Things to do in Memphis: Your guide to making the most of summer in the Bluff City

There's never a shortage of fun things to do in Memphis, but summertime in the Bluff City is something special.

From music to movies to a visit to a King's house, there's plenty to keep you entertained during the summer.

Here are just a few offerings you'll want to put on your calendar. Make sure to check this article regularly, as we'll be updating it throughout the summer.

Concerts, concerts and more concerts

For the most part, concerts are back in full force after two years of pandemic uncertainty. Artists are touring again, Memphis venues are booking them and fans are flocking to see their favorite performers in person.

►In June alone, acts like Big K.R.I.T., Kraftwerk and Mt. Joy will take the stage in Memphis. Here's a list of 10 shows you won't want to miss in June.

►The Memphis Botanic Garden’s annual Live at the Garden concerts launch June 11 with a concert by pop/fusion outfit Steely Dan. Other acts set to perform during the series include Darius Rucker on July 15 and country trio Lady A on Aug. 20. You can read more about the Live at the Garden lineup here.

►Speaking of outdoor concerts, the Overton Park Shell free concert series is back, along with several ticketed Shell Yeah! benefit concerts. The free series will feature performances by The Reigning Sound, Stax Music Academy, Gaby Moreno and many others. Commercial Appeal music writer Bob Mehr has all the details on the concerts here.

►One of Memphis' biggest concert events is making its return for the first time since 2019. That's right: Yo Gotti's Birthday Bash is back. The eighth edition of the typically star-studded event will take place July 15 at FedExForum. Guest artists have not been announced, but based on previous years, we know it will be one of the summer's most memorable events.

Visiting Graceland?

►This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the public opening of Elvis' home. Graceland first opened its doors to the public on June 7, 1982. If you're planning to visit the King's home, we've put together some tips to help you take care of business while you're there.

►One exhibit Elvis fans will want to make sure to check out is "Elvis: Dressed to Rock," which features more than 100 jumpsuits, tunics, capes, belts, pieces of jewelry and pairs of sunglasses worn by the King of Rock 'n' Roll from 1969 to 1977. The exhibit will be up through Labor Day at Elvis Presley's Memphis.

►The annual tribute to the life and legacy of Elvis Presley, "Elvis Week" is set for Aug. 9-17. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the King's death. As usual, the week will be filled with a variety of Elvis-related activities and will culminate with the Candlelight Vigil on the evening of Aug. 15. Priscilla Presley, Elvira and Jerry Schilling are among those expected to take part in events.

Summer blockbusters and a drive-in jamboree

►The new "Elvis" biopic from filmmaker Baz Luhrmann is expected to get fans all shook up when it hits theaters June 24. One of the most anticipated movies of the year, "Elvis" features Austin Butler as Presley and Tom Hanks as Elvis' mysterious manager, "Colonel" Tom Parker. Based on the trailers (and the response from Presley's family), June 24 can't get here soon enough.

►In other summer movie news, Joe Bob Briggs, the comedic film critic, B-movie aficionado and Shudder TV host, is bringing his second annual "Joe Bob's Drive-In Jamboree" movie festival and convention to Memphis. The "Jamboree" runs July 8-10, with nighttime events at the Malco Summer Quartet Drive-In and daytime events will be at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Things to do this summer in Memphis