OCT. 2, 2025, UPDATE: Rock the South officially confirms move to Decatur
CULLMAN, Ala. – As early as Thursday, Oct. 2, Rock the South organizers are expected to announce what many residents have long heard as rumor: the festival will relocate from Cullman County to Decatur, Alabama. If confirmed, this will mark a historic shift for the concert that has become one of north Alabama’s signature events.
What we know so far
- Rock the South’s official site currently lists no location for 2026 and simply states “See you in 2026”
- Social media hints have surfaced: On Facebook, Rock the South posted, “The biggest party in the south has a big announcement soon — saddle up”
- Fans discussing the move on local Facebook groups cite Decatur as the rumored destination, with some expressing concern over traffic and access
- News coverage from 2025 described the latest Rock the South event as “record-breaking” in Cullman, drawing thousands across three days
- While there is no official confirmation yet from Decatur’s city government, tourism office or the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, every indicator points toward a major announcement
The festival born from recovery
Rock the South was born out of tragedy and rebirth. After the devastating tornadoes in 2011, Shane Quick led the effort to launch a music event in 2012 as part of Cullman’s recovery — a festival meant to bring hope, economic stimulus and community pride back to a battered region.
In its first year, the festival was organized through City channels, but by 2013, Quick had assumed leadership and expanded the event to two days. Over time, he partnered with Nathan Baugh (of 46 Entertainment/Peachtree) to manage and scale the festival.
From small beginnings, Rock the South pushed through growing pains — zoning debates, traffic concerns, infrastructure limitations — and grew into a marquee summer event for country music fans.
In 2019, the festival moved from Heritage Park to a larger 150-acre private parcel just south of the city, adjacent to I-65, to accommodate camping and expanded parking.
Attendance and momentum
In 2023, local media said festival night one drew over 35,000 attendees, with organizers projecting around 100,000 across all days.
In 2024, The Tribune reported about 50,000 total attendees over three days — significantly lower than the 2023 peak, though differences in counting methods were noted.
Organizers and media have described 2025’s event as “record-breaking.” However, no publicly audited final attendance figures have been released.
What Decatur brings to the table
Decatur’s infrastructure, riverfront appeal and established tourism platforms make it a tempting alternative for a festival seeking growth. The city boasts Point Mallard Park (500 acres) as a major recreational anchor.
If officials confirm the move, the narrative will likely revolve around Decatur offering better access, lodging capacity, traffic handling and tourism synergy.
The announcement may come with municipal plans for venue development, parking and transportation support and promotional backing from Decatur’s tourism and chamber organizations.
Cullman would lose not only one of its largest annual draws, but also the thousands of hotel nights, restaurant visits and sales tax impacts tied to Rock the South.
More importantly, it would mark a shift in cultural identity, since a festival once rooted in Cullman’s recovery would have grown beyond the county’s borders.
Rock the South may be moving, but the story of Cullman’s cultural and economic momentum does not have to leave with it.
