Mobile will observe the third anniversary of Jimmy Buffett’s death with a series of public activities Sept. 11–12 that are expected to draw local fans and visitors. The schedule combines organized performances with community-led gatherings and culminates in the grand opening of a new exhibit at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf.
Weekend of music, parade and museum opening
The centerpiece of the weekend is a concert on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Saenger Theatre featuring Mac McAnally, who has stepped into the role of frontman for Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, with longtime Buffett collaborator Scotty Emerick joining the bill. The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available through Ticketmaster listings for "Margaritas & Memories: Feat. Mac McAnally & Scotty Emerick."
Before the Saenger performance, several community events will take place downtown. A Second Line parade will assemble at 522 Dauphin Street at 6 p.m. and step off at 6:15 p.m.. The parade will feature the Blow Hole Brass Band and is described as a grassroots, open-to-all procession.
“‘Organized’ may be over-stating things.”
At 6:30 p.m., a free pre-concert at Alchemy Tavern, located across from the Saenger at 7 Joachim Street, will welcome attendees without tickets. The pre-show is advertised as open admission and complimentary.
Museum exhibit and statue dedication
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf at 155 S. Water Street will host the grand opening of the "Son of a Son of a Sailor" exhibition from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The opening will include the unveiling of a larger-than-lifesize statue of Jimmy Buffett outside the museum. Tickets and additional details for the museum event are available through the museum's information channels.
- Friday, Sept. 11 — Second Line parade: gather 6 p.m., march 6:15 p.m., 522 Dauphin St.
- Friday, Sept. 11 — Free pre-concert: 6:30 p.m., Alchemy Tavern, 7 Joachim St.
- Friday, Sept. 11 — Mac McAnally & Scotty Emerick concert: 7:30 p.m., Saenger Theatre.
- Saturday, Sept. 12 — Museum grand opening and statue unveiling: 2–4 p.m., National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, 155 S. Water St.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Line parade | Sept. 11 | 6:00–6:15 p.m. (assemble/march) | 522 Dauphin St. |
| Pre-concert | Sept. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Alchemy Tavern, 7 Joachim St. |
| Mac McAnally & Scotty Emerick | Sept. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Saenger Theatre |
| Jimmy Buffett exhibit opening & statue | Sept. 12 | 2:00–4:00 p.m. | National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, 155 S. Water St. |
Friday’s events follow Patriot Day observances earlier in the day. Sept. 11 marks the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, and city activities tied to that observance are expected to conclude before the Buffett-related programming begins in the afternoon and evening.
Organizers of the local fan gatherings — commonly known as Parrotheads — emphasize that many of the pre-concert activities are community-driven and informal, inviting residents and visitors to participate even without tickets to the Saenger show.
For Mobile, the weekend represents both a moment of remembrance and a cultural celebration: marking three years since the musician’s death while spotlighting local music venues, downtown businesses and the new museum exhibition that commemorates Buffett’s ties to the Gulf Coast. Residents seeking more information or tickets are directed to the Ticketmaster pages for the Saenger show and the National Maritime Museum’s information channels for the exhibit opening.
