Elvis Week 2025 kicked off today at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. The nine-day celebration (August 8th to 16th) welcomes thousands of fans from around the world that have made a pilgrimage to Memphis to celebrate the life, music, and legacy of Elvis Presley with live performances, panels, contests, new exhibit openings, the annual Candlelight Vigil, and more.
Elvis Week 2025 features an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include:
- Elvis: Live on Stage (August 16), a big-screen Elvis experience with a live band;
- A Night in Elvis’ Hollywood (August 13), celebrating his film career with co-stars and live music;
- an Elvis Music Salute (August 14), featuring artists who shared the stage and studio with Elvis;
- Conversations on Elvis (August 15), with intimate stories from his friends and colleagues.
- Plus, experience the excitement of the 2025 live tributes.
Confirmed Elvis Week guests include:
- Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling;
- Elvis’ girlfriend Linda Thompson;
- singer/songwriter Tony Orlando;
- Larry Gatlin, singer/songwriter for Elvis’ hits "Help Me" and "Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall";
- Charlie McCoy, Nashville studio legend; legendary bassist Norbert Putnam;
- Peter Guralnick, author of the new book release The Colonel and The King;
- Elvis co-stars Marlyn Mason (The Trouble with Girls) and Robin and Gavin Koon (Follow that Dream);
- former member of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet Larry Strickland;
- Sweet Inspiration Estelle Brown;
- singer Brenda Lee;
- …among many others.
Graceland will also honor Elvis’ Imperials at Conversations on Elvis on August 15 with their induction into Graceland Legends – celebrating their contribution to Elvis’ musical legacy. Appearing to accept their honor and share stories will be Terry Blackwood, Greg Gordon, Jim Murray and Roger Wiles.
Elvis Week 2025 kicks off tonight with the first of four nights of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist shows! The Ultimate Return, happening tonight, features a high-energy tribute spanning Elvis' iconic decades. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal and Final Round take place on August 9 and 10, where 20 Elvis tribute artists from around the globe will compete for the coveted title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist champion.
For fans who are unable to attend in person, Graceland offers a Virtual Elvis Week pass for fans to experience concerts, contests, and conversations streamed live from the Graceland Soundstage. Virtual pass-holders can also re-watch events for up to 10 days after they aired. The Superfan Package includes a virtual tour of Graceland and Show & Tell of our 90 for 90 Exhibit. Pass information is available at >>> VirtualElvisWeek.com.
Some highlights are:
- Ultimate Elvis Gospel Celebration: 11am Aug 10
- 'Blue Hawaii' Luau and Screening: 7pm Aug 12 at Guest House Back Lawn
- 'Sunset Boulevard' Listening Party: 12:30pm Aug 13 Guest House Theater
- A Night in Elvis' Hollywood: 7pm Aug 13, Graceland Soundstage. Relive the magic of Elvis’ Hollywood years with Tom Brown, for a celebration of his 31 feature films.
- Elvis Sessions: The Nashville Cats: 2pm Aug 14, Guest House Theater - A peek behind the scenes of Elvis' famed Nashville recordings with Charlie McCoy and bassist Norbert Putnam
- Conversations on Elvis: 10am Aug. 15, Graceland Soundstage With Tony Orlando, Brenda Lee, dancer Sandy Kawelo, Peter Guralnick and Milton Smith, former piano player for JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet.
- Candlelight Vigil: 8.30pm Aug 15, Gates of Graceland
- Elvis: Live on Stage: 7pm Aug 16, Graceland Soundstage
Visitors of the Parker exhibition gain a unique insight into Parker's behind-the-scenes role and his influence on Elvis's worldwide success. The exhibition features original documents, rare photographs, personal belongings, and never-before-seen memorabilia. From his early days as a Dutch immigrant and show promoter to his strategic approach to merchandising and media, "The Colonel" paints a multifaceted and sometimes surprising picture of one of the most talked-about figures in music history.
For a full schedule more information and tickets see the >>> ElvisWeek.com website, you can also check the Memphis Commercial Appeal here for their >>> '12 events fans of the King won't want to miss' overview.
Details on the exhibitions: Colonel Parker’s World of Showbusiness shares the story of Elvis’ legendary – and often controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The exhibit traces his journey from his early years in Holland and work on the carnival circuit, through his time managing country stars like Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow, and ultimately to his defining role as the manager of Elvis Presley.
Serving as Elvis’ manager from 1955 until his death in 1977, Colonel Parker was a larger-than-life figure who played a crucial role in the direction and success of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll's career. While he is hailed for turning Elvis into a global sensation, Colonel Parker remains a controversial figure in the Elvis world, as he faced significant criticism for his management approach and financial practices.
The Colonel’s story comes to life in the new exhibit through artifacts from his collection. See canes, hats, and pipes that defined the Colonel’s look, along with items from his office and the colorful lab coats that he designed and wore on Elvis’ movie sets. Exhibit highlights include his typewriter, awards, rare photographs from his office, and even the 1976 Cadillac Elvis gifted to him.
Graceland in Red 1974 is the second exhibit to open at Graceland during Elvis Week 2025. When Elvis purchased the house in 1957, Elvis’ mother Gladys’ conservative style prevailed with the traditional blue and white décor that one sees when visiting Graceland today.
However, in 1974, Graceland underwent dramatic redecoration with Elvis selecting rich colors, plush textures, and new statement pieces for his home. The living room was transformed into a French Provençal theme, featuring red velvet furniture, red satin draperies, oil lamps, mermaid tables, peacock-stained glass panels, and red shag carpet. The décor was bold and vibrant, reflecting Elvis’ unique style – and a definite break from the conservative style of his mother.
The red décor was in place until 1982, when the living room was reverted to the original blue and white aesthetic before Graceland opened to the public. The red furniture and décor went into warehouse storage. Pieces of the red furniture have been used in small displays at Graceland over the years, but this is the first time guests are able to see a full replica of how the living room looked in 1974.
A highlight of the exhibit is the pair of oil lamps carefully restored by the Graceland team to their original condition. Each lamp features a gold-tone frame with a Greco-Roman-inspired figure at its center. Often called “goddess rain lamps,” they were especially popular in the 1970s. Clear mineral oil flows along fine filaments, creating a shimmering rain effect around the statue. With built-in lighting and greenery at the base, the lamps added both illumination and a sense of luxury to the room’s dramatic style.
EPIC Preview
The Toronto International Film Festival has uploaded a preview picture for the listing of Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis Presley in Concert' (EPiC). This shot is from the August 14th 1970 Dinner Show in the Metal Eye suit and it further confirms the use of completely unseen footage will be featured in this project. A great picture posted on the Toronto International Film Festival.
The listed running time is 96 minutes.
Note: There is something wrong with the hand though.
Historical Marker
In downtown Tupelo, the 15th marker of the Tupelo Elvis Presley Driving Trail was unveiled today at a special place in the Presley family's history. This location was formerly the Tupelo Garment Company, where Gladys Presley worked in the 1930s.
The marker honors Gladys's hard work and perseverance, and marks a place inextricably linked to Elvis's early life. Although the building has since been repurposed, thanks to the marker, this location remains a tangible reminder of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's simple and humble beginnings.
Director of Elvis Presley's Birthplace, Roy Turner posted: Thanks to our amazing Elvis family, the grounds were alive with energy, laughter, and music from morning to evening. From the moment the first fans arrived, it was clear this was going to be special. We were treated to two spectacular concerts by beloved Elvis Tribute Artists Dawson Horn and Jack Curtis, who are both crowd favorites and brought the King’s spirit to life with every note. The air was filled with music across the grounds, and everywhere you looked, smiles and dancing feet.
The weather was perfect, the mood was electric, and the joy of connecting with fellow Elvis fans was truly heartwarming. Every handshake, every hug, and every story shared reminded us why we do what we do. It’s impossible not to wonder if Elvis could have imagined the incredible impact his life would still have 48 years later. We think he’d be amazed and proud.
Of course, none of this magic happens without our caring, hard-working staff, who go above and beyond to make sure every visitor feels like family.
And there’s even more Tupelo Elvis news! The Elvis Driving Tour now has a 15th stop right next to Relics Antiques, on the very site where Gladys Presley once worked.
The marker tells the story of the 'Tupelo Garment Company' where Elvis' mother, Gladys, worked during that time. Another piece of Elvis history for fans to explore and treasure.
Thank you for keeping the spirit of Elvis alive, not just in Tupelo, but all over the world. You are the heartbeat of the legacy.
(Source: Elvis Information Network / Elvis Week / Toronto International Film Festival / ElvisMatters)