Last Minute Rock The South Reminders 2026
Rock the South 2026 is this weekend October 1st-4th, here is everything you need to know before heading to the biggest party in the south!
Rock the South General Information
Get ready to rock out with your favorite artists!
For any questions or ticket assistance go to the on-site will-call at the Rock the South Fields.
Rock the South is a cashless event, make sure to bring your debit &/or credit card into the event.
You are allowed one lawn chair per person into the festival.
Campers can start checking in starting Wednesday, September 30th at 8am. They will need to check out by 12:00pm on Monday October 5th.
Click here for more camping information.
Thursday Lineup:
Friday Lineup:
Saturday Lineup:
Sunday Lineup:
Parking Information
- Thursday: Parking opens at 2pm and gates open at 3pm
- Friday: Parking opens at 2pm and gates open at 3pm
- Saturday: Parking opens at 1pm & gates open at 2pm
- Sunday: Parking opens at 1pm & gates open at 2pm
Each weekend parking pass allows a parking spot each day of the festival in the designated lots.
Parking passes start at Starting At $40.99. Plan ahead and get your parking passes here!
Rock the South will be located at 3453 Gordon Terry Pkwy, Decatur, AL 35603
Parking will be available on Gordon Terry Parkway as well as overflow parking on Woodall Road.
Be prepared for the heaviest traffic is expected to be around 5-6pm as residents get out of work & school as they make their way to the festival.
There will be a rideshare drop off and pick up zone.
Pedestrians will NOT be allowed to cross Gordan Parkway or Highway 20.
Click here for more parking information!
Traffic flow
Follow traffic flow directions from police officers & signs when entering & exciting the festival.
Eastbound on Highway 24 toward Decatur:
Right lane: Rock the South traffic
Left lane: Through traffic
Westbound on Highway 24 toward Trinity:
Left lane: Rock the South traffic
Right lane: Through traffic
The Fair at Rock the South
We will still be having the fair at Rock the South 2026!
Entry to the fair is free with a Rock the South ticket. The fair will now inclufe free rides with several paid games.
There will be NO admission to the fair without a Rock the South ticket, you must have a ticket to enter the fair.
Keep the Party Going in Decatur
The city of Decatur is ready to party with you! Check out all the live music, promotions, shopping, & events happening below to keep the fun going all weekend long in Decatur.
Last Minute Essentials You Can Find in Decatur
Sunscreen
The Alabama sun is no joke, and bringing sunscreen in your Rock the South bag is essential. Remember to apply it before and during the festival. While aerosol cans are not permitted at Rock the South, you can easily find various non-aerosol sunscreens throughout the city. Sunscreen can be found at:
- Walmart on 2800 Spring Ave SW, Decatur, AL 35603
- Target on 1235 Point Mallard Pkwy, Decatur, AL 35601
- Ulta on 1241 Point Mallard Pkwy, Decatur, AL 35601
- Academy on 1205 Wimberly Dr SW, Decatur, AL 35603
Hand-held Fan
With Rock the South's highest recorded heat index reaching a scorching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it is safe to say that it can get hot at the biggest party in the south. Grab a hand-held fan to help fight the heat at one of these locations:
- Walmart on 2800 Spring Ave SW, Decatur, AL 35603
- Target on 1235 Point Mallard Pkwy, Decatur, AL 35601
- Academy on 1205 Wimberly Dr SW, Decatur, AL 35603
Portable Phone Charger
With gates opening at 2:00 PM and headlining artists usually finishing their performances after 10:00 PM, there’s plenty of time for enjoyment. However, that also means there’s a significant risk of your phone battery dying. Make sure to pick up a portable charger at one of these Decatur locations, so you can capture all the pictures and videos, and ensure you get home safely! You can find a portable charger at:
- Electronic Express on 303 Beltline Pl SW, Decatur, AL 35603
- Walmart on 2800 Spring Ave SW, Decatur, AL 35603
- Target on 1235 Point Mallard Pkwy, Decatur, AL 35601
Water
To combat dehydration in the heat, it's crucial to hydrate not just the day before the festival but also during the event itself. You are allowed to bring two sealed plastic water bottles, an empty plastic reusable water bottle, and/or an empty soft-bag cooler into the Rock the South Gates. Once you’re inside, you'll find water available for purchase, as well as free water refill stations!
The Perfect Outfit
Is it really Rock the South without a pair of boots? Find the perfect pair of boots at Trading Post Western & Outdoor, Academy, or Absaroka Western Wear! Don’t forget to break them in before the party starts to keep your feet comfortable all weekend. With the forecast predicting a chance of rain, don’t forget to throw a poncho in your bag to stay dry all day long.
This year's theme days include:
- Denim & Diamonds on Thursday
- Party in the USA on Friday
- Camo Night on Saturday
Downtown Decatur has all you need to rock in style. Check out the stores below to find the perfect outfit:
To learn more about events & what to do in Decatur & Morgan County visit our socials @visitdecatural & our website www.visitdecatural.org
