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. 8-16, 2025. Since the King's death, the gathering now known as Elvis Week has centered around Presley's Graceland Mansion. Here's what you can expect out of this thrilling week:
Elvis Week features nine days packed with concerts, tribute artist performances, special tours, meet and greets, and more.
Catch two of the tribute shows celebrating Elvis' extensive catalog at the Elvis Music Salute and Elvis: Live on Stage.
See confirmed Elvis Week guests such as Elvis' friend Jerry Schilling, girlfriend Linda Thompson and more who knew The King personally.
The marquee Candlelight Vigil on Aug. 15 to honor the 48th anniversary of Elvis' passing.
ELVIS WEEK ACTIVITIES
At Elvis Week 2025, 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 2025 schedule here.
- Kick off the week seeing the best of Elvis Tribute Artists at the ULTIMATE CONTEST SHOWCASE (Aug. 8). Later that evening, THE ULTIMATE RETURN (Aug. 8) brings past champions, including Emilio Santoro, Cote Deonath and David Lee, back to the stage. For a tour, try the LINDA THOMPSON GRACELAND MANSION Q&A EXPERIENCE (Aug. 8). Afterwards, go straight to the ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST KICK-OFF PARTY (Aug. 8) to keep the dancing going with more performances.
- Celebrate one of the King's favorite genres, gospel, at the ULTIMATE ELVIS GOSPEL CELEBRATION (Aug. 10), hosted by David Lee. Then, see the brand-new JUNIOR ELVIS TRIBUTE SHOWCASE (Aug. 10) to see the next generation of Elvis tribute artists.
- Hear some of Elvis' deeper cuts performed live by former tribute artist winners at ELVIS: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS (Aug. 11). Next, watch the top 5 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finalists take the stage in FINAL FIVE: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL (Aug. 11).
- For Elvis trivia, an archive show and tell, and more fan experiences, join the ELVIS FAN CELEBRATION (Aug. 12). That night, join Linda Thompson and Jerry Schilling for a tour on the LINDA THOMPSON/JERRY SCHILLING GRACELAND EXPERIENCE (Aug. 12).
- A NIGHT IN ELVIS' HOLLYWOOD (Aug. 13) showcases his 31-film career in Hollywood. After, ramp up the fun at the CLUB ELVIS DANCE PARTY (Aug. 13).
- Join Elvis' friends, band members and more who knew the King, including Tom Brown, Jerry Schilling, Tony Orlando, Brenda Lee and Peter Guralnick, for a conversation about their personal recollections of Elvis at CONVERSATIONS ON ELVIS (Aug. 15).
- 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. on Aug. 8-16 (Aug. 15 excluded), take advantage of free access to the garden, where you can pay your respects to Elvis and members of his family. You can also get free access to the Meditation Garden between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8–14 and Aug. 16.
Visit Graceland's Elvis Week page to learn how you can experience these and other events during Elvis Week 2025.
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.
More on the ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST
Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) have become such an endearing reflection of fans' appreciation for Elvis that an Elvis Tribute Artist contest will kick off Elvis Week 2025 (Aug. 8). 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 2025 will be crowned. Join ETA winners and hopefuls during a variety of events such as kick-off parties, meet 'n' greets, request performances, and much 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 2025 line-up has been full of big names, including Silversun Pickups, Ryan Adams, Alice Cooper 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.
More Ways to Celebrate Elvis Week
Looking for more unique ways to celebrate Elvis Week in Memphis?
- The Memphian Elvis Tour: Elvis Week is the perfect time for a tour of Midtown's Circuit Playhouse. Formerly the Memphian Theater, Circuit Playhouse was a local movie theater and popular hangout for Elvis. On this 30-minute tour, learn about Elvis' visits, sit in the chair he sat in and buy exclusive theater merch.
- Elvis: The Concert Years at Hernando's Hideaway: This old-school honky tonk is a must-visit for Elvis Week. See Maxlee James and Logan Ramey perform the catalog of the King in Elvis: The Concert Years on Aug. 12.
- Overton Park Shell Backstage Experience Tour: Go behind the scenes where Elvis performed his first concert — a performance many music historians consider the first rock 'n' roll concert. This tour covers Memphis' deep live music history.
