CULLMAN, Ala. – What The Tribune first reported Wednesday, Oct. 1, has now been officially confirmed: Rock the South will leave Cullman for a new permanent home in Decatur.
Peachtree Entertainment announced Thursday, Oct. 2, that the 15th annual Rock the South will take place June 11-13, 2026, at The Fields at Decatur, a 150-acre site that the festival now owns outright.
Organizers said the move marks the start of a bold new era for the event, which began in Cullman in 2012 and has grown into one of the South’s largest country music festivals.
“In 2026, we’re taking it to the next level,” said Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment. “Rock the South has always been about more than music; it’s about tradition, community and celebrating the South at its best. After 15 years, it was time to create a permanent home that reflects that spirit. The Fields at Decatur gives us over 150 acres of usable space to do it the right way — with the shade, comfort and amenities our fans deserve — and to create even bigger moments than ever before.”
Festival Co-Founder Shane Quick noted the deep roots in Cullman while pointing to future growth.
“Rock the South was born in Cullman, and for me it will always be home. Moving to Decatur is not about leaving those roots behind; it’s about building on them,” he said. “After more than a decade of unforgettable moments, we now have the chance to take everything fans love about this festival and make it even bigger.”
The press release highlighted several upgrades fans can expect at the new site:
- Over 150 acres designed for comfort and flow
- Expanded campgrounds with professional drainage
- New shaded areas and fan hangouts
- Enhanced VIP sections and new experiential zones
- A second stage presented by Raised Rowdy for the first time
Decatur leaders welcomed the announcement with Mayor-Elect Kent Lawrence stating, “I am so excited that Rock the South is coming to Decatur! This premier country music festival will be an event our citizens can truly enjoy, while also attracting visitors from across the country to experience all that our great city has to offer.”
Kyle Demeester, CFO of the City of Decatur, added, “Hosting The Biggest Party in the South at The Fields at Decatur not only brings an incredible experience to our community and region, but also showcases the potential of this property as a premier destination for future growth and development.”
While Decatur prepares for its new role, organizers emphasized that Cullman remains part of the festival’s story. The event will continue to support charities in both Decatur and Cullman.
Cullman officials issued their own statement reflecting on the festival’s run.
“Rock the South has been a tremendous event in Cullman for 14 years and we are certainly disappointed the musical festival is leaving our community,” Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said.
“We are proud that Cullman played a role in growing the festival billed as the Biggest Party in the South to a point where a new permanent location was needed. I anticipate Decatur will experience the same great benefit the festival meant for Cullman,” Jacobs added.
Over its 14 years in Cullman, Rock the South reported a $150 million economic impact and donated more than $2 million to local charities. The festival brought some of the biggest names in music to Cullman and spotlighted the city and Alabama on a national stage. It outgrew its original site at Heritage Park, expanded from two to three days and eventually outgrew the 90-acre York Farm that has hosted recent years, prompting the move to Decatur’s 150-acre venue.
The Tribune noted earlier that every indicator pointed toward a move, even before Thursday’s official confirmation. With this announcement, Cullman’s 14-year run as host city comes to an end, and Decatur takes the stage.
Fans can view renderings of the new site and register for presale ticket access at www.RockTheSouth.com. The full 2026 lineup will be announced in the coming months.
Rock the South: From beginning to the end in Cullman
- 2012 – Rock the South is founded in Cullman as a one-time celebration after the 2011 tornado recovery
- 2013 – The festival becomes an annual event, drawing increasing crowds to Cullman
- 2014-2018 – Rock the South grows into one of the South’s premier country music festivals, bringing in major national acts and tens of thousands of fans each year
- 2019 – Ownership transitions to Shane Quick and Nathan Baugh under Peachtree Entertainment, with a focus on long-term growth
- 2020 – Festival canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2021-2024 – Rock the South returns but faces weather challenges, competition and mixed attendance figures compared to earlier years
- 2025 – Reports surface, including The Tribune’s early coverage, that the festival is preparing to leave Cullman
- Oct. 2, 2025 – Peachtree Entertainment officially announces that the 15th annual Rock the South will move to The Fields at Decatur, scheduled for June 11-13, 2026
