Elvis Festival returns to Branson in May

The 18th annual Branson Elvis Festival is set for May 2-4 at Branson's Pepsi Legends Theater.

This exciting event features a variety of activities – the highlight of which is the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The semifinal round of the contest will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m. and the finals are set for Sunday, May 4, beginning at 2 p.m. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is one of only a handful of tribute competitions that are sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, and the winner of the contest is given the opportunity to compete in the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in August, in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Contestants in the competition are judged on voice, appearance and stage presence.

The Branson Elvis Festival gets underway on Friday, May 2, with a show presented by Branson's Dean Z at the Clay Cooper Theater. An Elvis Meet and Greet is set for Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Legends Theater. Attendees will enjoy the popular Legends in Concert Show beginning at 8 p.m. This spring's show features tributes to Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Lainey Wilson, The Blues Brothers and, of course, Elvis Presley.

Saturday, May 3, is the Elvis Vendor Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those in attendance can mingle with Elvis fans, shop for Elvis memorabilia and items, and possibly spot an Elvis Tribute Artist, too. The semifinal round of the competition begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, to determine which artists proceed to Sunday's finals. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, Shawn Klush takes the stage with a special show. Klush was the first Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Winner, from 2007.

Elvis Tribute Artist Ryal Pelton presents "If the Lord Wasn't Walking by My Side" on Sunday, May 4, beginning at 11 a.m. Pelton will share some of the gospel music that inspired Elvis in this show, performed and narrated by Pelton. The performance includes beautiful music and stories of Elvis' life.  

The Branson Elvis Festival wraps up on Sunday afternoon with the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist finals, beginning at 2 pm.  

For more information on this fun-filled and exciting weekend, call the Pepsi Legends Theater at 417-339-3003 or visit the website, www.bransonelvisfestival.com