Saturday, August 8, 2015

Elvis Week Begins

Every year in August the masses descend upon Memphis, Tennessee to celebrate the life of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock n' Roll. This week is known as Elvis Week. The week is packed full of events that run all day and all night. It culminates on the day of his death August 16th with a candlelight vigil at Graceland. Fans, friends and family can walk up the driveway, make their way around the house and walk through the meditation garden to show their respects to the king at his gravesite. Elvis Presley Boulevard is closed off to traffic and fans line the street with shrines honoring his legend.

Elvis Tribute Artists Contest
Concerts from tribute artists pop up all over town and the Elvis Presley Enterprises hosts the Elvis Tribute Artist contest at the Orpheum. Old members of the Memphis Mafia gather for dinner hosted by one of Elvis' oldest friends George Klein and tell stories of their dearly missed friend. The best part is George gives all of the proceeds to charity. Co-stars from Elvis' movies come and speak about what it was like to film with Elvis. Late night Bingo happens in the sold out Heartbreak Hotel and Elvis souvenirs fly off the shelves of the stores in the Graceland shops. You can also compete in the EP trivia contest. You can drive by his old high school, see his first home not far from Graceland and you can go down to Beale street and visit the clothing shop where Elvis got most of his original clothing, Lansky Brothers. Are you a runner? Do the Elvis 5k!
I had the pleasure of attending an Elvis week and it was a week full of fun. I went there completely alone and I met so many wonderful people. I never felt like I was alone because so many Elvis fans were around. When you attend all of these events everyone is so approachable. Everyone interacts and mingles and likes getting to know other Elvis fans. I also learned so much about Elvis that I didn't know. If you have the chance to go to Memphis for Elvis week then go! Don't miss out on the opportunity to surround yourself with people who also love and appreciate the King of Rock n' Roll.


Each year Elvis Presley Enterprise hosts different events so Elvis Week continues to change and evolve. You can attend for years in a row and do different things each year. Just make sure to get your hotel reservations in early because the town fills up! Graceland is currently in the process of building their own hotel across the street from the mansion. It's called The Guest House at Graceland. It should be open to the public in the fall of 2016.

Start making your reservations now! Don't miss another Elvis Week! Check out the Graceland Website and Mobile App for all of this years activities.

2 comments:

Sara Strand said...

Now I have to ask my friend if she knows about Elvis Week because she is a HUGE fan!

Cynthia @craftoflaughter said...

I bet that's a fun time for sure!