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PAGE 2 October 2025
A star-studded lineup has been unveiled for Rock The South 2026, which will be moving to a brand-new home at The Fields at Decatur. The event will be held on June 11–13, 2026 and the headliners include: Jason Aldean, Riley Green, and Zach Top. They will be joined by an all-star mix of country icons and rising stars, including Jessie Murph, BigXthaPlug, Brantley Gilbert, Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Lauren Alaina, The Castellows, Austin Snell, Jake Worthington, Cole Goodwin, Graham Barham, The Creekers, Tyler Nance, Zach John King, Jay Webb, Tyce Delk, Chandler Walters, Myles Morgan, Connor Hicks, Ava Hall, Callie Prince, Ethan Garner, Emmy Moyen, and Dee Jay Silver. Following 15 years in Cullman, Rock The South is entering a bold new era at its new site in Decatur (just south of Huntsville and about an hour from Birmingham). For the first time ever, Peachtree Entertainment will own the festival property outright, allowing for long-term investment in infrastructure and fan-first improvements that elevate the experience for years to come. This will also bring new revenue streams to the Decatur area, while at the same time taking away some revenue enjoyed by folks in the Cullman area since the event began over a decade ago. The Fields at Decatur features over 150 usable acres designed for maximum comfort and flow, including expanded campgrounds with professionally engineered drainage, more shade and fan hangout areas, an enhanced VIP experience, and for the first time, a second stage presented by Raised Rowdy inside a new Fan Zone. Organizers believe the result will be more music, louder nights, and bigger moments than ever before. “This lineup represents everything Rock The South stands for - country roots, Southern pride, and unforgettable live music,” said Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment, and Shane Quick, Co-Founder of Rock The South and President of Live Events at Peachtree Entertainment, in a joint statement. “From icons like Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt to the next generation of stars like Riley Green, Jessie Murph, and Zach Top, this year’s festival is a true celebration of where country music has been and where it’s headed. Moving to The Fields at Decatur allows us to take Rock The South to the next level. We’re building this site from the ground up for our fans, with more space, better access, and new ways to experience the music. This is the biggest and best Rock The South we’ve ever had, and it’s just the beginning of what’s ahead.” With a continued focus on community, Rock The South will also support select charities from Decatur as well as from its previous home in Cullman, ensuring the festival’s growth benefits both regions. Over the last 15 years, Rock The South has brought over $150 million in economic impact to the city of Cullman, and with its move to The Fields at Decatur, the festival is poised to generate even greater economic opportunities for North Alabama through tourism, local business partnerships, and job creation. “This year’s Rock The South lineup is one of the best yet, and we’re proud Decatur will be the stage for some outstanding performers,” said Mayor Tab Bowling, City of Decatur. “Beyond the music, the festival brings visitors, energy, and economic impact that will ripple through our community and local businesses. It’s an exciting moment for Decatur and for everyone ready to celebrate The Biggest Party in the South.” As part of its commitment to fans, Rock The South has partnered with StubHub to introduce a safe and secure fan-to-fan ticket exchange, providing access to sold out ticket types and ensuring that if plans change, fans can easily resell or purchase verified tickets directly through the official platform. More details to be announced. Fans can get a first look at the new site with an exclusive rendering video of The Fields at Decatur, available now at RockTheSouth.com. Additionally Fans who join the Rock The South Insider List will receive first access to the presale and guaranteed lowest-price presale tickets before the general public. Registration and details are available now at RockTheSouth.com. Rock The South Moving to Decatur 2026 Event Headliners Named
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Gadsden State Community College’s Consortium of Machining Education Training (CoMeT) program has been recognized by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship as one of the state’s 2025 Regional Best Practices in Work-Based Learning. The statewide recognition highlights 18 programs that exemplify innovation, strong partnerships, and real-world impact in career-connected education. CoMeT was honored for its outstanding approach to equipping students and employees with hands-on skills in precision machining—creating a strong pipeline of highly trained workers for industries across Northeast Alabama and beyond. “CoMeT represents exactly what work-based learning should be,” said Andy Robertson, Dean of Workforce Development at Gadsden State. “Students gain valuable, paid experience while mastering advanced machining techniques that directly meet the needs of our regional employers. This recognition affirms the strength of our partnerships and the quality of our instruction.” Founded as a collaborative initiative between Gadsden State and regional industry partners, CoMeT integrates classroom learning with applied training on industry-standard equipment. The program serves as a model for how higher education and employers can work hand-in-hand to meet workforce demands and build long-term career opportunities for students. “Programs like CoMeT are key to developing Alabama’s next generation of skilled professionals,” said Lisa Morales, Community and Workforce Development Liaison. “Through strong collaboration with local manufacturers and a commitment to hands- on training, we’re helping students earn credentials that translate directly into sustainable, high-wage careers.” The CoMeT labs, located at Gadsden State’s Ayers Campus in Anniston and the East Broad Campus in Gadsden, provides specialized instruction in precision machining and advanced manufacturing. The program has grown steadily in enrollment and employer partnerships, serving as a regional hub for workforce innovation. “Gadsden State is proud to be setting the standard for workforce training in Alabama,” said Robertson. “The success of CoMeT demonstrates what’s possible when education and industry work together to strengthen our communities.” For more information about CoMeT or other workforce programs at Gadsden State, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/comet. The Snead State Jazz Band performs at the 2025 Boaz Harvest Festival. Gadsden State CoMeT Program Recognized
DOWNTOWN GADSDEN NOVEMBER EVENTS
NOVEMBER 7 & 8 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 13 BALLYHOO (At the Pitman) NOVEMBER 19 BINGO (At Back Forty)
NOVEMBER 28 PLAID FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
More Info at www.downtowngadsden.com
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