Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll—Parkes Elvis Festival is back for its 32nd year, running from 8–12 January 2025. With the theme Easy Come, Easy Go, the festival promises a groovy tribute to Elvis Presley’s 1960s era, packed with concerts, markets, and some exciting new surprises.
More than 25,000 Elvis fans are expected to flood Parkes, making this the largest celebration of The King in the Southern Hemisphere. Festivalgoers can look forward to iconic events like the Evolution Mining Street Parade, the Renewal of Vows Ceremony, and electrifying performances at the Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage.
A standout feature for 2025 is the launch of the Gates of Graceland, a full-sized replica of the famous gates at Graceland, unveiled at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. This tribute will honour key contributors to the festival, with stars also commemorating winners of the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel will be the first to be recognised for their role in bringing the event to life.
Fans won’t want to miss Jack Gatto, one of Australia’s favourite Elvis Tribute Artists, performing a live solo show at 5:30 pm at the Leagues Club. Meanwhile, a free tribute show, Two Strong Hearts, will take to the Cooke Park Main Stage, celebrating the hits of John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John.
This year’s festival also introduces six new ticketed shows at the Parkes Services Club, featuring top Elvis Tribute Artists from Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland. After a short break, the popular Miss Priscilla Dinner returns, where the 2025 Miss Priscilla will be crowned in a fun, themed event.
The festival grounds will also feature spectacular outdoor installations, including the 250-metre Under Our Umbrella canopy, perfect for a shaded photo op, and the nightly Vivid Elvis lighting display illuminating the town.
New this year, the Elvis in Your Pocket mobile app will offer the full festival program, maps, and real-time updates, making it easier than ever to stay connected during the event.
Festival Producer Joel Ulbricht says, “Each year we work to capture the essence of Elvis, and the 2025 Festival will be no different. This year’s program offers something for everyone—whether you’ve been rockin’ with us since the early days or are discovering the King’s magic for the first time.”
Fans of Elvis are in for a treat with the 2025 International Feature Concert Series, featuring U.S.A Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Champions Emilio Santoro, Cote Deonath, and Riley Jenkins. These top artists will perform ten shows at the Parkes Leagues Club, showcasing Elvis’s most legendary hits.
There’s something for everyone at the Parkes Elvis Festival—whether you’re into rock ‘n’ roll dance classes, Elvis-themed workshops, or even the Hound Dog Dog Show. And of course, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest returns, with tribute artists battling it out for a chance to represent Parkes at the global contest in Memphis during Elvis Week in August.
Travelling to the festival is half the fun—jump aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express or the Regional Express Hound Dog Express for a themed journey filled with Elvis tunes and excitement.
Tickets for the Parkes League Club shows go on sale on Monday, 23 September, while all other events will be available from 2pm on Tuesday, 24 September at the Parkes Elvis Festival website.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of The King.
The Specifics
What: Parkes Elvis Festival
When: 8–12 January 2025
Where: Parkes, NSW
For more information, head to the Parkes Elvis Festival website.
