Elvis Tribute Festival: The King Returns to Lake George in 2026
The Elvis Festival was a major part of the Lake George experience for many years, drawing thousands of fans and tribute artists each year. Fortunately, a version of this event is returning in the fall of 2026!
2026 Elvis Tribute Festival
September 24 - 27
The 2026 Elvis Tribute Festival will primarily take place at the Tiki Resort, with tribute artists like Dwight Icenhower, Robert Washington, Sylvain Leduc, Irv Cass, Eas Band, and Dan Barrella.
Here's the full schedule of events:
Thursday, September 24
Opening Ceremony in Shepard Park
6pm-7:30pm
Enjoy a free outdoor concert at the brand new amphitheater for the Opening Ceremony! Feel free to bring a folding chair or blanket - remember the fall may be colder than when this event used to take place in the spring. This is a free show.
Kick Off Party at Adirondack Pub & Brewery
8pm-10pm
Join Dan Barrella at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery as he hosts the Kick Off Party. Headliners and competitors are welcome to come and sing to warm up their vocal cords and entertain diners. There is free admission.
Friday, September 25
Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Round 1
10am-2pm (ending time estimated and will depend on number of competitors)
This contest is a preliminary to the Images of the King World Championship. Contestants will compete in one of three categories: Professional, Non-Professional, and Big-Little King (youth).
Friday Night Headline Concert
7pm
Late Night Luau After Party
10pm-1am
Wear your Hawaiian best as you party into the night listening to the ETAs, dancing, playing games, and enjoying themed cocktails. Hosted by Dan Barrella.
Saturday, September 26
Elvis Classic Car Parade
9am-10am
The Elvis Tribute Artists board dozens of classic cars at the Tiki Resort parking lot and go for a leisurely drive through the Village for the Elvis Classic Car Parade. Free for spectators.
Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Round 2
10am-2pm (ending time estimated and will depend on number of competitors)
This contest is a preliminary to the Images of the King World Championship. Contestants will compete in one of three categories: Professional, Non-Professional, and Big-Little King (youth). With the Master of Ceremonies Irv Cass.
Minne Ha-Ha Tribute Festival Cruises
1:30pm-2:30pm Cruise With Sylvain LeDuc
3:15pm-4:15pm Cruise With Dan Barrella
5:15pm-6:15pm Cruise With Robert Washington
All aboard the Lake George Steamboat Company's Minne Ha-Ha to for the Tribute Festival Cruises! Enjoy music from a fabulous Elvis Tribute Artist Headliner on this 1-hour cruise up beautiful Lake George. There's a small snack bar and cocktails.
Note, while most of these events are included with the All Access Pass or are free, the cruises are separate. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $13 for kids.
Elvis at the Comfort Inn & Suites
2pm-3:30pm
Come to the Comfort In & Suites for a free afternoon of entertainment by the ETA competitors. Performances will be poolside, weather permitting.
Saturday Night Headline Concert
7pm
Late Night Costume Party & The Tribute Contest
10pm-1am
This event is a combination of Ocean City's Halloween Spooktacular and Memphis' The (Non-Elvis) Tribute Contest. Revel in costumes while enjoying many of the ETAs (also open to guests) performing in their alter egos as an attempt to win their portion of $1,000 in cash and prizes. Hosted by Dan Barrella.
Sunday, September 27
Festival Grand Finale
12pm-4pm (approximate)
This event starts with the headliners returning to the stage for a 45-minute concert celebrating Elvis' gospel and inspirational roots. After a short break, the contest finals will commence, where the top three professionals and non-professional competitors and top two Big-Little King competitors will perform one final set.
While scores are being tallied, the most recent (2019) Lake George Elvis Festival Champion, Sylvain Leduc, will perform, followed by announcing the results of the contest. this is a lot packed into one great afternoon of fun!
Past Champions Dinner at the Boardwalk Restaurant
5pm-7pm
Join some past champions including Dwight Icenhower, Robert Washington, and Sylvain Leduc for dinner and entertainment at the Past Champion's Dinner. Seating is limited, and you must buy dinner to attend. Make reservations directly with the Boardwalk at 518.668.5342 (line answered seasonally).
That's a Wrap Party!
8pm-10pm
Say goodbye to your Elvis friends and family! This is your last opportunity to grab a drink and enjoy live entertainment hosted by Dan Barrella.
Find out more about this year's Festival and get tickets at: TributeFestival.rocks/lakegeorge/
Learn More: A Brief History of the Lake George Elvis Festival
The Lake George region hosted its first Elvis Festival back in 2004, intending to create an event that would honor the life and music of the legend. Festival founders worked with Elvis Presley Enterprises to create an unparalleled event that grew to be the second-largest Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in the world.
Elvis Festival continued through 2019. The festival was cancelled over the following two years due to the pandemic, and then the event's primary venue, the Lake George Forum, was sold and became unavailable to festival organizers.
The event was reimagined as the Empire State Tribute Festival and moved to Turning Stone Casino in Verona.
About Tribute Festival Rocks
Tribute Festival Rocks, the force behind Elvis Festival, has launched many long-standing events across the country and beyond. They've produced over 60 festivals, hundreds of concerts, and brought nearly 2,500 tribute artists to the stage.
See more area events coming up at the events calendar >>
