15 Great Reasons to Visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland This Summer
What are you waiting for? This is the summer you need to finally make that trip to Memphis to experience the legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. From a newly opened ‘68 Special Exhibit to our Making of ELVIS Movie Exhibition, plus fun events, live concerts, and a cool pool to take a dip in, there is no better time than now!
#1 – THE COMEBACK IS BACK AGAIN
Opening Memorial Day Weekend, the new Elvis ’68 Enhanced Exhibit is a visual representation of Elvis’ 1968 television special taking you on the journey from scripts to showtime. The exhibit provides an up-close look at artifacts such as tickets to the original show and highlights Elvis’ made-for-tv outfits including his famous black leather suit. Immerse yourself in the show through video clips, images and artifacts intertwined with a replica stage and the famous ELVIS letters. This must-see exhibit allows fans to step inside the creative genius of Elvis and his unforgettable “comeback” to live performing.
#2 – LAST CHANCE TO SEE ELVIS MOVIE EXHIBITION
Only at Graceland through September 4, the Making of ELVIS Movie Exhibition will take you on a deep dive into Baz Luhrman’s celebrated film ELVIS as you learn about the movie-making process while exploring the movie’s costumes, props and set designs. In addition, our limited-time Elvis Movie UVIP Tours offer you a chance to see the real-life artifacts from the movie and learn more about Elvis’ life with a live tour guide taking you through the mansion and our Elvis Presley’s Memphis exhibits, before an in-depth exploration of the ELVIS movie exhibit. The tour and exhibit are exclusive to Graceland, so you will not experience them anywhere else!
#3 – MARVEL AT OUR JUMPSUIT WALL
Elvis: Dressed to Rock is an exhibit like no other with more than 100 pieces of the king’s stagewear, including stunning jumpsuits, detailed capes, numerous belts, two-piece suits, studded boots, jewelry, and more, displayed beautifully in dramatic 21-foot floor-to-ceiling displays. In addition, this exhibit features outfits displayed for the first time ever as their complete sets, including three Cisco Kid two-piece outfits, worn in Las Vegas in 1971, and two of Elvis’ Dude Suits, worn in Las Vegas in 1972.
#4 – A WALL OF PLATINUM AND GOLD
If you are an Elvis fan, you know he sold billions of records worldwide. At Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, our wall of platinum and gold awards – plus a rare diamond award, Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and GRAMMY Awards – offer an accolades collection like no other! The sight of it is guaranteed to take your breath away!
#5 – DREAM BIG
Curated by the Graceland Archives team, ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley showcases music artists and entertainers who have been inspired by the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This extraordinary exhibition honors Elvis Presley’s remarkable role as a trailblazing music pioneer, showcasing authentic wardrobes, instruments, and artifacts from artists and entertainers who his iconic legacy has influenced, including items from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Lennon, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, among many others.
#6 – TAKE A LEISURELY GOLF CART RIDE
Elvis loved driving golf carts around the lawn at Graceland – often taking friends and family for a wild spin around the yard. Sometimes he would take the golf cart down to the front gate to meet fans or drive it out on Elvis Presley Boulevard. Now you too can experience what it was like to take a spin around Graceland (or on EP Blvd.) with your own virtual golf cart ride at the Elvis Interactive Exhibit at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
#7 – LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AT GRACELAND
There’s no better time or place to celebrate America than at Graceland during our All-American Weekend Celebration July 1-2. With fireworks set to Elvis music, famous BBQ from Vernon’s Smokehouse, and a double-header Elvis Tribute Concert featuring two of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world, Victor Trevino Jr. and Patrick Dunn, it doesn’t get any more All American than this! Graceland Mansion will also be lit up in red, white and blue to celebrate America with you!
#8 – ULTIMATE ELVIS FESTIVAL
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii tv special and the 55th anniversary of the ’68 Comeback Special, this year’s Elvis Week will be nine days packed full of concerts, events and panels. You’ll hear from Elvis’ friends, co-stars, collaborators, and experts, plus see some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world competing for the crown! Although every day of Elvis Week offers something uniquely fun and memorable for fans of all ages, the cornerstone event – The Candlelight Vigil – is where you’ll want to be on August 15 to see the tributes of thousands of fans holding their candles high in the air before they walk up the driveway to the meditation garden to honor and pay their respects to Elvis.
#9 – ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT
The uniqueness of Graceland doesn’t end at the mansion. Graceland Live hosts shows, concerts, comedians, and events throughout the year at the Graceland Soundstage. Equipped with sound, lights, and video systems worthy of the king himself, Graceland Live shows also provide complimentary access to our Lightning Lounge, where fans and guests can grab drinks and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere before taking in the spectacular shows. This summer’s lineup includes artists such as Clint Black, Richard Marx, Motionless in White, and more!
#10 – MAKE A SPLASH
You won’t find a more perfect spot to savor the summer in Memphis than the poolside! The Guest House at Graceland pool serves as the focal point for all the exciting activities on the back lawn of our AAA Four Diamond resort hotel. It’s a delightful destination for families and friends, conveniently located next to the lobby bar. Whether you seek a refreshing swim or a quick dip, the crystal-clear water is so irresistible you’ll never want to leave!
#11 – EAT YOUR HEART OUT
Recently redesigned, our Minnie Mae’s Sweet Shop is the best place to grab a cool sweet treat on a hot summer day. Highlighting numerous flavors of ice cream, Minnie Mae’s is the ultimate sweet tooth fix. In addition to the delectable, sweet treats, while at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into an array of offerings from Elvis’ favorite peanut butter banana sandwich at Gladys’ Diner and BBQ from Vernon’s Smokehouse, to the best burgers-in-town and world-class entrees from our two restaurants at the Guest House. What a great way to savor the summer flavor!
#12 – ALL ELVIS, ALL THE TIME
Elvis Radio is the world’s only ALL ELVIS – ALL THE TIME radio station broadcasting from Graceland on SiriusXM Channel 75! If you’re lucky, YOU could also be on Elvis Radio when you visit Graceland! Shout out to family and friends and request your favorite Elvis song! Let them know when you’re coming @SXMElvisRadio on Instagram and Twitter or e-mail elvisradio@siriusxm.com.
#13 – SHOP LIKE THE KING
Graceland offers more than 10 on-site gift shops, featuring everything from Elvis sunglasses, magnets and mugs, to high-end jewelry and even an opportunity to buy your own jumpsuit. Our vast selection of souvenirs, apparel, accessories, music, and more ensures you can get something you love for yourself, and your favorite Elvis fan back home. And, if you missed out on picking something up while here, our online store ShopGraceland.com ships worldwide!
#14 – WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Graceland Excursions embarks on a captivating journey every Friday, transporting you to the very origins of Elvis in Tupelo, Mississippi. Join us aboard our customized excursion bus for a comprehensive day trip down south, where you’ll encounter Elvis’ Birthplace, the Hardware Store where his mother purchased his first guitar, and the cherished church of his childhood. Enjoy hearing stories about Elvis’ life and humble beginnings and learn what shaped him into the revered King of Rock.
#15 – LEAVE YOUR MARK
When you finally visit, don’t forget to leave your mark by signing the front wall of Graceland. A long-standing tradition, the wall at Graceland is filled with signatures and messages from fans from across the world who have made their pilgrimage to Memphis. So be sure to bring your sharpie with you and leave a tribute on the wall to let the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll know you were here!
So what are you waiting for? Click here to make your summer plans today!
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