Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Next week Gulf Shores will transform into a beachside festival as Parrot Heads return for their annual gathering. Fans of Jimmy Buffett are descending on the coast for five days of music, celebration, and community service. The event seamlessly blends festive parties with charitable purpose. Organizers emphasize that community giving remains at the heart of the celebration.

The festivities stretch across a long weekend with specific dates for different access levels. A public kickoff takes place Wednesday, Oct. 22. Weekend access and newly introduced Day Passes are available Thursday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 26.

Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc., the official fan club, includes more than 200 sanctioned clubs and over 20,000 members worldwide. The Annual "Meeting of the Minds" returns to Gulf Shores for a third consecutive year, drawing travelers from across the country and beyond.

Activities center around concerts, games, and volunteer efforts at iconic coastal venues. The Hangout, LuLu's, and the Flora-Bama Lounge will host shows and social events throughout the festival. Organizers say these venues will transform Gulf Shores into a tropical playground anchored by live music. This year's lineup features The Landshark Band and the Wheeland Brothers. The Jesse Rice Band and the Homemade Wine Reunion are also scheduled to perform. Grammy winner Gramps Morgan joins the bill, with additional performers slated across the multi-day schedule.

Click here to see the official music schedule.

A special Coral Reefer show adds both star power and charitable purpose to the event. Peter, Jim, and Brendan Mayer will perform at the South Baldwin Community Theater, with proceeds benefiting the Lone Palm Foundation. Ticket sales support resiliency efforts for Parrot Head communities in need.

The celebration serves a larger mission beyond entertainment. Last year, fans raised more than $37,000 for local and national charities. The philanthropic effort continues this fall, with attendees encouraged to give and participate in various charitable initiatives.

Several drives and tributes are planned throughout the festival. A shoe and toy drive will run during the event. A blood drive at The Hangout operates Oct. 23 through Oct. 25, with organizers expecting strong turnout from both locals and visiting fans.

A 5K and Second Line tribute honors Jimmy Buffett's legacy. The "Skip, Sip, and Party" event at LuLu's supports local breast cancer patients, blending music and movement with fundraising. Community pride shapes every aspect of the finish line celebration.

Flora-Bama hosts "Parrot Heads on Brasway" on Oct. 26, another benefit supporting breast cancer patients. Organizers praise the coast's generosity, with volunteers noting the beach crowd consistently steps up to help.

Charitable giving extends well beyond festival week. In 2024 alone, Parrot Heads raised $21,405 for breast cancer patients, with thousands more directed to additional local and national causes. Leaders credit the fan base's year-round commitment to making a difference.

Access options are expanding this year for greater participation. For the first time, Day Passes are available starting Thursday, Oct. 23. Passes can be purchased at the registration table at The Hangout, with availability expected to remain strong during peak hours.

Wednesday remains an open-to-the-public kickoff, allowing visitors to sample the scene before the weekend rush. Music, games, and meetups build community ties from the start. Newcomers are welcome to join the fun and experience the Parrot Head culture.

Organizers emphasize a simple but powerful message: have fun, help others, and celebrate the coastal spirit. The schedule offers something for every age and budget. Fans call it a vacation with a volunteer's heart.

As beach crowds gather, the mission endures through music and charity. Music brings people together while charitable giving provides more profound meaning to the gathering. Gulf Shores will feel that special rhythm all week long.