He may be gone, but Elvis Presley is far from being forgotten. January 8 marks what would be his 77th birthday and some places around the South are celebrating. And who doesn’t like a good party? Put on your “Blue Suede Shoes” and get “All Shook Up” this weekend.

Tupelo (Miss.) Historic Tours is offering a special The Cradle Will Rock: Elvis’ Early Years ($20 per adult; free per child, 12 and younger) tours through January 8. The 90-minute tour introduces you to his early years. However, don’t worry if you are unable to make it to Tupelo for the this weekend, because the city provides a driving tour map of notable place in Presley’s early life. Elvis Presley Museum and Birthplace is hosting a birthday party on January 8 at 2 p.m., and yes, cake will be provided. There’s birthday bash ($8.50 per person) scheduled at the Historic Blue Moon in Verona, Miss., starting at 6 p.m. with cake, live music and speakers.

The Isle Casino Hotel in Biloxi, Miss., is the site for the 3rd annual Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich Eating Contest. On January 7 at 1 p.m., Major League Eating encourages “amateur” competitive eaters to participate with veterans. Or just come to watch. The food of choice honors Presley’s birthday.

• Perhaps the place to be this weekend is Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. The four-day celebration begins on January 5 with a Graceland Trivia Tour at 4 :30 p.m. Throughout the weekend there are concerts, talks and more scheduled. On January 8 is the Elvis Presley Day Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. that includes serving of birthday cake. On January 7, you can enjoy the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s tribute with their Elvis Birthday Pops concert at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts, 8 p.m.


• Happy Birthday Elvis says The National Archives Southeast Region in Morrow, Ga. On January 7, the public is invited to a party starting at 12:30 p.m. at the branch. The celebration is filled with his songs, displays and much more. There will also be birthday cake available.


• Through March 18, you can view Elvis at 21 exhibit on display at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. These 56 black-and-white photos, taken by Alfred Wertheimer as promotional images for RCA Victor, show Presley at the start of his ascent to superstardom. On January 8, 1 - 3 pm., is a birthday celebration fit for the “King.” There’ll be birthday cake, a book signing and more.

photo credit: Elvis at 13, courtesy of Tupelo CVB