Rockabillaque, the South’s largest festival celebrating midcentury Americana culture, announced that it will not be held in Charleston this year. The event had planned to celebrate its 13th anniversary this fall in Park Circle.
Event founder Simon Cantlon of Vive Le Rock Productions made the announcement via social media, saying:
"This announcement doesn't come easy but after 12 years we are putting Rockabillaque Charleston on hold for 2026. I have put a lot of thought into this but with rising production costs, less sponsorship dollars and barely breaking even it has gotten harder and harder to sustain a Free Street Festival.
It's been an incredible 12 years packed full of memories, good times, cool rides, rockin' music, amazing pinups, eclectic vendors and celebrating an amazing neighborhood plus so much more. We need to rethink the Charleston festival and hope to bring it back with the same spirit and better than ever on a future date.
I will still be producing events and festivals in Park Circle area including Park Circle Pride and events at Commonhouse Aleworks plus some other things that are in the works. It's been an amazing 12 years for RBQ CHS and I look forward to more great events and festivals this year and beyond.
Rockabillaque has some new exciting endeavors for this year including some new festivals being announced soon! We also will be moving Rockabillaque Florida to Novemberof this year. Full details including Vendor Signup and Car Registration will be announced tomorrow. I am excited to dive in and kick ass in 2026 with the Vive Le Rock Production team including Summer Speaks, our festival Event Manager and Crystal Higgins, our Event Coordinator.
Thank you to all of you for believing in my vision through all these years and helping me to grow Rockabillaque. I couldn't have done it without you all! Onwards and upwards.
Much Thanks,
Simon"
Click here to keep up with the event's future plans.