The Rock the South country music festival was born out of recovery efforts from the tornadoes that tore through Alabama in 2011, killing several residents and destroying numerous homes and businesses across the state. Though it was initially started to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the disaster, the festival soon evolved into a fundraising event for local charities and has raised over $1,000,000 to date.
Now, bolstered by a Pepsi partnership, Rock the South — which calls itself the “biggest party in the South” — still hopes to be that oft-sung-about country tailgate of cold beers, summer nights and dirt roads. Sport your stretchiest denim and prove yourself a modern-day cowboy on the mechanical bull ride or, for the city slickers, the ferris wheel. You’ll also wanna look sharp in your best 10-gallon hat when the stage floods with Country Music Award nominees; this year, Eric Church, Hardy and Best New Artist Grammy nominee Jelly Roll will headline. Concertgoers have the choice to camp for the weekend, flooding the grounds with RVs galore and beat up Chevy Silverados. There’s no outside food from your campground allowed into the festival, though Rock The South has over 25 food vendors serving up barbecue, burgers, gyros and drinks to fuel your weekend in the Alabama summer heat. If a Southern sweet tea or lemonade doesn’t cool you down, head to the Misting Forest, a shady oasis in the treeline that spritzes cold water from overhead. Otherwise, you can splurge for a Country Club Skydeck ticket, which will secure your air-conditioned view of the stage, as well as concierge service, upscale dining and a private entry, amongst other perks included in the $2,000 ticket. In 2024, organizers are introducing the Honky Tony Hideaway, the air-conditioned live Western music and line-dancing tent as well as a new side stage in addition to the main stage.
The Specs
- 35,000 expected to attend each of the three days.
- Ticket options: 3-day general admission tickets start at $149.99 and are expected to rise to $249.99 as the fest gets closer. Prices are $399.99 for VIP and $899.99 for Front Porch Seating. The Country Club, the ultra-VIP level, costs $1,999.99 per ticket.
- Exploring the Yellowhammer State? Check out Fifty Grande’s Alabama guide, or the best things to do in Birmingham.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Rock the South 2024?
Fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and trek roughly 50 miles north to get to Cullman. You can also opt to fly into Huntsville International Airport (HSV).
Where are the festival grounds?
Rock the South — officially known as Pepsi Rock the South — will happen at York Farms, 1872 County Road 469, Cullman, AL 35057
Can I camp?
The policies for campers are extensive, so check out the official guidelines on the festival site.
How much are parking passes?
Parking passes are on sale on the Rock the South website. Weekend parking pass costs $90; car camping costs $299; RV parking is $750 and $1,350 with an electrical hookup.
When is the pre-sale?
Pre-sale registration ended November 1.
Can I bring kids?
Children are allowed and those under 3 are free to enter, though there is no programming for children. The festival site also reminds parents of the alcohol consumption that will occur at Rock the South.
How can I pay for stuff at the festival?
Vendors will accept cash and credit in addition to this year’s new offering to pre-sync your credit card to your festival bracelet, allowing you to tap your wrist to pay.
What’s the fest’s email?
Which artists will I see at Rock the South?
Eric Church, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Oliver Anthony, Warren Zeiders, Nelly, Big & Rich Ft. Gretchen Wilson, Priscilla Block, Flatland Cavalry, Nate Smith, Wyatt Flores, Treaty Oak Revival, Kidd G, Gavin Adcock, Alana Springsteen and Dee Jay Silver.
Playlist
Poster
