Words by Paige Townley
Mobile has always been a city that celebrates its roots, its rhythms, and its storytellers. On this September Saturday, it will do all three—while raising a glass to the man who turned coastal living into a soundtrack: Jimmy Buffett.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, his waterfront hometown of Mobile will capture that same magic for Son of a Sailor Fest—a free, family-friendly street festival that’s as much a love letter to the Gulf Coast as it is a sailor’s salute to Buffett himself. And whether you’re a lifelong Parrot-head, a casual fan, or simply someone who knows the value of a good time, it’s a party you won’t want to miss.
Downtown Mobile will come alive with the sound of music and the shuffle of dancing feet as a rollicking second-line parade winds through its historic streets. Parrot-heads will strut their feathers in colorful costume contests, kids will get their first taste of street-festival wonder, and the air will carry that unmistakable blend of Gulf breeze and good music. This one-day-only party is more than an event—it’s a gathering of a community bound by Buffett’s music, his love for coastal culture, and the stories that shaped him here on the bay.
Mobile has always been a city that celebrates its roots, its rhythms, and its storytellers.
Just like Jimmy, the scheduled music is nothing less than legendary. Past and present members of the Coral Reefer Band—Keith Sykes, Roger Bartlett, Jim Mayer, and Will Kimbrough—will jam, swap road stories, and dig deep into the Buffett songbook. Jammy Buffet, led by Bob Barrick, will take fans on a voyage through Buffett’s greatest hits, hidden gems, and reimagined “Gulf & Western” classics, stretching them into uncharted musical waters while keeping the soul of 1970s Key West intact. And just when you think the night can’t get better, Coral Reefer bassist Jim Mayer will join in, adding his own signature groove to the celebration.
For those who want to raise the mainsail on their experience, the VIP Lounge offers the ultimate “Very Important Pirate” perks—front-row access, shaded seating, catered bites, and a first-look sneak preview of the highly anticipated Jimmy Buffett Experience, an immersive exhibit opening in September 2026. Best of all, every VIP ticket helps fund the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation, supporting vital marine research and education.
Learn more and plan your visit at mobile.org.
