ABOUT
Son Of A Sailor Festival celebrates and recognizes the life and music of Jimmy Buffett in his hometown, offers fans an opportunity to connect to Buffett’s roots, champions the unique and colorful music and culture of the Gulf Coast, and promotes the love for life, coastal attitude his music and Gulf Coast culture represent! Great music, great vibes, and great times.
MAP
Time to review the chart and get acquainted with your port of call, sailor! From food trucks to restaurants and bars all within the festival area you won’t be short on fuel! Downtown Mobile boasts a convenient open-container entertainment district so take that elixir to-go!
MORE EXPERIENCES
SAVOR THE SON OF A SAILOR FOOD TOUR
Join Bienville Bites on Friday Sept. 20th and Sunday Sept. 22nd for the “Savor the Son of a Sailor” food tour, a special culinary experience during Mobile’s inaugural Son of a Sailor Fest, honoring the legendary Jimmy Buffett. This tour offers an immersive journey through the heart of Mobile, the city that shaped Buffett’s love for good food and laid-back living. As we explore iconic downtown spots, we’ll share stories of Jimmy’s childhood in the Port City and how it influenced his music and passion for cuisine.
The highlight of the tour is a series of dishes inspired by Buffett’s songs, including beignets with key lime pie syrup, popcorn, oysters, gumbo, and of course, a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” along with more.
Along the way, enjoy three of Jimmy’s favorite boat drinks including a “frozen concoction” and ice cold beer that help celebrate Buffett’s life, music, and Mobile’s rich culinary heritage.
F.A.Q.
Do I need to buy tickets?
Son Of A Sailor Fest is a FREE festival for all ages! If you want the ultimate S.O.S. Fest fun and comfort then upgrade to the VIP (Very Important Pirate) Experience!
What am I allowed to bring?
Allowed: Beach chairs, bag chairs, small personal coolers, leashed and well-behaved pets, and good vibes
Prohibited: Large coolers/ice chests, beach umbrellas or anything obstructing views, unleashed pets.
Will food and alcohol be sold on site?
Son Of A Sailor Fest will not be directly selling alcohol, however food trucks, restaurants and bars will all be within the festival area so you won’t be short on fuel. Downtown Mobile boasts a convenient open-container entertainment district so take that elixir to-go!
What can I expect?
This is a lively celebration that Buffett himself would have given a large thumbs-up. Costume contests, a second-line parade led by the Blow House Brass Band and performances from Will Kimbrough, Street Folks, Vibe Irie and A1A, the official Jimmy Buffett tribute show, will only add to the magic.
What time does it begin?
11:15AM: The day will kick off with the second line parade starting at the Riverview Plaza Hotel at 64 S. Royal Street and will take us dancing down historic Dauphin Street to Cathedral Square. People will begin gathering around 10am and we encourage you to get there early. You don’t want to miss it!
12PM: Music will begin at noon and last all day!
What do I wear?
Bring out the sandals, leis, and Hawaiian-themed shirts! In true Jimmy Buffett fashion, floral patterns, bold colors and aviator shades will be all the rage. Impressive costumes are highly encouraged! Since the festival is outside, we recommend staying cool with shorts, short-sleeved shirts and comfortable shoes to dance the day away in.
What comes with the V.I.P. Experience?
The comfort of the VIP Corona Cabana, private port-o-lets, a front-row VIP zone, complimentary food and drinks, downtown transportation, and a VIP Welcome Reception are just some of the perks that will be exclusively available to Very Important Pirates.
Where can I park?
Downtown Mobile has ample free and paid parking lots and garages. Parking meters will accept coins, credit/debit cards and payment through Park Mobile parking app. Rates vary depending on the parking lot and the anticipated length that the spot will use.
What will the weather be like at the festival?
In Mobile, late September normally means less humidity, a slight breeze and temperatures in the low 80s, however, rain is always possible regardless of the season. We recommend keeping a poncho handy!
HISTORY
Son Of A Sailor Fest began in 2023 as a free impromptu celebration-of-life second line parade and tribute concert, called the Jimmy Buffett Hometown Second Line, immediately following Jimmy Buffett’s death. Organized in only seven days with zero budget and limited marketing, the event drew thousands of fans from as far as Chicago, Miami, and San Antonio in addition to dozens of amazing musicians to celebrate Jimmy’s life and music in the streets of Mobile, where it all started.
Son Of A Sailor Fest is produced by SouthSounds Music and Arts Festival Inc., a 501(c)-3 non-profit.
