Elvis tribute artists toss teddy bears in the air in this 2024 file photo.

Image Credit: Gord Goble

The King is gone, but he’s certainly not forgotten.

With record-breaking advance ticket sales, the 2025 Penticton Elvis Festival promises to be another resounding success, says festival board president Mike Schell, who is marking his 21st year on the organizing committee and third year as president.

Canada’s largest and longest-running Elvis festival is ready to rock and roll in downtown Penticton, starting with a pre-kickoff party and continuing through Sunday afternoon.

A total of 33 Elvis tribute artists are signed up to perform and compete as they pay homage to the legendary Elvis Presley, the man who shook the world when he rose to fame in the 1950s.

He remained a music and entertainment juggernaut until his untimely and tragic death on August 16, 1977.

Unlike many others, Elvis’s stature and popularity have remained remarkably strong nearly 50 years after his death, Schell noted.

The festivities begin tonight (Wednesday) with a pre-festival kickoff party at Bar One in the Sandman Hotel from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring early-arriving tribute artists.

The official kickoff event for the 2025 Penticton Elvis Festival takes place Thursday evening at The Hub on Martin Street. That event is already sold out.

“We’re completely sold out for that event,” said Schell.

While the festival has used Okanagan Lake Park in recent years, it returns to its original location in Gyro Park this year, Schell added.

The official opening ceremonies will take place in Gyro Park on Friday at 1 p.m.

“The actual contests begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday and run until 5:30,” said Schell. “Friday evening, we’re showcasing four professional Grand Champions from our festival in a special performance.”

Each of the four champions — Mat Shank, Sylvain Leduc, Vino Macris, and Corny Rempel — will perform a 45-minute set, providing eight full hours of entertainment in Gyro Park on Friday alone.

On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m., with performances starting at 9 a.m.

“This year, we have 15 professional Elvis tribute artists, 15 amateurs, and three Little Kings competing,” said Schell. “They’re coming from all over the world—Italy, Ireland, Branson, Missouri, Toronto, and more. The love for Elvis is global, and so is the talent that pays tribute to him.”

A special addition this year is a visit from Charles and Linda Stone. Charles, who served as Elvis’s tour manager during the height of his career, and his wife will host Q&A sessions in Gyro Park on Saturday and Sunday.

“They’ve got some amazing stories and photos from their time with Elvis,” said Schell.

Saturday night’s sold-out Headline Show at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will feature renowned Canadian Elvis tribute artist Pat Dunn and last year’s professional division champion, Moses Snow. They will be backed by Schell’s 11-piece show band, The Cadillac Kings.

On Sunday, the Lions Club will host its annual pancake breakfast in Gyro Park, followed by the always-popular Elvis Gospel Show at 9 a.m.

“Every year, we donate $3 from each ticket to a local charity,” said Schell. “This year, we’ve chosen the music program at Penticton Secondary School.

“The funds will help them continue with band trips and other music programs. We want to keep that legacy going—something The King would surely support.”

The festival’s final concert will take place Sunday afternoon at the PTCC, featuring the top seven professional and top seven amateur tribute artists, along with performances by the three Little Kings.

As of Monday morning, fewer than three dozen tickets remained for the Sunday finale.

The winner of the professional division will earn an invitation to compete in the world’s largest Elvis Tribute Artist competition, held in Memphis, Tennessee, during Elvis Week in August.

“There are 30 Elvis tribute contests recognized by the Elvis Foundation worldwide,” said Schell. “Winners from each are invited to Memphis to compete for the title of the world’s best Elvis tribute artist. Our winner will represent Penticton on that global stage.”

Next year, that winner will also be invited back to perform in the headliners concert.

Schell, a lifelong fan, continues to be amazed by Elvis’s enduring appeal.

“His legacy is as strong as ever,” he said. “We’re seeing more and more young fans in the audience. The recent Elvis movie really helped bring him back into the public eye, and two Netflix documentaries have also played a big role in keeping his name and music alive.”

Schell also praised the City of Penticton for supporting the event.

“They’ve been very accommodating and deserve credit for helping ensure the festival’s ongoing success,” he said.

And 2025 is shaping up to be the best year yet.

“This is the strongest year in the past 23 when it comes to advance ticket sales,” said Schell. “The festival continues to grow, and we’re thrilled about how big it’s become.”

An after-party will follow the Sunday concert, just a few doors down from the PTCC at the convention centre.

The Penticton Elvis Festival attracts around 2,000 visitors annually, with a significant impact on local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

“We’re expecting 3,000 people in Gyro Park on Saturday and Sunday,” said Schell. “Many of them arrive early in the week and stay through Sunday, spending big on accommodations, dining, and more. Over 25 years, we’ve brought millions into the community.”

All four contest judges are approved by the Presley Foundation, ensuring fairness and quality in the competition.

The Elvis festival originated in Osoyoos but when it folded, then Penticton Mayor Mike Pearce encouraged a committee of volunteers to move it to Penticton. The gospel show was the idea of James Ludvigson.

Tickets are $30 for Friday or Saturday, or $45 for a two-day pass. Sunday’s gospel show is $5 (cash only) at Gyro Park.

For more information check out the Penticton Elvis Festival here.

— This article was originally published by the Penticton Herald

News from © The Canadian Press, 2025