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A woman wearing a captain's hat with a stuffed parrot attached uses a rotary phone that is part of an exhibit within the new Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in Mobile — Parrot Heads and new fans alike are loving the many interactive features in the National Maritime Museum’s new exhibit that interprets the life and legacy of late music legend Jimmy Buffett, who grew up in Mobile. (Visit Mobile)

Music, art and food lovers, it’s time to plan a fall trip to Mobile for two new, epic exhibits you won’t find anywhere else—one honoring the life and legacy of hometown music legend Jimmy Buffett and another showcasing works by five of the world’s best-known street artists.

Consider both exhibits invitations to experience all that Mobile creates: Our state’s oldest city blends nearly 325 years of history and cultures of six different nations into every brush stroke, music note, dance step, drink and dish.

Read on to learn about these brand-new experiences and our tips for more you must see, do and eat on your fall trip to Mobile, Alabama, about a 3.5-hour drive south from Birmingham.

Mobile creates: Music, art + food quick guide

‘Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience’

Two men pose with the 7.5-foot bronze statue of Jimmy Buffett by sculpture Benjamin Victor, unveiled in September 2026 at the National Maritime Museum to coincide with the museum's new permanent exhibit, Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor — The Mobile community joined sculptor Benjamin Victor in unveiling a 7.5-foot bronze of Jimmy Buffett, which now stands, barefoot, of course, in front of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. (Visit Mobile)

“Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience” opened Sept. 12, 2026, and traces Buffett’s sound back to his Mobile upbringing and features 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.

After stopping for a photo op with the new 7.5-foot bronze of Buffett by sculptor Benjamin Victor, venture inside to see many never-before-displayed items, including instruments, handwritten lyrics, rare photos and more.

Where: National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, 155 Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
When: Wed.–Sun., 10AM–4PM
Cost: $19 for adults; $15 for students, youth ages 5-17, seniors + military; free for kids age 4 + younger
More info

More music in Mobile

Dauphin Street downtown Mobile — The Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile has long been a nexus of creative energy in Mobile and turns 100 in 2027. (Visit Mobile)

Music fans will love all of the live music in Mobile, including:

🎶 Concerts at the beautifully restored, historic Saenger Theatre, from touring artists to Mobile Symphony performances
🎶 Local + national artists in the intimate setting of The Merry Widow, where Phoebe Bridgers surprised fans with a show in May 2026
🎶 A nightlife scene throughout downtown brimming with live music

‘GATEWAY: From Graffiti to Gallery’

“Stop and Search” by Banksy on display at the Mobile Museum of Art (Visit Mobile)
CHUM by KAWS on display at the Mobile Museum of Art (Visit Mobile)
Multiple works by Banksy on display at the Mobile Museum of Art (Visit Mobile)

“GATEWAY: From Graffiti to Gallery” opened Sept. 1, 2026 at the Mobile Museum of Art and features works by five world-renowned street artists in a collection you won’t see anywhere else.

Expect to see works by:

Jean-Michel Basquiat
Banksy
Keith Haring
KAWS
Kenny Scharf

The exhibit highlights how graffiti art transitioned from the streets to museums after gaining critical acclaim in the 1980s for reflecting the culture and politics of the times.

Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL 36608
When: Tues.–Sat., 10AM–5PM, through Sept. 1, 2027
Cost: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $8 for students, youth ages 6-17 + military; free for kids age 5 + younger
More info

More art in Mobile

Souls of Mobile mural by artist Ginger Woechan in Mobile, Alabama — “Souls of Mobile” mural by Ginger Woechan at Dauphin & Jackson streets in downtown Mobile (Visit Mobile)

After you’ve experienced street art from around the world at Mobile Museum of Art, step outside to explore local art along Mobile’s streets on the Mobile Mural Trail, which includes three new works added during September’s inaugural MobTown Mural Festival.

🎨 Browse more arts and culture options to customize your itinerary, from ballet to blowing glass.

Where to eat in Mobile

An assortment of a dozen oysters on the half shell prepared in different ways at a Mobile restaurant. — The original Wintzell’s Oyster House opened in 1938 on Dauphin Street. (Bienville Bites)

As the country’s birthplace of Mardi Gras, Mobile knows how to celebrate, and you’ll taste that spirit at restaurants around town. Also consider the city’s long, multicultural history and position on the Bay, plus chefs who draw upon both to put their unique spins on Gulf-to-table seafood and Southern classics.

Mobile creates so many unique flavors, and to explore them, we recommend starting with a Bienville Bites Food Tour.

Voted among the country’s best food tours by USA Today readers, the experience connects you with passionate Mobilians who’ll take you behind the scenes of the city’s culinary world, recommend dishes, and share history and local tips.

🍽️ Want to develop your own menu? Browse the many excellent restaurants in Mobile.

We can’t wait to hear about the wonderful, colorful and flavorful memories you make on your fall trip to Mobile. Head over to Visit Mobile to explore places to stay and book your trip today.

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