My dad has always made a big deal of the fact that I was born on August 16th—the same day (though different year) that Elvis Presley died. (For the record the legendary singer died on August 16, 1977—-I was born a few years prior.) While my dad has made the trip to Graceland, I have never toured the mansion myself.
If you too have never been to Elvis’ home, you may want to make plans to go this year. Memphis is planning to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the icon’s death with an entire week of Elvis related festivities from August 11-19. Organizers say they expect more than 50,000 die-hard fans to descend on the city to memorialize the King of Rock and Roll. (That’s 20,000 more than last year.)
However, before you pack your bags and travel to Memphis for Elvis Week you should know the following:
According to event organizers, all major hotels within a 15- to 20-mile radius of downtown are sold out. However, rooms are still available in outlying suburbs.
Also, the 12,500-seat tribute concert slated for August 16th featuring former Elvis band members accompanying live footage of the singer is also sold out. (The second midnight show added is also sold out.)
The good news is that the concert is only one of more than 100 events planned for the nine-day event. Among the other activities—the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest starring winners of 25 preliminary Elvis impersonation competitions from around the world. Currently, tickets are still available for the qualifying round on August 12th, but getting seats for the finals may be a bit trickier. My tip: look for package deals that include tickets to both events.
Another notable first during this week’s activities is the lifting of a long-standing rule that restricts visitors from walking on the grass at Graceland. Over the years officials at Elvis’ former home made sure people kept off the grass, but in commemoration of this year’s Elvis week, grounds keepers at Graceland are temporarily rescinding the rule for concerts and movie screenings, which will take place on the front lawn of the mansion.
If you can’t make it to Memphis, consider heading to Presley’s birthplace 90 miles southeast in Tupelo, Mississippi. City officials there are also gearing up to commemorate the singing legend’s passing. According to Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation, workers at the house where Elvis was born in Tupelo are bracing for a record number of visitors. Other events planned in the Tupelo area include a driving tour of Elvis’ favorite haunts. One of the stops: the local hardware store where Elvis’ first guitar was purchased.
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