SON OF A SAILOR (S.O.S.) FEST

A sailor's salute to Jimmy Buffett and Gulf Coast culture in his waterfront hometown of Mobile, Alabama,
benefitting the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation's marine research and educational initiatives.

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Downtown Mobile, AL

🦜 S.O.S. FEST

Son Of A Sailor Fest is a FREE celebration in downtown Mobile!

This family-friendly street festival features a rollicking second-line parade through downtown, parrot-head costume contests and musical acts inspired by Jimmy Buffett and the area’s unique and colorful coastal culture.

🎵 MUSIC

You don't want to miss the Coral Reefers, past and present, and an unforgettable jam session playing classic tunes, share deep-cuts and trade tales from the road! Witness Keith Sykes (co-writer of “Volcano” and writer of “Coast of Marseilles”), Roger Bartlett (original Coral Reefer guitarist), Jim Mayer (Coral Reefer bassist since 1988) and Will Kimbrough (writer of “Bubbles Up” and longtime Buffett collaborator) jamming, riffing and keeping the party going together on stage. 

Jammy Buffett features singer-songwriter Bob Barrick brings together Colorado’s best musicians to honor and breathe life into Jimmy Buffett’s vast catalog of “Gulf & Western” music. Shows feature greatest-hit sing-a-longs for the casual fan, deep cuts for the truest Parrotheads and spacey jams for folks who don’t know the difference. The band infuses Buffett classics with adventurous musical exploration, stretching familiar tropical tunes into uncharted waters while keeping the spirit of 1970s Key West in tact. What began as a tribute to a legend has blossomed into a full-fledged musical celebration, where laid-back vibes meet masterful improvisation.
As if that wasn't enough, Coral Reefer Jim Mayer (Coral Reefer Band member since 1988 and co-writer of "Jamaica Mistaica", "Only Time Will Tell", and others) will join the band for this incredible show!

✨ VIP EXPERIENCE

The VIP Experience is the ultimate way to enjoy the inaugural Son Of A Sailor Fest! As a VIP (Very Important Pirate)!
The shaded VIP Lounge includes catered food and drinks, dedicated bathrooms, comfortable seating, front row access, swag bag, VIP gift basket raffle and our Welcome Reception which includes an exclusive sneak preview of the highly anticipated Jimmy Buffett Experience slated to open September 2026. You will get a firsthand glimpse at this immersive, multi-gallery exhibit of Buffett's life and career before anyone else! Plus, a portion of VIP sales support the marine research and education initiatives of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation.

🕺 SECOND LINE

Jimmy often said he was a “child of the Mardi Gras,” which makes sense as Mobile is home to the oldest carnival celebration in the United States. So there is no better way to kick off the party than with a brass band and a parade down the historic streets of Downtown Mobile!
Stay tuned for parade details!

🌸 JOIN THE PARTY!

You’re not just watching the party. You ARE the party!
Throw on a Hawaiian shirt and your favorite pair of flip-flops, or get decked out in a Jimmy Buffett-inspired costume worthy of lost treasure. You’re on shore leave, sailor! Have some fun and let that parrot-head flag fly. Don’t miss our costume contests and fun prizes!