Nineteenth annual Elvis Festival gets underway in May

Elvis fans will gather next month for Branson's annual Elvis Festival. The three-day musical event will be held May 1 - 3.

Branson's Elvis Festival celebrates the memory and legacy of Elvis Presley with concerts, events, tribute shows and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, one of only a few such competitions sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest brings in the best tribute artists from across the country, who are judged on appearance and costume, stage presence, vocal ability and style.

The 19th Annual Branson Elvis Festival gets underway on Friday, May 1, with Dean Z, the Ultimate Elvis Show at 2 p.m., at the Clay Cooper Theater. An Elvis meet and greet begins at 5 p.m., at the Pepsi Legends Theater, followed by a performance of Legends in Concert at 8 p.m. Held at the Pepsi Legends Theater, the show will feature tributes to Pat Benatar, Shania Twain, The Blues Brothers and Elvis.

On Saturday, May 2, the Elvis vendor fair gets underway at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m., giving fans the opportunity to shop for unique Elvis memorabilia. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest semi-final event begins at 3 p.m. Finalists in this competition will advance to Sunday's final event. 

A Festival Happy Hour is set for Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m., and Cote Deonath will take the stage at 8 p.m. with the Ultimate Elvis Concert. A Festival After-Party will be held following the concert, at Branson's New Wave Café, 3307 W. Country Blvd.

Festival attendees are invited to join Elvis Tribute Artist Ryan Pelton for The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 3.

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finals begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The winner of this contest advances to the 2026 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held in Memphis, August 8 - 16, during Elvis Week.

Branson's Elvis Festival is a must for Elvis fans and enthusiasts, and features performances that recreate the full Elvis experience. It promises a weekend full of music, entertainment and fan engagement.