Legends in Concert announces 19th annual Branson Elvis™ Festival, May 1-3

The 19th Annual Branson Elvis™ Festival takes place at the Pepsi Legends Theater, May 1-3, 2026. The highlight of the festival, the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™, will begin with the semi-final round on Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m. and conclude with the finals on Sunday, May 3^, at 2 p.m. This contest is one of a select few tribute competitions sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and is hosted by Ryan Pelton.

Contestants will be judged on vocals, appearance and stage presence. The winner of the Branson contest will receive a prize package and the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ finals presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The finals are held in Memphis, Tennessee, during Elvis Week, August 8-16, 2026.

We will be kicking off the festivities Friday afternoon on May 1, with DEAN Z hosting a show at 2 p.m. at the Clay Cooper Theater. The Elvis Meet & Greet will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday evening back at the Pepsi Legends Theater. This is your opportunity to get to know the contestants and to have some fun! Legends in Concert takes the stage at 8 p.m. that evening featuring tributes to Pat Benatar, Shania Twain, The Blues Brothers™, and the “king of rock ‘n roll,” Elvis Presley.

Make plans to join us in the lobby of the theater for our Elvis Vendor Fair on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is a terrific opportunity to mingle with other Elvis fans and shop for unique Elvis items. You are sure to spot many of the contestants also! Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest SEMI-FINALS will determine which of the contestants return for the finals on Sunday. After the semi-finals, Cote Deonath, 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist title winner, takes the stage at 8 p.m., featuring his electrifying tribute show, “The Ultimate Elvis Concert.” This show will transport the audience back to rock ‘n’ roll’s golden era and promises an unforgettable evening with timeless hits and mesmerizing performances.

Sunday morning, May 3 at 11a.m., Ryan Pelton presents an intimate musical journey featuring the gospel music that inspired the King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis Presley! Performed and narrated by Ryan and joined by The Peltones Gospel Quartet, featuring uplifting gospel music and memories from Elvis Presley’s life, as well as stories from Ryan’s 28-plus year career as an Elvis Tribute Artist.

The festival concludes Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. with the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest FINALS determining who wins the title as well as the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ in Memphis, Tennessee, in August!

For more information, call 417-339-3003 or visit the website: www.bransonelvisfestival.com