It might or might not feel like it, but the arrival of Labor Day signals a change of seasons. While it looks like a quiet autumn for country music fans in the Mobile area, Jimmy Buffet enthusiasts will be treated to some ear candy.
A look ahead finds a lot for parrotheads to like in the next 60 days: Mobile’s second Son of a Sailor Fest, the return of the Coral Reefer Band, a major Buffett fan event in Gulf Shores and even a “yacht rock” show at the Saenger. (That’s obviously not the same as trop rock, but there must be a little overlap.)
There’s more, of course: September and October bring rock, comedy and R&B shows, as well as the National Shrimp Festival and the Greater Gulf State Fair. Here’s a look ahead:
Pastor Shirley Caesar at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Aug. 30: With special guests Yvonne Matthews and Kenneth Brandon. Tickets $55 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
October London at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Sept. 5: Tickets $65.50 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
Son of a Sailor Fest, downtown Mobile, Sept. 20: Billed as “a sailor’s salute to Jimmy Buffett and Gulf Coast Music,” the second edition of this free festival will benefit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation. The music lineup includes “Gulf & Western psychedelia powerhouse” Jammy Buffett; a Coral Reefer jam session with Keith Sykes, Roger Bartlett, Jim Mayer and Will Kimbrough; Daria & The Hip Drops; Ryan Balthrop & Slide Bayou; and the Blow House Brass Band. For information, visit www.sos-fest.com.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live” at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Sept. 24: A 50th anniversary screening of the cult classic featuring audience participation led by a local shadow cast, with an appearance by original cast member Barry Bostwick. Tickets $25.50 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
Pure Prairie League featuring Cyril Neville at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Sept. 26: Tickets $43.40 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
South Alabama Comic Con at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, Sept. 27-28: This pop culture convention promises a weekend of “celebrities, creators, gaming, cosplay, and fun.” Up-to-date information on celebrity guests, the schedule of attractions and tickets can be found at www.southalabamacomiccon.com.
Dauphin Street Beer Festival, Oct. 4: Twelve venues within the LoDa Entertainment District will offer a total of 48 brews for tasting. Tickets are $35. For full information visit beerfestmobile.com.
The Black Jacket Symphony presents “The Era of Yacht Rock” at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Oct. 4: “Featuring classic soft rock songs from iconic artists such as Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, and many more.” Tickets $32 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Oct. 8: Tickets $35.75 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, Oct. 9-12: Four days of arts & crafts, live music, seafood and other attractions adjacent to the main public beach. Admission is free. For a full event schedule and other details, visit www.myshrimpfest.com.
Twenty One Pilots at The Wharf, Tuesday, Oct. 14: The duo brings The Clancy Tour to Orange Beach with special guest Dayglow. Tickets $59.30 and up, available through Ticketmaster.
Fortune Feimster at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Oct. 15: Tickets $25.75 and up, available via Ticketmaster.
Meeting of the Minds, Gulf Shores, Oct. 22-26: This will be the third year in Gulf Shores for a major convention organized by Buffett fan organization Parrot Heads in Paradise. Ground zero is the Hangout, where only registered attendees – who must be members of a PHiP club – will be able to attend shows. Registration ends Sept. 15. Shows at satellite venues such as LuLu’s and the Flora-Bama are open to the public. For full details, visit https://motm.rocks/.
The Coral Reefer Band at The Wharf, Friday, Oct. 24: When the Coral Reefers appeared at the Wharf Amphitheater in August 2024, it was arguably the first step in the band’s post-Jimmy Buffett career. It turned into a joyous occasion, with parrotheads bringing their unique community vibe and band members fulfilling their goal of keeping Buffett’s music alive. Since then the group – featuring Mac McAnally and Mobile’s Will Kimbrough — has toured with the Doobie Brothers. Their return to The Wharf promises to be bigger and better, falling on a fall Friday rather than a Thursday in the dog days of August. Tickets $27.05 and up, available through Ticketmaster.
2025 Greater Gulf State Fair, Oct. 24-Nov. 2: Early discount ticket sales are under way. Visit www.greatergulfstatefair.com for full information.
Anne Wilson at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Oct. 25: Tickets $25.10 and up, available through Ticketmaster.
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight at the Mobile Saenger Theatre, Oct. 27: Tickets $43 and up, available through Ticketmaster.
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