Break out the flip flops and mix up a margarita because Parrot Heads will take over the island Oct. 23-29.

The Gulf Coast and Parrot Heads around the globe mourned the loss of singer, songwriter and Gulf Coast native Jimmy Buffet when he died Sept. 1 after a battle with Merkel cell carcinoma. Shortly after his passing, it was announced the Jimmy Buffet fan club would move its annual Meeting of the Minds event to Gulf Shores.

"Parrot Heads in Paradise is excited to bring Meeting of the Minds to the Alabama Gulf Coast," Meeting of the Minds co-chair Suzanne Calhoun said in a press release. "The history of this area when related to Parrot Heads is so iconic, and the community has been amazing to work with as we endeavored to move the event from Key West. We invite the community to join us at our public events, and we look forward to giving back to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach."

Parrot Heads in Paradise has been holding its annual Meeting of the Minds event in Key West for 30 years, but it will take over venues across Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Oct. 23-29 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event will feature live music, auctions, craft vendors, book signings and donation drives.

One of the charitable events the group is putting on is the Skippin & Sippin 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run at LuLu's on Saturday, Oct. 28, benefiting Bras Across the Causeway. There will also be a shoe and toy drive at The Hangout throughout the week and a blood drive with Bloodmobiles located at LuLu's and across the street from The Hangout.

For a full schedule of events, artists performing or more information, visit www.motm.rocks.

In addition to the Meeting of the Minds, a Jimmy & The Parrots Jam Fest will rock Fort Morgan.

Jimmy & The Parrots' band will be jamming along with a host of other guest musicians including Mark Sacco, Dan Plante, Mireless Duo, Jerry Diaz and Thom Shepherd at Sassy Bass Cookout Tiki Bar Oct. 26-28. Admission is free, and a shuttle will be available at Rouse's in Gulf Shores.

The three-day music festival will give visitors all the topical getaway vibes with lights, sandy toes and the sounds of summer. The location at Sassy Bass Cookout Tiki Bar also gives hungry music fans a place to grab a specialty cocktail or enjoy some delicious food. The fun kicks off Thursday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m. and wraps up Saturday, Oct. 28, when the music ends. For more information or a schedule of performers, visit www.sassybass.com/jam-fest/.