Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Parrot Heads will return to Gulf Shores this fall for Meeting of the Minds. The gathering celebrates Jimmy Buffett, trop rock music, and the community built around his songs. Live music and charity events are planned. The Hangout will again be the center of the celebration.

The 2026 Meeting of the Minds runs from Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 25. This year’s theme is "The Tiki Bar is Open." Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism lists The Hangout and other area locations as event sites and estimates attendance at about 3,000 people.

Meeting of the Minds is the annual convention of Parrot Heads in Paradise, commonly known as PHiP. The gathering is open to members of PHiP-sanctioned Parrot Head clubs. Registration is already open, and according to the official event website, registration closes on Sept. 15.

The event moved to Gulf Shores in 2023 after years in Key West and earlier gatherings in New Orleans. Organizers say the Gulf Coast setting connects the convention to Jimmy Buffett’s Alabama roots and offers fans several days of music, friendship, food and activities.

Organizers highlight three major venues for this year’s gathering: The Hangout, LuLu's, and Flora-Bama. Tourism officials also say that Meeting of the Minds activities take place at restaurants and bars across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, spreading the celebration beyond a single location.

The music lineup is expected to be a major draw. The official event site lists performers such as Peter Mayer, Nadirah Shakoor, Will Kimbrough, Jimmy & The Parrots, The Boat Drunks, Django Walker, Eric Erdman, Sunny Jim, Rosie & the Revival, and Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band.

Other artists promoted on the event website include Sister Hazel, Niko Moon, Gramps Morgan, Mac McAnally, the Peter Mayer Group, Club Trini & The Coral Reefer Band, Jerry Diaz & Hanna’s Reef, Donny Brewer, Jesse Rice, Gary Roland & the Landsharks Band, and many more.

The schedule also includes activities beyond concerts. A Tuesday On The Island party hosted by Donny Brewer is listed at LuLu’s on Oct. 20 from 4:30 to 9 p.m., giving early arrivals a chance to start the week before the official convention opens.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Celebrity TropOlympics are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon at The Hangout beach area. Teams will compete alongside trop rock performers in lighthearted events. Organizers say no athletic skill is required, and proceeds will benefit charity.

Breakout sessions are also planned for Thursday, from 8 a.m. to noon, in the Coastal Ballroom at Embassy Suites. Meeting of the Minds credentials are required. The convention is also organizing volunteer opportunities and a blood drive as part of its long-running Party with a Purpose tradition.

Saturday, Oct. 24, will feature the Skippin’ & Sippin’ event, which begins at 8 a.m. The official schedule also lists a PHiP General Membership Meeting from 4 to 5 p.m. that day on The Hangout Main Stage.

Meeting of the Minds has become one of the largest annual gatherings of Jimmy Buffett fans on the Alabama coast. For Parrot Heads, the week centers on more than music. It is also a reunion, a fundraiser, and a continuing celebration of the easygoing community Buffett inspired.

More information, registration details, lodging options, and schedule updates are available at MOTM.rocks. Organizers continue to update entertainment and activity details as the convention approaches.