8-07-2026 7:39am

49Th Celebration

ELVIS WEEK

NEW FASHION EXHIBIT

Elvis Week attendees will get the first look at Elvis: The Fashion Icon, opening August 7 at Elvis Presley's Memphis at Graceland. Step into the closet of the King of Rock 'n' Roll and discover how Elvis revolutionized fashion.

Explore seven immersive spaces featuring over 150 carefully curated pieces - from personal scarves and footwear to custom-made jackets and sporting wear. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or devoted Elvis fan, this exhibit reveals a different side of the king: the creativity, confidence, and style that extended his influence beyond the stage.

AMERICAN SPIRIT DISPLAY EXTENDED THROUGH ELVIS WEEK

Graceland will also extend The American Spirit of Elvis Presley display, which launched over Memorial Day Weekend, through Elvis Week. Located inside Elvis' racquetball building and viewable as part of the Graceland mansion tours, this special presentation celebrates Elvis' connection to American culture and heritage.

ELVIS WEEK

During the week beforeAugust 16, fans recognize the King of Rock and Roll throughout Elvis Week. Known as the King of Rock-n-roll for his iconic music and performances throughout his career, Elvis Presley is still considered one of the best performers in musical history today.

The 2026 edition of Elvis Week will mark the 49th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, who died at the age of 42 on Aug. 16, 1977.

#ElvisWeek

Elvis Aaron Presley was born a twin on January 8, 1935. His twin brother Jesse Garon died at birth. Presley became one of the biggest rock-n-roll stars during the mid-1950s.

Elvis' first backup band consisted of guitarist Scotty Moore and stand-up bassist player Bill Black. They recorded their first records at Sun Studio in Memphis under the supervision of Sam Phillips. Interestingly, Phillips also discovered Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and a host of others. Bill Black remembered he was not particularly impressed with Elvis upon their first encounter. Elvis himself said his first recordings sounded like “someone beating on a bucket lid.”

Besides being an accomplished musician, Elvis also served in the United States Army. Elvis was stationed in Germany and served in two armor battalions. Presley received an honorable discharge as a sergeant in 1960.

Graceland

Presley bought the Graceland mansion in the spring of 1957. Since Graceland is located on U.S. Route 51, the city council of Memphis voted to name a portion of the highway Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977. Celebrating the life and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll, Memphis and the Elvis Presley estate observe the date with Elvis Week. Elvis was inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 by John Lennon's sons Julian and Sean. Elvis's friend, Memphis disc jockey George Klein, delivered the acceptance speech.

“Nothing really affected me until Elvis.” - John Lennon

Even in death, the King of Rock and Roll attracts an overwhelming fan base. Over 600,000 people from around the world tour Graceland annually. The house was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

CELEBRATE ELVIS WEEK

Elvis Week in Memphis includes a fan reunion, dance party, a 5k run, auctions, rock, country and gospel concerts, seminars, memorial services, tours of Graceland, candlelight vigil and more! Plan a trip to Memphis for Elvis Week! Use #ElvisWeek in social media.