That’s a Wrap on the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival

Paul Fenech

The 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival has officially come to a close, and once again the iconic regional town of Parkes proved why it proudly holds the title of the Elvis capital of Australia. From packed venues and standing ovations to unforgettable late-night celebrations, this year’s festival delivered energy, heart and world-class entertainment from start to finish.

As one of Australia’s most distinctive music and travel events, the Parkes Elvis Festival continues to attract visitors, performers and devoted Elvis fans from across the country and around the globe, transforming the town into a vibrant celebration of music, nostalgia and community spirit.

Vegas Theatre and Afterparty Highlights

A major highlight of the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival was the success of the Vegas Theatre shows and the hugely popular afterparty events. A heartfelt thank you goes to the incredible team behind the scenes, including Diane Power, Aaron W Mansfield and Anthony Fenech, whose dedication and professionalism ensured both venues delivered unforgettable experiences night after night.

The Vegas Theatre became a true rock concert atmosphere, driven by the outstanding band led by Musical Director Colin Muir. Their powerhouse performances lifted every show and kept audiences on their feet, reinforcing the Vegas Theatre as one of the festival’s must-visit venues.

World-Class Performers Take the Stage

The calibre of performers at the Vegas Theatre reflected the international reputation of the Parkes Elvis Festival. Performers including Ted Torres Martin, Aaron Mansfield, Josuel Grech, Anthony Fenech ETA, Sean Luke Spiteri, Matt Birse, Elvis Roberts, Anthony Petrucci, Douglas Mizzi, Rick Hudson, Toki the Japanese Elvis, Brendon Chase and Kris Knight brought passion, authenticity and sheer entertainment value to every performance.

Their commitment and hard work were evident, and audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, making each show a standout moment of the festival.

Production, Support and the Elvis Express

Behind every successful festival is a strong production and support team. Lyn Townsend, along with Gail and Peter, delivered outstanding results, ensuring smooth operations across performances and events.

Taurean Kenny Mill

Special recognition also goes to Taurean Kenny Mill, Gerard Mascarenhas, Sheryl Scharkie and the Blues Brothers Rebooted duo of Shane and Christian for their fantastic work on the Elvis Express. Despite being short on manpower for the return journey, the spirit of the festival shone through as singing, storytelling, trivia and giveaways turned the train ride home into a rolling celebration.

A standout moment came from Marshall, who entertained fellow passengers across multiple carriages and later went on to win the Amateur Elvis Competition, perfectly capturing the inclusive and spontaneous magic of the festival.

The Fans Who Make It All Possible

Every entertainer knows that Elvis fans are truly something special, and Parkes once again proved that point. Fans turned up in extreme heat, moved tirelessly between venues and brought unstoppable enthusiasm to every performance. Their support gives artists a stage, fuels the atmosphere and ensures the festival continues to thrive year after year.

The afterparty was a fitting finale, with ETAs from across Australia and international acts all coming together for one final celebration. The sense of camaraderie, friendship and shared love for Elvis made it a night to remember.

Community, Founders and Volunteers

The professionalism and hospitality of the Broadway Hotel management and staff played a key role in making this year’s events the best yet. Their attention to detail and willingness to accommodate every request did not go unnoticed.

At the heart of the Parkes Elvis Festival are its founders, Bob and Anne Steel, whose passion and vision continue to shape this iconic event. Thanks also go to Brendan Shipley and Tiffany Steel for their trust and support in delivering entertainment activations across multiple venues. Planning for next year is already underway, with expectations higher than ever.

Finally, none of this would be possible without the volunteers and support groups who worked tirelessly in challenging conditions. Their commitment ensures the festival runs smoothly and remains one of Australia’s most beloved regional events.

Planning Your Visit to Parkes

For those inspired to experience the Parkes Elvis Festival for themselves, or to explore the rich culture and attractions of the Parkes region, visit:
https://www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
https://www.visitparkes.com.au

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