Recognised as one of the top three Festivals and Events in Australia, the Parkes Elvis Festival attracts over 25,000 fans, with an estimated global reach of 188 million! The festival is held every year in the second week in January, to coincide with Elvis Presley’s birthday. The 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival ran from January 7th to 11th and was the Festival’s 33rd year. The theme for this year was Love Me Tender, which saw the Parkes Observatory float given a make-over in time for Saturday’s parade. The CSIRO Parkes Observatory team loved playing their part in the parade, and in welcoming Elvii to the Observatory Visitors Centre, with just over 3,500 people through their doors over the 5 day festival! (Image credit: John Sarkissian)