The City of Gulf Shores has announced several road closures and detours in preparation for the 51st Annual National Shrimp Festival, set to take place from October 10-13. These changes, started taking place on October 6th, will affect key routes, including Highway 59 and Gulf Beach Boulevard. 

In addition, a shuttle service will be available to transport festival-goers from designated locations, with all proceeds supporting local school programs.

See all the details below…

Traffic Closures/Detours: 

• The West Gulf Place parking lot and East 1st Street will close to the public beginning Sunday, October 6. 
• Central Gulf Place will close to the public at 4:00 am on Monday, October 7. 
• Highway 59 will be closed at 1st Avenue beginning Tuesday, October 8. 
• Highway 182 (Gulf Beach Boulevard) will be closed to the public between East 2nd Ave and West 3rd Street, in front of Gulf Place Public Beach, beginning Tuesday, October 8. Detour will begin. 
• East Gulf Place (Resident Parking Lot) will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, October 9.
• Eastbound traffic toward Orange Beach should consider using Highway 180 East or State Park Road Highway 135 as alternate routes. 

Shuttle Information:

There will be a Park and Ride Shuttle Service available to those attending the Shrimp Festival. Transportation Wristbands for the shuttle will be available for $5.00 per day. Wristbands entitle the holder to unlimited rides to and from the festival grounds on the day of purchase. Per state law, children under the age of 5 are not allowed on the shuttle buses. No pets or coolers permitted on shuttle. All proceeds from the shuttle service go to the Gulf Shores City Schools’ Dolphin Athletic Club and Band Booster Club. 

Shuttle Schedule: 

• Thursday, October 10: 1:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
• Friday, October 11: 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12: 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
• Sunday, October 13: 9:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Shuttle Stops/Parking Locations:

• Pelican Place at Craft Farms Shopping Center in Gulf Shores (ADA Accessible)
• Erie H. Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores – 1930 W 2nd Street, Gulf Shores
• Waves Grocery in Gulf Shores – 1154 West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
• Rouses Grocery in Orange Beach - 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach (ADA Accessible)
• Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park: 20115 AL-135, Gulf Shores

The drop-off location for the East Shuttle will be at the East Gulf Place Public Beach Access. The drop-off location for the North/West Shuttle will be at the corner of West 2nd Street and West Beach Boulevard. 

Bicycling To The Shrimp Fest?

For years locals would bike to the event and not have a proper area to store their ride. The "Young Professionals" group at the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber has solved the situation with their "Bicycle Valet" program. Cyclist are a big part of the Shrimp Fest audience and the valets trade them a tag for their bike upon arrival.

Public Beaches:

• All public beaches will remain open throughout the festival. 

For more information regarding detours or closures, please contact the Public Works Department at 251-968-1156. For more information about the 50th Annual National Shrimp Festival, visit www.myshrimpfest.com.