The 26th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival kicks off this week, with the King of Rock and Roll’s hometown set to host a number of tribute events in memory of the musical legend.
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo on Jan. 8, 1935, and lived there until he was 13 years old. He’s said to have discovered his love of music at the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church before getting his first guitar at the Tupelo Hardware Store downtown.
While Presley and his family later moved to Memphis, Tenn., in 1948 – where he eventually became a global star – officials with the Tupelo Elvis Festival vouch that fans must remember Presley’s formative years to fully understand how the legend of Elvis came to be.
“We’re always trying to educate that while most people put Elvis with Memphis, his story started here in Tupelo,” Jennie Bradford of the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau said. “We really made him the man that he would become. We want people to start at the beginning of the story, see where he was born, and then go to Memphis and see Graceland and appreciate all that he became as the world’s greatest entertainer.”
Bradford said this year’s festival, running from June 5-9, will include everything from the popular tribute concerts to Elvis-themed competitions. She added that thousands are expected, with attendees planning to come from all over the world.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything, and we have people from all over the country and then lots of different countries throughout the world ready to attend,” Bradford said. “Our backup band for all the tribute competitions and concerts is actually from Australia, so there really are Elvis fans in every nook and cranny of the world. We welcome everybody here at the Elvis Festival in Tupelo.”
Those wishing to attend can purchase individual tickets at the Cadence Bank Arena Box Office or by calling (662)841-6528. Package tickets can be purchased here. The majority of events will be held at Cadence Bank Arena, the Tupelo Cotton Mill, the Elvis Presley Birthplace, and The Silver Moon Club. A full schedule can be found below.
Wednesday, June 5
- 6:00 PM – TUPELO ELVIS FESTIVAL GALA AND AFTER PARTY | Tupelo Cotton Mill
- with festival host Tom Brown featuring Ben Thompson, Bill Cherry, Brandon Bennett, Cote Deonath, David Lee, Jeff Lewis, Jesse Aron, Jay Dupuis, and Nick Perkins backed by Tributes in Concert band
Thursday, June 6
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – “BECOMING EXPERIENCE” YOUTH DAY & COMPETITION | Elvis Presley Birthplace
- sponsored by Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club and the Elvis Presley Birthplace
- registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.
- Click HERE to register
- 2:00 PM – “MEET THE 2024 TUPELO CONTESTANTS“ SHOWCASE | Cadence Bank Arena
- with festival host Tom Brown featuring all 2024 Tupelo Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contestants backed by Tributes in Concert band
- 12:30 PM – TUPELO YOUTH ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST COMPETITION | Elvis Presley Birthplace
- sponsored by Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club and the Elvis Presley Birthplace
- 7:00 PM – “WELCOME BACK TO TUPELO” OPENING CONCERT | Cadence Bank Arena
- with festival host Tom Brown featuring Jesse Aron (2023 Tupelo UETA Competition winner), Nick Perkins, Cote Deonath, Brandon Bennett, David Lee, Bill Cherry, Ben Thompson, and Jay Dupuis backed by Tributes in Concert band
- 10:30 PM – TUPELO ELVIS FESTIVAL AFTER PARTY | Silver Moon Club
- with After Party host Jeff Lewis and entertainers backed by Tributes in Concert band
Friday, June 7
- 10:00 AM – TUPELO ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST COMPETITION FIRST ROUND | Cadence Bank Arena
- with festival host Tom Brown and Elvis Tribute Artist contestants backed by Tributes in Concert band
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY | Fairpark
- sponsored by Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
- with food trucks and Soul for the King – a Stax Museum of American Soul Music Pop-Up Experience with guest artist DJ Rockin’ Amy Dee and Reigning 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Winner Cote Deonath
- Graceland and Stax Museum ticket giveaway, Soul for the King Scavenger Hunt, Merch – Vinyl DJ Dance Party, and more!
- 3:00 PM – “BEHIND THE JUMPSUITS” CONVERSATIONS | Cadence Bank Arena
- hosted by Tom Brown and Jason Russo featuring Robin Theobald of B&K Enterprises, Ben Thompson, Bill Cherry, Brandon Bennett, Cote Deonath, Dean Z, David Lee, Jay Dupuis, and Jesse Aron
- “Behind The Jumpsuits” is a captivating show that delves into the real stories of the dedicated individuals who keep Elvis Presley’s memory alive around the world. Through a blend of heartfelt anecdotes, engaging games, and personal insights, the show explores the journeys of these passionate performers, revealing how they started on their paths and the alternate paths they could have taken. From Elvis Tribute Artists to dedicated musicians “Behind The Jumpsuits” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who ensure that Elvis’s legacy continues to shine bright. Prepare to be moved by their stories and inspired by their unwavering commitment to preserving the King’s memory.
- 6:00 PM – TCB FIGHTS “DECKED OUT” WEIGH IN | Cadence Bank Arena Conference Center
- featuring local fighters from UFM, HIT Fitness, and other local gyms
- 7:00 PM – “FROM TUPELO WITH LOVE” CONCERT | Cadence Bank Arena
- “From Tupelo with Love” will immerse the audience in the heartfelt essence of Elvis Presley’s classic and rarest love songs. From “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to lesser-known gems, the show captures the timeless romance and passion that Elvis brought to his music. With a dynamic performance that pays homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, “From Tupelo with Love” transports audiences back to an era of soulful crooning and unforgettable melodies. This love-filled show will feature festival host Tom Brown and ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists: Brandon Bennett, Jay Dupuis, David Lee, and Bill Cherry backed by Tributes in Concert Band.
- 10:30 PM – TUPELO ELVIS FESTIVAL AFTER PARTY | Silver Moon Club
- with After Party host Jeff Lewis and entertainers backed by Tributes in Concert band
Saturday, June 8
- 7:30 AM RUNNING WITH THE KING 5K | Veterans Park
- sponsored by Tupelo Running Club
- packet pick-up from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m.
- Click HERE to register
- 10:00 AM – TUPELO ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST COMPETITION FINALS | Cadence Bank Arena
- with festival host Tom Brown and Elvis Tribute Artist TOP 10 contestants backed by Tributes in Concert band *2024 Tupelo winner announced
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM – ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST MEET & GREETS | Various locations in Downtown Tupelo
- Visit with your favorite Elvis Tribute Artists at various retailers in Downtown Tupelo!
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM – SOUL FOR THE KING – A STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC POP-UP EXPERIENCE | Spring Street in Downtown Tupelo
- During Elvis Tribute Artist Meet & Greets featuring DJ Rockin’ Amy Dee and 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Winner Jay Dupuis
- Graceland Stax Museum ticket giveaway, Soul for the King Scavenger Hunt, Merch – Vinyl DJ Dance Party, and more!
- 7:00 PM – TCB FIGHTS “DECKED OUT” BOXING EVENT | Cadence Bank Arena Conference Center
- doors open at 6:00 p.m.
- Dress to impress!
- Featuring local fighters from UFM, HIT Fitness, and other local gyms
- 7:00 PM – “THE ROCKER” CONCERT | Cadence Bank Arena
- “The Rocker” is a modern and energetic live Elvis extravaganza headlined by the incomparable Dean Z, alongside the powerhouse Tributes in Concert Band. This electrifying performance infuses a rockier edge into Elvis’s timeless classics, creating a fresh and dynamic experience that will have audiences on their feet and dancing in the aisles. Drawing inspiration from the recent Baz Luhrmann film, the show seamlessly blends iconic Elvis hits with new and exciting arrangements, ensuring a night of non-stop entertainment and unforgettable music. Get ready to rock out and experience the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll like never before with “The Rocker”! This show promises an unforgettable night of entertainment that captures the essence of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in all his glory. Get ready to groove to the rhythm and feel the adrenaline rush of this concert experience! Featuring festival host Tom Brown and for the first time in “The Rocker” show Dean Z will be joined by fellow Ultimates Ben Thompson and Cote Deonath! Get ready to rock Tupelo as this concert will bring the house down!
- 10:30 PM – TUPELO ELVIS FESTIVAL AFTER PARTY | Silver Moon Club
- with After Party host Jeff Lewis and entertainers backed by Tributes in Concert band
Sunday, June 9
- 1:00 PM – SUNDAY GOSPEL CONCERT | Cadence Bank Arena
- with David Lee, Dean Z, Ben Thompson, Cote Deonath, Bill Cherry, Brandon Bennett, Jay Dupuis, Jesse Aron, Jeff Lewis, Tom Brown, and the 2024 Tupelo Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition winner backed by Tributes in Concert band
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