The Parkes Elvis Festival returns 7–11 January 2026 with a ‘Love Me Tender’ theme, live music, parades, family fun and dazzling tribute performances.
Fast facts
- Dates: Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 January 2026
- Theme: Love Me Tender
- Location: Parkes, NSW
- Highlights: Street parade, Wall of Fame Concert, Family Fun Zone, Classic Car Show, tribute artist performances, Miss Priscilla Dinner, Memphis Stage evening events, Elvis Express train
- Tickets and more info here
What’s on at the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival
The Parkes Elvis Festival is back in January 2026, bringing fans from all over Australia and beyond to celebrate the life and music of The King. Now in its 33rd year, the festival will run from 7–11 January — prime time for a new year holiday — and is expected to draw more than 25,000 visitors, making it the biggest Elvis tribute in the southern hemisphere.
This year’s festival has a ‘Love Me Tender’ theme and promises a jam-packed program of live music, dancing, markets and plenty of family-friendly fun. Visitors can expect favourites like the Evolution Mining Street Parade, the Renewal of Vows Ceremony, bustling markets, food stalls and headline performances on both the Cooke Park Main Stage and the Memphis Stage.
New Family Fun Zone
One of the major additions for 2026 is the Family Fun Zone, perfect for younger Elvis and Priscilla fans. Entertainment includes Bluey and Bingo’s Live Interactive Experience on the main stage after the Saturday parade, plus appearances from Humphrey B. Bear, who will perform live shows and roam the festival with magic tricks and bear hugs.
(Image Brent Young)
Wall of Fame and tribute artists
The Wall of Fame Concert is back, headlined by Australian music icon Marcia Hines. Her Disco Inferno show promises a dazzling mix of powerhouse vocals, sequins and classic hits at the Parkes Leagues Club.
International Elvis tribute artists Jay Dupuis and Louis Brown will also perform in eight shows at the Leagues Club, backed by the Tributes in Concert Band. Festival director Brendan Shipley says these concerts will include new production elements to make them even more memorable.
Other fan favourite events return in 2026, including the Miss Priscilla Dinner at Parkes Services Club, the Vegas Theatre matinee series featuring acclaimed tribute artist Ted Torrin, the Poets Breakfast at Parkes Golf Club and the Classic Car Show along Festival Boulevard. The Memphis Stage will now run until 8pm, with extra food trucks and market stalls adding to the festival atmosphere, while the Festival Parade starts earlier at 9am on Saturday 10 January.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Elvis Express train
The preliminary rounds of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will see performers from Australia and overseas compete for the chance to represent Parkes in Memphis during Elvis Week in August 2026.
And if you’re coming from Sydney and aren’t bringing your van along, then hop aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express, leaving on 7 January — a day earlier than previous years. The journey features live performances from international tribute artists at Central Station in Sydney before departure.
Supporting regional tourism
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the festival continues to be a major draw for the NSW central west. “The NSW Government is proud to extend its support for the Parkes Elvis Festival until 2027. It is one of the nation’s most popular regional events, each year drawing more than 20,000 people to celebrate The King of Rock’n’Roll,” he said.
Festival director Brendan Shipley added: “Each year we work to capture the essence of Elvis and in 2026 we will bring with it some new reimagined production elements, a family-focused atmosphere and a true theatrical experience across all concerts and events.”
Click here for tickets and full program details.
Where to stay in Parkes with your caravan
Parkes offers a variety of accommodation for travellers with or without a caravan. During the festival, the town will be extremely busy, so it’s best to book early or plan to stay a little further afield.
To cater to the flood of festivalgoers, temporary caravan and camping sites will also open throughout the region. A full list of options with contact details and facility information is available on the festival website here.
Normal caravan camping options:
-
Spicer Caravan Park
37A Albert Street, Parkes NSW 2870
P: 02 6862 6162
Located just off the Newell Highway, with grassy powered and unpowered sites, drive-through options, pet-friendly and a variety of cabins available. -
Parkes Showgrounds
124 Mitchell Street, Parkes NSW 2870
P: 0459 936 091
No bookings required except during the Elvis Festival or Parkes Show (late August). Shaded powered and unpowered sites, new amenities block, water and dump point available. Pets must be leashed or contained.
(Image Brent Young)
What’s next: exploring Parkes and beyond
The Parkes Elvis Festival is just one reason to visit this central west NSW town. Keep your eye out for part two in our Parkes series, where we’ll take a closer look at the surrounding region and what else there is to see and do while you’re in town, from local attractions to scenic drives and hidden gems.
THE NEXT STEP
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Parkes Elvis Festival returns 7–11 Jan 2026