The launch of the festival will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at J Ward, where the now iconic festival got its name from, along with that most famous of Elvis Presley songs.

"That's where the Jailhouse Rock Festival came from and for the launch we are inviting everyone back, all the stakeholders, volunteers and sponsors," president Greg Dalmayer said.

Lovers of all things from the 50s and 60s, including the cars, bikes, fashion and music, will descend on Ararat over the five day period from March 11 to 15, many coming from interstate as well as overseas.

The Festival will move to the Astor Cinema on the Thursday night, which will see the return of the popular family 'hot dog night' and rock and roll dance. There will be dancing and music and anyone with a cool car is invited to rock up and enjoy the family friendly night.

The traditional meet and greet will take place at the Ararat Town Hall on the Friday night, with a rock and roll dance at the Ararat Town Hall and a dinner dance at the Ararat RSL

On Saturday the popular Giant Highway 8 Festival will take over Barkly Street and will celebrate all things on wheels.

With cars, music, dancing and stalls set up along Barkly Street it is a popular day for visitors and locals alike.

Once again there will be children's dancing on the dance floor, which will enable all those children and their parents who have taken advantage of the dance lessons in the lead up the festival to put them into practice.

The boys and girls and their motor bikes will enjoy a bike run on Saturday.

On Saturday night there will be three functions, the traditional rock and roll ball in the Ararat Town Hall, a rockabilly dance at the Alexandra Hall and an outdoor theatre experience at Alexandra Oval with the classic movie American Graffiti shown.

What would the Jailhouse Rock Festival be without the Rock Extravaganza at Alexandra Oval on Sunday?

Once again, cars, bikes, dancers and bands will descend on the oval, while the craft market will make a return to J Ward.

Because of the festival celebrating a milestone this year, most accommodation is already booked out and Mr Dalmayer said people are even making enquiries for 2016.

"People are already looking to book for 2016, which means people are still keen and word's getting around that the festival is going back to its roots," he said.

The Festival committee is currently on the lookout for volunteers.

Many volunteers are required to help with the smooth running of the festival across the five days and anyone interested can contact Mr Dalmayer on 0407 311 023.

"The festival has a huge benefit for the town," he said.

"It is the biggest event that Ararat stages and it makes people come to the town."