06/02/2026
We are gearing up for The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and would like to share some important traffic alerts, parking reminders and safety tips. We encourage you to save this post so you can refer back to it over the coming days, or you can find it on our website homepage at moreheadcitync.gov.
TRAFFIC CHANGES:
> Shepard Street will be closed from the southeastern corner of 9th Street, in front of the Bask, to the intersection with Evans Street, from Wednesday, June 3 through 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15. In addition, the 200 block of S. 8th Street, in front of the Morehead City Library, will be closed during this timeframe. The Library will remain open for regular business hours during this event, and restrooms will remain for Library patrons only. These closures are marked with the red lines in the graphic.
> The 900 block of Shepard Street, between 9th and 10th streets, will be designated as one way westbound, from Wednesday, June 3 through 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15. This is the opposite of normal traffic flow on this block. The blue line and arrow show the temporary traffic change for this block.
> Finally, Evans Street will be closed between 7th and 8th streets, from 8 a.m. Thursday, June 4 through 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15. This section is noted by the orange line on the map.
PARKING:
In addition, Morehead City has created a graphic this year to show you where parking may be available for the duration of the tournament. Please note, we cannot guarantee parking availability at these locations, but this map is meant to provide helpful guidance. The blue locations are free City parking, while the green lots mark paid or business-specific parking.
- Important reminder: Park only in clearly marked parking spots! This is crucial for both emergency and regular traffic to safely navigate throughout Morehead City. If you are in violation of City or State ordinances, your vehicle may be ticketed and/or towed.
- Drive carefully and be alert for increased pedestrian traffic downtown.
SAFETY TIPS:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and ensure you are eating sufficient food. There is a lot of high excitement, temperatures and humidity and staying hydrated and fed can help combat this. If you feel faint, please seek shade and a seat immediately and request assistance, whether by calling 911 or alerting someone nearby. Morehead City Fire-EMS will be staged in the Big Rock event footprint during afternoons and evenings to assist anyone with medical needs.
- Consider having your In Case of Emergency section filled out on your cell phone, so first responders can access this from your Home Screen in case of emergency. Watch Morehead City FIre-EMS video on the In Case of Emergency section and how it can help in your time of need:https://youtu.be/D5Olf_zkaHc?si=5OSeStU5CWPNoU7s
- Take a picture of any children with you before entering the event footprint. We recommend this show their entire outfit for the day, and a general height marker. In the event you are separated from them, this may help law enforcement find them quickly. You could also consider having their full name, height, weight and physical characteristics written in your phone so you can quickly share it with Morehead City Police in the case they are temporarily lost. You can also take a picture of other adults in your group for the same purpose! (Otherwise, you have it for the memories.)
- Keep your vehicles locked when you are away from them, and take note of where you parked your vehicle.
- We recommend keeping your photo ID with you in case of emergency, and a power bank for your cell phone.
To conclude, we are wishing everyone a great week at Big Rock! We hope everyone stays safe and healthy, and tight lines to all the participants! Help us spread the word, and share this post.
