The Welcome to Rockville music festival will continue to take place at Daytona International Speedway for at least ten more years, festival founder Danny Wimmer announced on Friday. Wimmer was joined by Speedway President Frank Kelleher and NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar, who’ll be sponsored by the festival for multiple races in the 2025 season. Together, they confirmed an agreement to keep Rockville in Daytona from 2026 to 2035.
“Welcome To Rockville has always been about more than just a festival, it’s about creating a destination fans look forward to every year,” Wimmer said. “Partnering with Daytona International Speedway gives us the space, the resources, and the platform to dream even bigger. We’re building something fans, artists, and the community can be proud of for years to come.”
First held in 2011 in Jacksonville, Welcome to Rockville has evolved from a medium-sized festival to one of the most highly attended in the United States. The event moved to Daytona Beach beginning in 2021, and according to Wimmer it accommodated around 230,000 attendees at its 2025 edition in May. That made it the largest crowd in Rockville history, a record the festival has continuously broken for itself for three consecutive years.
ⓒ Eryn Harris
Among the challenges of holding a large outdoor festival in Florida is the aggressive heat, a problem which was especially pervasive in 2025. Wimmer credited AdventHealth in particular with helping to facilitate the four-day festivities in the inhospitable weather, and thanked them with a $10,000 contribution on Friday.
“When a festival of this scale invests back into the community, it’s about more than music — it’s about impact,” added David Weis, regional president and CEO for AdventHealth’s operations in east Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. “Just as Rockville unites fans from around the world, this gift helps unite us in building a healthier future right here in Daytona Beach.”
Though the headlining acts for 2026 have yet to be announced, they’ll have a large legacy to build on from this year’s event. Some of the most popular bands who made their way to Daytona Beach included Green Day, Linkin Park, Rob Zombie, and Shinedown among many others. The draw for these bands transcends borders both national and international, something community stakeholders believe is a major asset to Volusia County.
“We are absolutely thrilled with Danny Wimmer Presents’ 10-year commitment to hosting Welcome To Rockville right here in Daytona Beach at the iconic Daytona International Speedway,” said Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lori Campbell Baker. “This premier event has been an incredible asset to our destination, delivering substantial economic impact, with festivalgoers staying in hotels, dining at restaurants, and exploring all the attractions our area has to offer. Welcome to Rockville shines a global spotlight on Daytona Beach and draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, and we look forward to what the future holds for this world-renowned event.”
NASCAR star and Welcome to Rockville brand ambassador Carson Hocevar. ⓒ Eryn Harris
