The King is preparing to return to Coolangatta for Australia’s largest nostalgia festival, as Cooly Rocks On reveals its headline Elvis Tribute Artists which, alongside the release of the highly sought-after VIP Legends Passes, will leave fans all shook up.
The 2026 Cooly Rocks On lineup features some of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists, including reigning Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist 2026 Jimmy Holmes (USA) and 2019 world champion Taylor Rodriguez (USA). Australia’s Jack Gatto, teen sensation Charlie Gaylard, and Gold Coast favourite Brendon Chase also joins the star-studded line up
As one of the signature annual events on the Gold Coast’s calendar, the five-day festival from June 3-7 is growing in popularity with fans travelling from across Australia and overseas to experience world-class performances, classic cars and retro culture by the beach.
At just 26, Jimmy Holmes (USA) has earned acclaim for his rare ability to capture the true essence of The King: the voice, the presence, the moves, and the unmistakable charisma that defined a generation. Returning to Cooly Rocks On after bringing the house down to sold-out crowds in 2023, Holmes is expected to once again deliver an unforgettable series of performances.
“I’m counting down the days until I’ll be back Down Under. The entire festival was one of coolest I’ve ever been to. Australia has always been one of my favorite places to visit. I’m excited to spend some time chilling at the beach, maybe cuddling a Koala, and getting onstage and performing for an amazing rock and roll crowd,” Holmes said.
Taylor Rodriguez (USA), will be making his Cooly Rocks On debut as one of the most respected Elvis performers on the global circuit, with a soulful and powerful portrayal of Elvis that spans early rockabilly, gospel, country and the classic hits fans know and love.
Joining the Elvis Precinct headline lineup is Australia’s own Jack Gatto, fresh from being named a Top 10 Elvis Tribute Artist at Elvis Week in Memphis following his win in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Cooly Rocks On 2025. Renowned for his authentic, electrifying recreation of what it felt like to witness Elvis live, Jack Gatto’s uncanny portrayal is so convincing audiences are often left believing Elvis never left the building.
With over 25 years of performance experience, Brendon Chase has swapped his military blues for Elvis’s legendary rhinestone jumpsuits, bringing The King’s charisma, voice, and iconic hits to life in a vibrant revival of Rock ’n’ Roll’s golden age.
Rounding out the headline roster is 16-year-old sensation Charlie Gaylard, one of Australia’s most exciting young Elvis Tribute Artists. After standout performances and overwhelming audience response at Cooly Rocks On 2024, Gaylard returns with a mature, dynamic portrayal of Elvis that honours the legend’s legacy while inspiring fans of every generation.
The festival will also feature the return of festival favourites including the Cooly Rocks On Pin-Up Pageant and the renowned Show ‘N’ Shine proudly presented by Autoglym, one of Australia’s largest displays of classic, custom and muscle cars.
“Cooly Rocks On 2026 is your chance to turn back the clock and experience world-class Elvis Tribute Artists, classic cars, and non-stop rock ‘n’ roll right on the Gold Coast,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said.
“Start planning your trip now and join fans from across Australia and the globe for an unforgettable celebration of music, nostalgia, and beachside fun!”
“This first announcement of world-class international and Australian Elvis Tribute Artists is just the start of an exciting program that will bring the best of rock ‘n’ roll, swing and rockabilly to the Gold Coast,” Experience Gold Coast Festival Director Mark Duckworth said.
“The enduring appeal of Elvis and his music has continued across generations, and this is no more evident than at Cooly Rocks On, with fans making the annual pilgrimage from all corners of Australia and even from overseas to hear these incredible artists pay tribute to the King.”
In hot demand and back for a sixth year is the not to be missed exclusive VIP Legends Passes which will be available via Early Access at 10am (QLD time) on Tuesday 9 December, followed by General Sale at 10am (QLD time) on Thursday 11 December.
VIP Legends Passes offer devout Elvis fans the VIP treatment as they roll out their blue suede shoes for the red carpet over the five-day festival. Pass holders gain access to all three rounds of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Contest, post-show meet and greets, and VIP Premium seating.
Produced by Experience Gold Coast, Cooly Rocks On turns back the clock from 3-7 June transforming Coolangatta into a retro wonderland giving visitors the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and immerse themselves in the best of rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and swing.
With tens of thousands of festivalgoers expected to flock to the Gold Coast over the five days, Cooly Rocks On 2026 is shaping up to be a celebration fit for a king - Elvis, that is.
Cooly Rocks On is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Cooly Rocks On
3-7 June 2026 | Coolangatta, Gold Coast
First lineup announcement
HERE
Available from 9am AEST, Tuesday 2 December
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