The Blue Suede Music Festival is bringing its full slate of Elvis tribute performers back to Westlock, Alberta, from July 24 to 26, 2026. Taking over the Agricultural Society Grounds, the three-day event features 13 tribute artists from across Canada and the United States, special guest Andrew Martin, and the Nashville-based Kings4 Quartet. Weekend passes start at $70, and all attendees must bring a food bank donation.
Founded by Trudy Taphorn in 2009 as a house party on her acreage, the festival has grown into a major regional draw. Since relocating to Westlock in 2022, it has donated over $40,000 and more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food to the Morinville and Westlock & District Food Banks. The mandatory donation is a cornerstone of the event, carrying on a tradition that has raised close to $100,000 overall since 2011.
The 2026 lineup includes award-winning vocalist Andrew Martin, whose songs have charted in Europe and the U.S., and the Kings4 Quartet, a gospel group with roots in the legendary Stamps Quartet that once backed Elvis Presley. Mike Schell returns as master of ceremonies for his ninth year. On Saturday evening, the Flashback Band, a full nine-piece group, will accompany the tribute artists starting at 8 p.m., though performances kick off at 10 a.m. that day.
General admission for the whole weekend is $70. Single-day passes are $10 on Friday, $45 on Saturday, and $30 on Sunday. A new $25 Sunday After Party (5 p.m.–11 p.m.) includes a drink and lunch. Free parking is available on site, and a shuttle runs to three local hotels.
Organizers expect a strong turnout; the 2024 festival drew about 2,500 people. The festival remains the only major non-competitive Elvis tribute gathering in northern Alberta, drawing fans who value its family-friendly atmosphere and community focus.
