Virginia Elvis Festival branded graphic with large bubble text, red, and black
Itinerary

The Ultimate Elvis Festival Weekend in Lynchburg, Virginia

Itinerary Overview

From September 10–13, the 6th Annual Lynchburg Virginia Elvis Festival returns to the Historic Academy Center of the Arts for four days of performances featuring five of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists, the EAS Band, exclusive after-parties and an official Ultimate Preliminary competition sanctioned by Graceland.

Coming to town for the festival? Make the most of your time in Lynchburg with local restaurants, shopping, history and Downtown attractions between performances.


4 Days
Daily Breakdown
1
Thursday, September 10
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Check-In at The Virginian Hotel

Start your weekend at The Virginian Hotel, the official host hotel of the Lynchburg Virginia Elvis Festival. Located in the heart of Downtown Lynchburg, this historic hotel puts you just a few blocks from the Academy Center of the Arts and within easy reach of restaurants, shops and attractions you’ll want to explore throughout the weekend.

5:00 PM
Dinner at William & Henry

You don’t have to venture far for your first meal of the weekend. Located inside The Virginian, William & Henry Steakhouse is a great option for an elevated dinner before the festivities officially begin. Enjoy steaks, seafood and cocktails before heading to the evening’s welcome event.

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Welcome Party & Meet N' Mingle

Stay at The Virginian for the festival’s Welcome Reception + Meet N’ Mingle, your first chance to settle into the weekend and meet fellow Elvis fans before a full lineup of performances begins Friday.

2
Friday, September 11
9:00 AM
Breakfast at My Dog Duke's Diner

Start your first full day in Lynchburg with breakfast at My Dog Duke’s Diner, a Downtown favorite just a short walk from the Academy. Fuel up with breakfast favorites and coffee before spending the morning exploring Downtown and getting ready for a full day of Elvis festivities.

10:00 AM
Explore the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center

Spend your morning discovering the stories that shaped the Hill City at the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center. Explore exhibits highlighting Lynchburg’s history, get a closer look at the city’s past, and stop by the Visitor Center for even more inspiration on what to see and do during your stay.

12:30 PM
Doors Open at the Historic Academy

Make your way to the Historic Academy Theatre and settle in for the first major performance of the weekend.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Elvis: America the Beautiful

The music begins with Elvis: America the Beautiful, featuring all of the festival’s 2026 headliners. It’s the perfect introduction to a weekend celebrating the music and legacy of the King.

3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Explore the Riverfront & Dinner

Take advantage of the break between performances to explore Lynchburg’s riverfront. Walk through Riverfront Park and along the Riverwalk before settling in for an early dinner.

For a meal with a view, head to The Water Dog, located right along the riverfront with a laid-back atmosphere, outdoor space and a menu ranging from seafood to burgers and more. Or stop by Waterstone Pizza for wood-fired pizzas and a casual Downtown meal before heading back to the Academy.

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Elton & Elvis

Return to the Historic Academy for Elton and Elvis, featuring Dwight Icenhower and Travis Powell, for another night of live music in one of Lynchburg’s most iconic venues.

10:00 PM - 11:45 PM
The After Party

Keep the night going at the Academy Warehouse Theatre with the festival’s exclusive after-party entertainment.

3
Saturday, September 12
9:00 AM
Coffee at Cafe Monte Bello

Ease into Saturday with a stop at Café Monte Bello for your morning coffee. Grab your favorite drink before heading out to explore the Lynchburg Community Market and Downtown LYH ahead of another full day of Elvis festivities.

10:00 AM
Explore Downtown LYH

Spend your Saturday morning exploring a little more of Downtown Lynchburg. Browse local vendors and makers at the Lynchburg Community Market, pop into the shops along Main Street, or take a stroll along the Bluffwalk for views overlooking the James River. You can also stop by Riverviews Artspace to explore local art and exhibitions before making your way back toward the Academy for the afternoon’s Elvis festivities.

11:30 AM
Early Lunch at Depot Grille

Before the afternoon performance, head to Depot Grille for an early lunch. Located inside a historic freight station along the James River, the restaurant’s railroad-inspired setting adds a little extra Lynchburg character to your weekend.

1:00-3:00 PM
Elvis: Taking Care of Business

Saturday’s performances begin with Elvis: Taking Care of Business, featuring Diogo, Taylor, Brooke and Hayden.

3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Chill, Drinks & Dinner

After an afternoon of Elvis, use the break to recharge before the evening show. Head back to The Virginian Hotel for a little downtime, then get ready for a night out in Downtown LYH. Start with pre-dinner drinks and a view at Skyline Rooftop, located atop The Virginian, or No. 7 Rooftop Bar, where you can sip a cocktail while taking in views of Downtown, the James River and beyond.

Then, make your way to Bootleggers on the Bluffwalk for dinner. Grab a burger, sandwich or local brew while enjoying the restaurant’s speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and views overlooking the Bluffwalk and James River.

From there, head back to the Historic Academy for Elvis: The Legend at 7:30 PM!

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Elvis: The Legend

Return to the Historic Academy for Elvis: The Legend, featuring Moses, Diogo and Taylor, and settle in for another evening celebrating the festival.

10:00 PM - 11:45 PM`
The After Party

Finish Saturday at the Academy Warehouse Theatre for the official after-party and one more dose of live entertainment.

4
Sunday, September 13
9:00 AM
Breakfast at Market at Main

Start your final morning in LYH with breakfast at Market at Main in the heart of Downtown. Settle in for Southern-inspired breakfast favorites, from pancakes and French toast to biscuits, eggs and more, before making the short trip to the Academy for the final day of Elvis festivities.

10:30 AM
Doors Open at the Historic Academy

Head inside and get ready for the final day of the Lynchburg Virginia Elvis Festival.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Moses Snow - The 2025 Champion Concert

Sunday begins with Moses Snow, the 2025 Champion, taking the stage for a special concert. It’s a chance to see a festival champion in the spotlight before the weekend’s final performances.

1:30 - 2:30 PM
Elvis: The Gospel Side

Experience another side of Elvis’ musical legacy with Elvis: The Gospel Side, featuring Taylor, Diogo, Travis, Brooke and Hayden.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Farewell Meet N' Greet

Say goodbye to an unforgettable weekend during the festival’s Farewell Meet N’ Greet at the Historic Academy.

3:00 PM
One Last Taste of LYH

The festival may be wrapping up, but there’s no need to rush out of town. Grab a late lunch at Depot Grille, Waterstone Pizza or Bootleggers, take one last walk along the Bluffwalk, or browse Downtown before hitting the road.

Featured In This Itinerary
The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
A centerpiece of downtown Lynchburg since 1913, The Virginian was thoughtfully restored to its historic grandeur and refreshed with modern amenities. Walk to restaurants and shops, stroll along the James […]
View more about The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Skyline Grill
Located atop The Virginian Hotel, Skyline offers panoramic views of downtown Lynchburg alongside a menu of seafood, steaks, burgers, flatbreads, and handcrafted cocktails.
View more about The Skyline Grill
William & Henry Steakhouse
William & Henry is an upscale steakhouse offering a classic white-tablecloth dining experience with USDA prime steaks, premium seafood, and an extensive wine selection. The menu includes dry-aged beef, seafood […]
View more about William & Henry Steakhouse
Academy Center of the Arts
The Academy Center of the Arts serves as LYH’s anchor for arts, culture, and community building. Located in downtown Lynchburg, the multi-venue campus features the restored 1905 Historic Academy of […]
View more about Academy Center of the Arts
My Dog Duke’s Diner
My Dog Duke’s Diner is a dog-themed breakfast and brunch spot serving all-day breakfast, specialty coffee, and comfort food in a lively, casual setting. Popular dishes include breakfast skillets, chicken […]
View more about My Dog Duke’s Diner
Exterior of the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Welcome to Lynchburg, Virginia! The Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center is the city’s official visitor center and a great starting point for exploring Lynchburg. Located in the historic Old Court […]
View more about Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is a large riverside public space along the James River featuring open green areas, walking paths, and direct access to the Riverwalk Trail and Percival’s Island. It includes […]
View more about Riverfront Park
The Water Dog
Located along the James River, The Water Dog pairs a large selection of craft beer with a menu of oysters, burgers, sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and shareable appetizers. Indoor and outdoor […]
View more about The Water Dog
Waterstone Pizza
Waterstone Pizza is an upscale-casual downtown Lynchburg restaurant known for hand-tossed, fire-roasted pizzas made in a stone oven. The menu also includes pasta, sandwiches, salads, and shareable appetizers such as […]
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The Bluffwalk
The Bluffwalk is a pedestrian walkway providing views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Located between Jefferson and Commerce Streets, a stroll along the […]
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Cafe Monte Bello
Cafe Monte Bello is a cozy downtown coffee shop serving handcrafted espresso drinks, cold brew, chai, matcha, and grab-and-go snacks in a welcoming atmosphere featuring local art and goods. 
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Lynchburg Community Market
The Lynchburg Community Market, at the corner of 12th and Main, has operated continuously since 1783 and is one of the oldest public markets in the country. It includes indoor […]
View more about Lynchburg Community Market
Riverviews Artspace
Riverviews Artspace is a contemporary art center on the riverfront housed in a renovated warehouse, combining free public galleries, working artist studios, workshops, and creative businesses under one roof. It […]
View more about Riverviews Artspace
Depot Grille
Located along the downtown riverfront, Depot Grille is a railroad-themed restaurant serving a wide variety of American fare in a unique historic setting. The restaurant features an antique bar and […]
View more about Depot Grille
Table and chairs overlooking a rooftop railing
7 Rooftop Bar
Perched high above the Bluffwalk and the James River in Downtown Lynchburg, No. 7 Rooftop Bar offers an open-air dining experience with spectacular scenic views. The chic setting features patio […]
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Market At Main – Downtown
Market at Main is a historic breakfast and lunch spot known for classic Southern cooking. The menu features traditional diner favorites, including hearty breakfast plates, biscuits, sandwiches, and daily lunch […]
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