Parkes, NSW · Summer
Parkes Elvis Festival
Second week of January (5 days, around Elvis's 8 January birthday)
Every January, Parkes reinvents itself as the Elvis capital of the southern hemisphere. For five days around the King's 8 January birthday, the central-west NSW town fills with jumpsuits, tribute artists, street parades, sock hops and renewal-of-vows ceremonies, all soundtracked by Elvis.
What began in 1993 as a small local promotion now draws around 25,000 fans, more than doubling the town's population. It is deliberately, joyfully kitsch and completely sincere at the same time. Book accommodation months out, or do as many festival-goers do and stay in nearby towns.
- Music
- Regional Tourism
- Community Event
- When
- Second week of January (5 days, around Elvis's 8 January birthday)
- How often
- Every year
- Venue
- Townwide
- Crowd
- Approx. 25,000
- Entry
- Free + ticketed
- Setting
- Mixed
Dates shown follow the event's typical pattern; exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official site before booking travel.
Getting there by bus
Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Parkes.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.