Pet Rock Fest Announces Decades by DeZyne as 2026 Headliner

Popular New England show band joins lineup for Oct. 4 festival at Lancaster Fairgrounds

LANCASTER, MA — Pet Rock Fest has landed a performer organizers have been hoping to bring to the festival for years.

Decades by DeZyne, one of New England's most popular and enduring show bands, has been named the headlining act for the 28th annual Pet Rock Festival, set for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at the Lancaster Fairgrounds.

Known for its powerful vocals, energetic stage show and extensive repertoire spanning everything from Motown classics to contemporary hits, Decades by DeZyne has entertained audiences throughout New England for more than 25 years.

The band's unique format features four lead vocalists and five musicians performing a high-energy musical journey through six decades of popular music.

"We are excited to bring our show to this year's Pet Rock Festival," said Gerry Martin, guitarist and band leader for DeZyne. "The festival is a fantastic way to bring awareness and much-needed support benefiting animal welfare organizations. We're looking forward to a great day on Oct. 4."

For Pet Rock Fest organizers, securing the band is the culmination of a long-running goal.

"We've wanted Decades by DeZyne at Pet Rock Fest for years," said Charlene Arsenault, founding partner of Pet Rock Fest. "They have a reputation for putting on a terrific show, getting people on their feet and creating the kind of fun, positive energy that fits perfectly with what Pet Rock is all about. We're pretty psyched they're finally joining us—us and all the animals they’re helping."

The Black Souls, a six-piece band featuring veteran musicians from the Worcester and Boston music scenes, have also been added to this year's lineup. Known for their blend of early rock and roll, soul, garage rock and dance-friendly classics, the group will help kick off a full afternoon of live entertainment.

"Music has always been an important part of the Pet Rock experience," said Jeannie Hebert, founding partner of Pet Rock Fest. "People come for the animals, but they stay all day because there's so much happening. Having talented bands like Decades by DeZyne and The Black Souls helps make the festival a true celebration."

The Pet Rock Festival returns to the Lancaster Fairgrounds from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. Widely recognized as New England's largest animal welfare festival, the event brings together more than 150 rescue groups and animal welfare organizations, along with vendors, demonstrations, contests, educational exhibits, guest speakers and family-friendly activities.

Festival favorites expected to return include the Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade, K9 demonstrations, Pups in the Air disc dog performances, pet contests, the Pet Rock “Juno” Hero Awards, a vegetarian food court, and free and low-cost pet services including microchipping and rabies vaccinations provided by VCA Clinics.

Since its founding in 1999, Pet Rock Fest has donated nearly $1 million to animal-related charities and causes throughout New England.

Additional entertainment announcements and festival programming details will be released in the coming months.

For more information, visit petrockfest.org or contact petrockfest@gmail.com.