Things To Do For Free During Elvis Week 2024
The Always Elvis Fan Club returns for Elvis Week 2024 and since our very first Elvis Week in 1992 a lot has changed. The complex across from Graceland has completely changed, things that once appeared in Elvis house have moved and the biggest thing is it cost more to see everything.
Although we do recommend that everyone take the Graceland tour, see Elvis planes, automobiles, jumpsuits and all the other historical artifacts, there is things to do around Graceland and Memphis that are free! So below is some of our recommendations.
CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL | MEDITATION GARDEN
The annual Candlelight Vigil is a must for any Elvis fans as thousands gather on the eve of Elvis passing on August 15th at 8:30 PM. After a short opening ceremony fans are invited to walk up to Elvis gravesite at meditation garden while carrying a candle in remembrance. The gates will remain open until all fans have had an opportunity to participate which may continue until the early morning of August 16th.
If waiting during the Candlelight Vigil is not possible we highly recommend visiting during available morning and evening hours during Elvis Week.
Morning walkups are 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM from August 9-17 and evening walk up available from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM on August 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17.
BETTY HARPER ART SHOWING | GUESTHOUSE AT GRACELAND
AUGUST 12 -16 1 PM - 4 PM
Visit the Guesthouse gift shop and meet Betty Harper, the official licensed Elvis Presley artist who has drawn 20,000 images of Elvis. She is joined by her daughter Loretta who will assist you to find a new Elvis art collectible to take home.
Plus they have a daily giveaway and other art based collectibles.
ELVIS MEMORABILIA EVENTS | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
The Always Elvis Fan Club has been visiting Graceland for over 35 years and although Graceland has their own souvenir shops the best place to add to your collection, especially during Elvis Week, is to visit a collector show.
The fan club has held their own conventions over the years and we must say there is nothing like checking out items from true Elvis collectors. It will have everything from records, CD’s. DVD’s books, Elvis photos and any other collectible you can think of.
We recommend checking out these two shows, Jon Daly’s Memphis Summer Fest and the Elvis Fan & Collector Show featuring Elvis photographer Keith Alverson. Admission is free and you even connect with guests who knew or are connected to Elvis.
Jon Daly’s Summer Fest is being held at the Holiday Inn at 3411 Elvis Presley Blvd from August 14-18, 2024 at 10 AM to 6 PM.
Elvis Fan & Collector Show with Keith Alverson will be held at the Travel Lodge Hotel at 1471 E Brooks Road between August 11th through 15th from 11 AM to 6 PM daily. Let them know the ‘Always Elvis Fan Club’ sent you!
ELVIS MEMPHIS LOCATIONS | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Here are just a few locations to check out while around Memphis. If you are near the Beale Street area stop in at the ‘Clothier to King at Lansky Brother the family owned retailer who help develop Elvis’ signature style. While on Beale Street look down on the sidewalk for all the embedded music notes and of course keep your eye on the Elvis Presley marker. Also on Beale Street between South 2nd Street and Main is the Elvis statue featuring the young Elvis playing his guitar.
From Beale Street a short drive east you can check out Sun Studio at 706 Union Avenue. Now of course, the Sun Studio tour is not free but for $15 it is the best value tour in the city. They do have a souvenir shop and it’s free to take photos outside the historic building.
If you continue east you can visit some locations that Elvis performed in Memphis including the Overton Park Shell on 1928 Poplar where Elvis performed early concerts in 1954-1955 then head about 10 minutes south to the Mid South Coliseum on Early Maxwell Boulevard where Elvis performed seven concerts during the 70’s.
If you continue another 10 minutes east you can visit Elvis first home at 1034 Audubon Drive and take a few snap shots in front of the short iron gate.
