Any fan of Elvis Presley is probably familiar with Elvis Week, that special time in August to commemorate the King of Rock and Roll and all of his contributions to American music and culture. The famous musical artist and actor passed away on August 16, 1977, making this time of the year the perfect moment to make the pilgrimage to his hometown of Memphis.

Here is our list of some of the best attractions and special events for you to show your passion towards the King and dance to the Jailhouse Rock with your blue suede shoes! With your hound dog. Who loves you tender. (OK, we’ll stop now…)

Visit the Graceland Mansion

No trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland, the beloved home of Elvis and his family. The iconic Graceland gates provide a stunning backdrop for your pictures before you enter the mansion and its sprawling grounds.

The 120 acres of Graceland provide an intimate glimpse into Elvis’ life, welcoming visitors to tour his mansion, see his classic cars, and engage in a number of interactive exhibits. You can even book a stay at the nearby resort hotel, the Guest House at Graceland. Even the most dedicated Elvis fan will come away learning something new about the icon after visiting.

Attend the Annual Candlelight Vigil

Not surprisingly, any attraction dedicated to Elvis pays homage to his contributions to the world music scene. Elvis Week is a great opportunity to check out plenty of musical tributes to the King, with performances across a wide array of genres during this dedicated week.

For example, if you’re lucky enough to visit Memphis during Elvis Week, check out the annual candlelight vigil. This vigil is held on Elvis Presley Boulevard, bringing his fans together to listen to his music, remember his contributions to society, and leave tributes along the street.

Stop by the Circuit Playhouse

Located in the Overton Square Performing Arts District in midtown Memphis, the Circuit Playhouse was a movie theater during the time that Elvis called this city home. Elvis frequently rented the playhouse for private screenings for his friends and family.

Visitors to the playhouse can now watch a variety of plays or musicals at the historic building. The Circuit Playhouse truly comes alive during Elvis Week, offering a number of tours that will provide an inside glimpse into Elvis’ love of the performing arts. You can even sit in the original seat that was always reserved for Elvis himself.

Join for Virtual Elvis Week

Can’t make it to all of the special festivities? Not a problem. Virtual Elvis Week allows anyone to learn more about the famous musician and the events surrounding this unique celebration. Viewers can watch the various concerts and panel discussions and enjoy the community created by Elvis fans from all over the world. It’s also possible to take a virtual tour of the exhibits housed at Graceland. While the experience doesn’t compare to actually traveling to Memphis to be there in person, the virtual events are an easy way to lean into the magic of Elvis.

You May Also Like: 7 Memphis Museums That Music Fans Will Love

Hit Up One of Elvis’s Favorite Restaurants

Arcade Restaurant

Arcade Restaurant South Main St Memphis TN 02” by Thomas R Machnitzki  licensed under CC BY 3.0

You’ll definitely need make time to eat during your visit to Memphis, so you might as well make one meal a thematic part of your Elvis bucket list tour! The Arcade is known as the oldest diner in Memphis and it was a favorite of Elvis’s. The King was known to order their fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, still a staple on the menu. Request to sit in the Elvis booth and order the sandwich for the true immersive experience.

Or head to Coletta’s Italian Restaurant, another favorite spot for Elvis to grab a bite to eat. He particularly loved the restaurant’s barbecue pizza. Visit the South Parkway location and you can eat in the specially curated Elvis Room, stuffed with memorabilia and pictures detailing how Elvis loved to bring his loved ones to the private dining room and eat his favorite pizza.

FAQs:

Q: How can I book a stay at the Guest House at Graceland?
A: You can book a stay at the Guest House at Graceland through their official website or by contacting their reservations team.

Q: Is the annual candlelight vigil free to attend?
A: Yes, the annual candlelight vigil is free to attend. Elvis fans gather on Elvis Presley Boulevard to listen to music, pay tribute, and leave memorials along the street.

Q: Can I visit the Circuit Playhouse during Elvis Week without a tour?
A: Yes, you can visit the Circuit Playhouse during Elvis Week without a tour. The playhouse offers regular performances, and you can also take advantage of tours during this time.

Q: How can I participate in Virtual Elvis Week?
A: Virtual Elvis Week allows participation through online platforms. You can watch concerts, panel discussions, and take virtual tours of Graceland exhibits. Information and access details are available on the official Elvis Week website.

Q: Can I make a reservation for the Elvis booth at the Arcade restaurant?
A: The Arcade restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations for specific tables, including the Elvis booth, are generally not accepted. Arriving early is recommended for the best chance to experience the themed booth.

Q: Is there an entrance fee to Graceland?
A: Yes, there is an entrance fee to Graceland. Ticket prices vary based on the type of tour or experience you choose. You can purchase tickets online or at the Graceland ticket office.

Q: Are there vegetarian options available at the Arcade restaurant?
A: Yes, the Arcade restaurant offers vegetarian options alongside its traditional menu. While known for the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, there are other menu items suitable for those with dietary preferences.

Did we leave your favorite Elvis-related Memphis site off our list? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Featured Image: Elvi, Parkes, January 2003 by Tracy Sorensen licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Leave a Reply

About The Author