Parkes Elvis Festival 2020

Overview

Every January the New South Wales town of Parkes more than doubles its population for a very special birthday celebration — Elvis Presley's. The King may be long gone, but the regional town keeps his spirit very much alive when 27,000 loyal fans flock to five-day festival from January 8–12, proving that he was always on their mind.

Elvis tribute artists from all over the world come to Parkes to battle it out to be named the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. There's a Miss Priscilla competition, rock 'n' roll dancing, daily markets, trivia, bingo, movie screenings of films like Frankie and Johnny (this year's theme) and Love Me Tender. And there's never been a better time to kick off your blue suede shoes for Elvis karaoke. Cue up 'Jailhouse Rock' and bring the house down.

The huge celebration of the hip shaking hound dog started life in the early 90s and it has grown in popularity with more than 200 events on the bill, many of which are free to attend. If you're a diehard regular, make sure you get into theme, which is the name of 1966 movie where Presley plays a riverboat gambler. It's now or never.