Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Thousands of Jimmy Buffett fans, affectionately known as Parrot Heads, have descended upon the sugar-white sands of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the 34th Annual Meeting of the Minds (MOTM) convention. Hosted by Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. (PHiP), the 2026 gathering carries the theme "The Tiki Bar is Open" and brings together music, camaraderie, and community fundraising across Alabama's coast.

Now in its 34th year, Meeting of the Minds has a rich history that traces back to its early days in New Orleans before spending decades in Key West. In 2023, organizers officially relocated the annual convention to Gulf Shores. The move to the Alabama Gulf Coast connected the event directly to Jimmy Buffett’s regional roots, giving attendees a scenic beachfront environment spread across venues in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.

The Alabama Gulf Coast holds a deep connection to Jimmy Buffett's legacy:

• Coastal Roots: The region is recognized as the heartland where Buffett spent his formative years, discovering the beaches, culture, and lifestyle that inspired his iconic music.
• Family Connections: His sister, Lucy Buffett, founded the popular waterfront spot LuLu's in Gulf Shores, which serves as a central anchor for the local community and celebrates the "Cheeseburger in Paradise" tradition.
• Local Hubs: Mainstay coastal gathering places—including The Hangout, LuLu's, and the Flora-Bama—serve as official host venues for the convention, embodying the spirit of coastal music and hospitality.

Schedule of Events for the Week (Oct. 20 – 25, 2026)

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 (Early Arrivals):
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Brent Burns & Friends perform on the inside stage at LuLu's.
• 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM: "Tuesday On The Island" Welcome Party hosted by Donny Brewer at LuLu's.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21 (Official Opening Day):
• Daytime: Pirate Cruise with Donny Brewer, hosted by Gulf Coast S.W.I.M aboard the American Star out of Hudson Marina in Orange Beach.
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Midday Melodies concert at Heritage Park featuring This Side of 49.
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Multi-Chamber Social at the Flora-Bama.
• Evening: Free public Jimmy Buffett tribute show and opening celebration at The Hangout.
• Thursday, Oct. 22:
• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Educational Breakout Sessions in the Coastal Ballroom at Embassy Suites.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Celebrity TropOlympics at The Hangout beach area, featuring lighthearted team competitions to raise funds for charity.
• All Day: Community volunteer activities and blood drive as part of PHiP’s "Party with a Purpose" tradition.
• 11:30 AM: Chamber Lunch Bunch at CoastAL in Orange Beach, followed by live music from Cliff Cody (9 AM–11 AM) and Jesse Duncan (5 PM–9 PM).
• Friday, Oct. 23:
• Day & Evening: Live Trop Rock concerts across major stages at The Hangout, LuLu's, and Flora-Bama.
• 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Trick or Treat with Zeke's Fleet at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach, featuring dockside trick-or-treating, games, and live music by Ryan Dyer.
• Saturday, Oct. 24:
• 8:00 AM: Skippin' & Sippin' Phun Walk and Second Line tribute to Jimmy Buffett at LuLu's, benefiting local breast cancer patients.
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: 7th Annual Trek or Treat at the Gulf State Park Learning Campus.
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: PHiP General Membership Meeting on The Hangout Main Stage.
• Sunday, Oct. 25:
• 8:00 AM: 26th Annual Mystics of Pleasure Fun Poker Run kickoff with breakfast at Tacky Jacks (departure by 10 AM).
• All Day: LuLu's Songwriter Showcase on the Crazy Sista Stage in Gulf Shores.

As island rhythms drift across the coastal breeze, the residents and business owners of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach proudly open their doors to the visiting flock. For a community so deeply rooted in Jimmy Buffett’s story, seeing thousands of music lovers gather in what he always considered a home away from home feels like a true homecoming. Local residents warmly welcome the energy, camaraderie, and philanthropic spirit that the Parrot Heads bring to Alabama’s beaches, celebrating a shared love for the sun, the sea, and the timeless coastal lifestyle.