The City of Gulf Shores is preparing as the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival approaches. Several streets and parking areas near the beach will be blocked off to make room for the popular event. Festival organizers are encouraging people to use shuttle services to get around. The closures will affect everyone trying to reach the main public beach area in Gulf Shores.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, October 9 and runs through Sunday, October 12. However, road closures will begin earlier to allow time for setup. Some roads will stay closed until mid-October to give workers time to take everything down.

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is handling parking and shuttle information for the event. Parking near the festival site works on a first come, first serve basis. Because parking may be limited, festival organizers strongly recommend using the shuttle service instead of driving.

People with disability parking credentials have a special option available. They can use the East Gulf Place Gulf Shores Resident Parking Lot at 201 E Beach Blvd. A security guard will be stationed at the entrance to check credentials and allow access. Two shuttle stops will have buses that are accessible for people with disabilities.

Shuttle Information:

Gulf Shores City Schools will operate shuttle buses to serve the annual National Shrimp Festival this year. The transportation service aims to help visitors avoid parking hassles at the crowded beachfront event. Festival organizers announced the shuttle program will run throughout the four-day celebration. The convenient bus service connects multiple pickup locations across Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The shuttle buses begin running Thursday at 1:30 p.m. for the festival's opening day. Service continues Friday through Sunday starting at 9:45 a.m. each morning. Buses will keep operating until at least 15 minutes after the festival closes each night. This schedule ensures attendees can enjoy the entire event without transportation worries.

Riders must pay a $6 daily fare using credit or debit cards only. Cash payments will not be accepted on the shuttle buses. Free parking is available at nearly all shuttle stop locations. However, the Waves Grocery stop on West Beach Boulevard is walk-up only with no parking available.

Gulf Shores offers four convenient pickup spots for festival-goers. (Click Map Links)

• Pelican Place at 3800 Gulf Shores Parkway features ADA-accessible boarding
• Erie Meyer Civic Center at 1930 West 2nd Street 
• Lake Shelby Picnic Area in Gulf State Park
• Waves Grocery location at 1154 West Beach Boulevard

Orange Beach residents and visitors can board at Rouses Market. The grocery store sits at 25405 Perdido Beach Boulevard and offers ADA-accessible service. This location provides easy access for festival attendees living or staying in Orange Beach.

Shuttle Schedule

• Thursday: 1:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.*
• Friday: 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
  
  

* Shuttle system is operated by Gulf Shores City Schools & their bus fleet. Thursday is an early dismissal day for students featuring normal operation of buses, hence the later shuttle start time. Students will have the next day off as a school holiday.

State law prohibits children under five years old from riding the shuttle buses. Parents should plan alternative transportation for young children. The age restriction applies to all shuttle routes and cannot be waived.

The shuttle service eliminates the stress of finding parking near the festival grounds. Visitors can leave their vehicles at any shuttle stop and relax during the ride. This transportation option helps reduce traffic congestion in the festival area while making the event more accessible to everyone.