Location, Parking Options, Accessibility
Festival Location: Bohrer Park
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is located at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. There is very limited parking at Gaithersburg High School located at 101 Education Blvd., adjacent to the Festival grounds. However, this lot fills early – and some of it will be reserved for vendors and sponsors with booths at the Festival, which is to say, you should NOT expect there to be any available parking onsite.
Where to Park (or Metro)
Option 1: Park & Ride (Recommended)
Save yourself the hassle by planning ahead to take the FREE and accessible shuttle to and from the festival.
Shuttles run continuously from 9:15 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Located at 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg
Shady Grove Metro Station
15903 Somerville Drive, Rockville – the shuttle will pick up on the 355 side of the station, not on the side with parking garages. If you’re arriving on Metro and coming down the escalator, the 355 side of the station is on the left. The shuttle will pick up near the bike racks, directly ahead of you as you come off the escalator.
Note: Pets will not be permitted on the shuttles; only Service Animals may ride the shuttle or enter the Activity Center at the Festival.
Option 2: Park and Walk
There are two City-owned parking options within about a quarter mile of Bohrer Park. Parking is limited, but may be available if you don’t mind walking over.
- Gaithersburg Parking Garage – Olde Towne
Located at 112 Olde Towne Avenue - Gaithersburg City Hall
Located at 31 S. Summit Avenue
LYFT/ UBER/ TAXI:
The recommended address for drop off and pick up is 101 Education Blvd., Gaithersburg High School parking lot.
ACCESSIBILITY
We are committed to ensuring that the Gaithersburg Book Festival is accessible and welcoming to all attendees.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Gaithersburg High School. Additional spots are located at both the Shady Grove Metro Parking lot (Route 355 side) and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds at 501 Perry Parkway. Both locations will have a shuttle to take attendees to the festival. Each shuttle location includes accessible buses; if you do not see one, simply ask any bus driver to radio for an accessible bus to come.
Shuttle: An accessible shuttle will be available from both satellite parking locations beginning at 9:15 am. Service animals will be permitted on shuttle buses.
Assistance at the Festival
Many presentation tents are near pathways but, unfortunately, not all of the tents are fully accessible. (We are working on this) That being said, all of the adult exhibiting author booths are accessible, the food court is accessible and the entire signing area inside is accessible.
Individuals who may benefit from mobility assistance can request golf cart transportation to any festival location. Just ask anyone with a radio—located at information booths, inside presentation and workshop tents, or anyone operating a golf carts—for assistance.
ASL Interpreters
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are also available and can be requested at Information Booth B or through any tent manager at the event.