Elvis Week Candlelight Vigil. Photo Credit: EPE

Everything You Need to Know About Elvis Week 2023

Elvis Presley’s legacy is alive and well in Memphis, where every August, thousands of fans from around the world come together to celebrate his life, music and movies. Join the annual week-long pilgrimage to Graceland, Aug. 9-17, 2023.

Since The King's death, the gathering now known as Elvis Week has centered around Presley's Graceland Mansion. Elvis Week 2023, which marks the 50th anniversary of Elvis' Aloha from Hawaii concert presented via satellite and the 55th anniversary of Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special, respectfully pays tribute to all things Elvis in a fun and exciting environment that honors one of the biggest icons in music history.

Elvis Tribute
Priscilla at Elvis Presley's Memphis
Elvis grave in graceland
Elvis Presley at Graceland 1957. Photo Credit: EPE

ELVIS WEEK ACTIVITIES

At Elvis Week 2023, fans will have a chance to immerse themselves in all things Elvis with live music performances, behind-the-scenes tours, panel discussions, appearances by special guests and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Study the full Elvis Week 2023 schedule here.

  • Celebrate the music of Elvis Presley during the ELVIS MUSIC SALUTE (Aug. 15, 2023), where singers and musicians will perform some of their favorite Elvis hits and sharing their stories and memories. Expect appearances from actor/singer Darlene Love, musician and entertainer Jay Osmond, actor/singer Dennis Quaid, country music star Pam Tillis, and actor/singer John Schneider.
     
  • During the ’68 SPECIAL ENHANCED SCREENING (Aug. 14, 2023), celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Elvis’ groundbreaking NBC television special dubbed the "The Comeback Special" with live on-stage music and special guest appearances from the people who helped make it possible plus video interviews from those who were there.
     
  • In CONVERSATIONS ON ELVIS: THE MAN, THE MUSIC, THE LEGEND (Aug. 15, 2023), Linda Thompson, Jay Osmond, Allan Blye, TCB Band Members, and more will make special appearances to talk about their personal recollections of Elvis. Hosted by Tom Brown.
     
  • A CELEBRATION OF LISA MARIE PRESLEY (Aug. 15, 2023) will be held ahead of the Candlelight Vigil. Join Jerry Schilling, along with other special guests to be announced, for a celebration and remembrance of the life of Lisa Marie Presley as told through music, personal stories, photos, and videos.  
     
  • For the ALOHA FROM HAWAII 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT (Aug. 16, 2023), the Graceland Soundstage will produce an immersive concert experience featuring Elvis' vocals backed by a live band plus a special guest appearance by TCB Band member Glen Hardin. 
     
  • Karaoke, dance parties, music brunches, and FREE morning and evening walk-ups to the Meditation Garden (various dates and times throughout Elvis Week 2023): Whether you harbor your own aspirations of singing like the King, or prefer the role of back-up dancer, watch for Elvis Karaoke sessions to pop up at the Jungle Room Bar inside Graceland Exhibition Center, plus scheduled dance parties throughout Elvis Week.
     
  • But perhaps one of the most solemn, and free, activities you can participate in during Elvis Week is walking up to the Meditation Garden of Graceland. Between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Aug. 9-17 (Aug. 16 excluded), take advantage of free access to the garden, where you can pay your respects to the King and members of his family. You can also get free access to the Meditation Garden between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on August 9, 11, 13, 14, and 16.

Visit Graceland's Elvis Week page to learn how you can experience these and other events during Elvis Week 2023. If you can't attend in person this year, be sure to check out Virtual Elvis Week where all shows will be live streamed in HD with soundboard audio.

Elvis events will have you
all shook up!
see the full list of 2024 events

While panels, music, tours and a variety of fun events fill up the schedule, the annual candlelight vigil held at Graceland is a solemn and special event that takes place every year on the evening of Aug. 15. Fans patiently wait their turn to pass through the famed gates of Graceland and walk up to the Meditation Garden with candle in hand to pay their respects to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This awe-inspiring sea of candles is a must-see for fans and anyone traveling to Memphis for Elvis Week. 

Bookmark the developing schedule of events for the latest updates and ticket sale announcements.

More on the ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST

Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) have become such an endearing reflection of fans' appreciation for Elvis, an Elvis Tribute Artist contest will kick off Elvis Week 2023 (Aug. 9). Throughout Elvis Week, additional ETA events will unfold, including the highly competitive (and thoroughly entertaining) semifinals and finals, when the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2023 will be crowned. Join ETA winners and hopefuls during a variety of events such as kick-off parties, meet 'n' greets, request performances, and way more.

To understand how this field of competitors seizes the opportunity to compete in front of thousands of fans at Graceland during Elvis Week, read more about ETAs here.

what else can I do on-site at Graceland?

In addition to special events, Elvis Week is a lively time to tour Graceland Mansion, check out Elvis' private planes and discover the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, featuring Elvis' car museum, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum and several interactive experiences. Also on-site: see who's playing the Soundstage, as the 2023 line-up has been full of big names including Cheap Trick, Straight No Chaser, and more.  

Make a day of it with several dining options on-site, and even stay overnight: steps from Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion is the AAA Four Diamond Guest House at Graceland resort hotel.

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