August 2027 will mark 50 years since the death of Elvis Presley, and the culmination of what is expected to be a historic year of remembrance at Graceland. But in January, fans will be able to celebrate the birth of the King with a series of concerts, parties, panels and screenings.
Graceland has confirmed much of the lineup for the annual Elvis' Birthday Celebration, which will run Jan. 7-10. Marking what would have been Presley's 92nd birthday and the start of what is being branded as “Elvis 50” the celebrations will offer plenty of music and stories as well as previews of what’s to come later in 2027.
Here is a look at some of the top events set for Elvis’ annual birthday festivities. For a full schedule, to purchase individual tickets, full Birthday
Celebration passes and more, go to Graceland.com.
Elvis: ’68 Comeback
Jan. 7: TCB Showroom, The Guest House at Graceland
On Dec. 3, 1968, Elvis Presley made one of the greatest comebacks in music history. Famously dressed in black leather and surrounded by old friends in the now-legendary sit-down sessions, he delivered a raw electrifying performance that launched his return to the stage. On Jan. 7, fans can hear the stories and the music from this television special as part of an event hosted by Tom Brown, with performances by Pat Dunn, Emilio Santoro, Cote Deonath and Finley Watkins, backed by the Infinit-E Band. Tickets: $31.50-$51.50.
Elvis Birthday Proclamation Event
Jan. 8: Graceland Mansion Lawn
Elvis' Birthday Celebration officially kicks off with Graceland’s annual proclamation ceremony on the front lawn of the mansion house on the morning of Jan. 8. The ceremony traditionally features a larger-than-life birthday cake to honor the King of Rock 'n' Roll, the proclamation of Elvis Presley Day, comments by Memphis and Shelby County officials, and surprise guests. This is a free event.
Elvis 1957
Jan. 8: Graceland Soundstage
1957 was a year of firsts, finales and life-changing moments for Elvis Presley. He made his final appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” bought his iconic home Graceland, and lit up the big screen in “Loving You” and “Jailhouse Rock” — then closed out the year with the draft notice that would soon take him into the U.S. Army. Elvis 1957 is an event that will celebrate this chapter through live music, Elvis' performances on the big screen and conversations about the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s remarkable year. Hosted by Andy Childs, the show will feature appearances by Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling and VP of Graceland Archives & Exhibits Angie Marchese, plus performances by Billy Blackwood & The Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Emilio Santoro, backed by Sixwire. Tickets: $54-$76.
Conversations on Elvis
Jan. 9: TCB Showroom, The Guest House at Graceland
Hosted by Tom Brown, Conversations on Elvis is a celebration of Elvis’ life, told through the stories and insights from friends, musicians, scholars, authors and fans who knew him best. Confirmed guests include Elvis’ longtime friend Jerry Schilling, with more to be announced. Elvis Presley Enterprises officials are also expected to appear and offer up a preview of what’s in store for Elvis Week 2027, the centerpiece of Elvis 50. Tickets: $36.50.
Elvis Presley in Concert Featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Jan. 9: Graceland Soundstage
Live vocalists, a powerhouse band and members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra come together for one of the biggest nights of the Birthday Celebration. This annual favorite returns with a celebration of Elvis’ music from his legendary 1970s concert years, featuring vocalists Andy Childs, Pat Dunn and Finley Watkins, along with Sixwire. Plus, Elvis will appear on the big screen, performing with the orchestra. Tickets: $54-$76.
'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert'
Jan. 9: TCB Showroom, The Guest House at Graceland
Close out the night of Jan. 9 with a free late screening of “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” the acclaimed film from director Baz Luhrmann. Built from rarely seen concert footage and Elvis’ own words, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll tells his story in his own voice — on stage and off. This event is free but a reserved ticket is required.
Sunday Morning Gospel Sing
Jan. 10: TCB Showroom, The Guest House at Graceland
Bringing Elvis’ Birthday Celebration to a close, fans can gather for a soul-stirring Sunday morning gospel celebration featuring the inspirational songs that meant so much to Elvis. Enjoy live performances by Pat Dunn, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, Cote Deonath and Jillian Cardarelli with more to be announced — all backed by the Infinit-E Band. Tickets: $36.50.
Bob Mehr is the music writer at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at bob.mehr@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Elvis’ 2027 birthday celebration kicks off historic year at Graceland
