It was Friday, September 1, 2023 on a Labor Day weekend. Just like in Jimmy Buffett’s breakout hit, ‘Come Monday.’ The Buffett-penned song turned out to be somewhat prophetic. Singer/songwriter/novelist Jimmy Buffett died that day.
Three years later, the city of his upbringing has organized major commemorations.
September 11 is Patriot Day, observing the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. That took place in the morning. By afternoon, the Patriotic observance will be finished and switches to Buffett weekend. From Patriot Day to Parrot Head Day.
On Friday night, September 11, 2026, the new frontman of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band has a major concert in Mobile’s Saenger Theater. The Mac McAnally concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and information at Margaritas & Memories: Feat. Mac McAnally & Scotty Emerick Tickets Fri, Sep 11, 2026 Mobile, AL | Ticketmaster
The concert is preceded by independent activities organized by the people, the Parrotheads. “Organized” may be over-stating things.
At 6 p.m., a Second Line Parade lines up at 522 Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. By nature, a Second Line Parade is a people’s parade. Come on and get in. Forward march is at 6:15. It is free, ticket-less, and only semi-organized. The parade features the Blow Hole Brass Band and whoever else lines up.
At 6:30, a free pre-concert is at Alchemy Tavern, just across from the Saenger Theater. All are welcome. 7 Joachim Street. Free.
Then the official Mac McAnally concert is at the Saenger at 7:30. Mac is joined by fellow Coral Reefer and Buffett collaborator Scotty Emerick. Information and tickets: Margaritas & Memories: Feat. Mac McAnally & Scotty Emerick Tickets Fri, Sep 11, 2026 Mobile, AL | Ticketmaster
That’s a full afternoon on Friday. But wait, there’s even more on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The grand opening of the new Jimmy Buffett Museum is on Saturday September 12 at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. 155 S. Water Street, Mobile. It runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets and information are available here.
The grand opening of “Son of a Son of a Sailor Exhibition” will include the unveiling of a larger-than-lifesize statue of Buffett outside the museum.
After the official museum ceremonies and tours, the unofficial music and eating carries on at Cedar Street Social Outdoor Stage, 4 N. Cedar Street, Mobile. It’s free. Acts include W.B.Sims, Sara Bug, Vibe Irie and Tanner Lee Gray. There will be a Jimmy Buffett tribute band t/b/a.
“Keep the party going.” – Jimmy Buffett
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler is a freelance writer about the colorful and positive in Alabama — her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
