to “put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope”. The organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by helping families build and improve places to call home, ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable shelter. Habitat for Humanity of Walton County partners with families, volunteers, and community supporters to build safe, affordable housing opportunities throughout Walton County. Celebrating 30 years, Habitat has 76 homes built, 9 houses under construction and over $2.9 Million invested. The Habitat ReStore helps fund this mission through the sale of donated furniture, home décor, appliances, and building materials.
Contact:
Proffitt PR
Jessica Proffitt Bracken
[email protected]
(850) 460-7777
