After hosting one of the largest country music festivals over the last 15 years in Cullman, Rock the South is moving just up Interstate 65 to the City of Decatur.

The festival teased the news earlier this week before officially announcing the change Thursday morning.

“In 2026, we are taking it to the next level at our new home, The Fields at Decatur in Decatur, Alabama June 11-13. For the first time ever, we own the land, giving us the chance to do it better with over 150 acres off of the four lane Gordon Terry Parkway, expanded campgrounds with professionally engineered drainage, more shade, and a brand-new Fan Zone.”
Rock the South on Facebook

They also announced the introduction of a second, smaller stage within the Fan Zone. A lineup announcement is expected to come soon.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1423318868771098

Rock the South 2026

Next year’s festival will be held earlier in the summer than previous years, moving to the second weekend in June.

It will be hosted at the Fields of Decatur with over 150 acres of land at the corner of Woodall Road and Gordon Terry Parkway on the west side of Decatur. The extra space is expected to provide expanded campgrounds + parking as well as the new Fan Zone with a second stage.

Chase Grisham, who worked with the event’s organizers for a Spirit of America festival over the summer, said he spoke with Nathan Baugh and Shane Quick about bringing another festival to Decatur. But that eventually turned into the idea of moving Rock The South.

“Nathan Baugh and Shane Quick are still the owners, do a great job and are not going anywhere. We’re going to be the local liaison for Decatur. Once again, they do 40 to 50 festivals a year, and they’re super busy. So we will be boots on the ground here in Decatur, helping with the hospitality side of it and making sure that Decatur gets what’s in their best interest.”
Chase Grisham, Qualifying Broker + Owner, The Grisham Group

Rock the South started as a concert series to raise funds for tornado victims in 2012. It quickly grew into a two-day festival, bringing together some of the biggest names in country music.

Since starting, the festival has brought several stars to Cullman including: