Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, and ever since then, fans have traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to visit Graceland during Elvis Week to celebrate his life.
Although Elvis Week was cancelled last year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, it’s back this year — running August 11 to 17. And now Graceland has released the full schedule of events for the week.
“This year’s Elvis Week will mark the 44th anniversary of Elvis’s passing,” Graceland announced in a statement. “We are so excited to announce our Elvis Week 2021 schedule and cannot wait to welcome fans back for a celebration like no other! It will be a great time to gather again with friends to celebrate the music, movies, and legacy of the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.’”
A Fitting Location
Elvis Presley bought the Graceland mansion on March 25, 1957, for $102,500. While his parents and grandmother moved into Graceland sooner, Elvis didn’t stay there himself until June 26, 1957.
Today, Graceland, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is visited by more than 500,000 people from all around the world each year. While fans can visit year-round, most people visit between Memorial Day through Labor Day. Graceland estimates that in July, it receives more than 4,000 visitors daily.
Elvis Week 2021
Elvis Week 2021 will take place August 11 to 17. The schedule for this year’s event includes concerts, panel discussions, special tours, and performances by Elvis tribute artists. There will even be a 50th-anniversary concert celebrating Elvis’s Nashville recording sessions and a luau followed by a screening of Elvis’s movie Blue Hawaii.
Plus, Graceland has also announced that Priscilla Presley will make special appearances at events throughout the week.
There will be a lot of events and performances at Elvis Week. Here’s a quick rundown of some that are particularly noteworthy.
Wednesday, August 11
Elvis Unplugged
2:00 p.m., Guest House Theater, The Guest House at Graceland
This intimate, acoustic experience will feature “music, laughter, and fun.”
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Semifinal Round
7:00 p.m., Soundstage at Graceland
Watch Elvis tribute artists compete for the title of “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2021.”
Thursday, August 12
Graceland Stable Tours
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m., Graceland Stable
While touring the stables at Graceland, fans will be able to see saddles used by Elvis and his entourage, Elvis’s personal Western wear, and even watch and home-movie footage of Elvis riding horses at Graceland.
Conversations With The Ultimates
11:00 a.m., Guest House Theater, The Guest House at Graceland
Past Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Dean Z will be talking with other Ultimate ETA Contest winners.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Final Round
7:00 p.m., Graceland Soundstage
Watch as artists compete for the title of “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2021.”
Friday, August 13
Graceland Excursions: Tupelo, Mississippi
8:30 a.m., Departs from The Guest House at Graceland
Guests will travel to Tupelo to see sites such as the house where Elvis was born and the church he attended while growing up.
Nashville Marathon Sessions 50th Anniversary Concert
7:00 p.m., Soundstage at Graceland
Elvis’s famous Nashville sessions took place in 1970 and 1971. This concert celebrates these recordings.
Club Elvis – Hawaiian Style
9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Guest House Ballroom.
“Rock-a-Hula Baby! Dance the night away with friends at this special dance party hosted by Elvis Radio’s DJ Argo.” Guests are invited to dress for a day at the beach in Maui – including Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts.
Saturday, August 14
Conversations On Elvis
10:00 a.m., Soundstage at Graceland
Some of the people who knew Elvis best will be telling stories about him. Panelists include musicians who played with Elvis — including Charlie McCoy, David Briggs, and Norbert Putnam – and Cynthia Pepper, Elvis’s co-star in the movie Kissin’ Cousins.
The Ultimate Return
7:00 p.m., Soundstage at Graceland
This live concert features performances by past Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners.
Sunday, August 15
Elvis Week Gospel Brunch
10:00 a.m., Guest House Ballroom, The Guest House at Graceland
This Memphis-style brunch is accompanied by Elvis gospel music performed by Terry Blackwood and The Imperials. Blackwood performed with Elvis as part of The Imperials during Elvis’s return to Las Vegas in 1969.
Candlelight Vigil
8:30 p.m., Gates of Graceland
After an opening ceremony at the Gates of Graceland, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis’s gravesite and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance.
Monday, August 16
Elvis In Concert
7:00 p.m., Soundstage at Graceland
This concert experience features on-screen performances by Elvis — backed on stage by a live band.
Club Elvis – 50s Style
9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Guest House Ballroom
Fans are encouraged to dress up their favorite 50s attire for this dance party.
Tuesday, August 17
Blue Hawaii Luau And Movie
7:00 p.m., Back Lawn, Guest House at Graceland
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Elvis’s movie Blue Hawaii, this event features a luau followed by a screening of the movie.
Other Events
There are other events that will take place on multiple days. They include morning and evening walks to the Meditation Garden at Graceland, Elvis Karaoke nights in the Jungle Room Bar, and tours of the Graceland mansion.
Know Before You Go
You can find more information about Elvis Week events and schedules here. Ticket information can be found here.
Finally, although masks are no longer required, Graceland strongly encourages guests to wear them. Also, guests are asked to maintain social distancing from other groups and individuals when possible. More information about how Graceland follows current COVID-19 protocols can be found here.
To learn more about Elvis’s roots in Tupelo, be sure to read Erika Ebsworth-Goold’s article here. Plus, if you’re planning a trip to Graceland, be sure to check out all of our coverage on Memphis and Tennessee.