Fall Events, Cinemas, and Stories Await at Elmwood Cemetery

Have a deep fascination with cemeteries? You’re not the only one. I was always one of those kids who lingered maybe a little too long passing a cemetery–fascinated by so many lives that have come and gone, the history of inside its grounds, and the stories I wish those people could tell. People who lived in times we can only visit through books.

So, it comes to no surprise that I am a fan of Elmwood Cemetery–one of the most beautiful Victorian cemeteries that opened in 1852 here in Memphis. The stories of Elmwood’s 75,000 residents are endless from Memphis’ civil rights leaders, famed musicians, nuns who perished along the sick they treated in the fever rather than flee like others, to outlaws and star-crossed lovers. 

For a great read on the residents of Elmwood Cemetery, revisit our Meet Elmwood Cemetery’s Captivating Cast of Characters blog by Joe Sills.

When I was putting together our Memphis Fall To-Do List, I started to pull a few events Elmwood was hosting this spooky season and found too many to include in one small blurb.

Cemetery Cinema: Invasion of the Body Snatchers & House on Haunted Hill

Catch a double-feature on Elmwood Cemetery on October 25. Something I’ve always wanted to do! Elmwood Cemetery Cinema takes place as “the last light of the day washes away” where the project films onto the roof of the historic cottage. They’ll play Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and House on Haunted Hill (1959) and have Hot-N-Heavy Dogs food truck on site. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets are also welcome. Tickets are $17.85.

Soul of the City: Love Stories

An annual fundraising walking tour where Elmwood’s residents come back to life. I have attended and highly recommend it! For over two decades, Elmwood's residents have returned from beyond to meet the public and tell a few tales. On October 11-12, Elmwood's residents are focused on sharing their love stories. “Some are historic and enchanted. Others are tragic. Some are just plain wild.” Ticket prices range from $20-$24 with children 12 and under admitted free of charge. Tour times vary by night. This does sell out!

Elmwood will host Soul of the City Tour Preview Performance: Love Stories on October 8. This is an indoor, seated version of the event. Great for those who may be mobility-restricted. Admission is $25.

Día De Los Muertos Altar Building Workshop

In collaboration with Cazateatro, a bilingual theatre company, Elmwood Cemetery will host their second Día De Los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) Altar Workshop. In this two-hour workshop, you'll learn about the traditions and meanings surrounding "Dia De Los Muertos," and how to make an altar. Event is on Sunday, September 22nd at 2 pm. Refreshments will be available. Space is limited; the cost is $20 per person.

Attend a Themed Guided Walking Tour

In a series of different walking tours, Elmwood Cemetery historians hone in on themes of its residents to tell their stories and how they fit into Memphis history. Fever Season: Heroes of the Plague that Almost Destroyed Memphis, on Sept. 7th, is held once a year recounting the terrible Yellow Fever epidemics. The Last Word: Epitaphs of Elmwood Cemetery, on Oct. 19th, tells the stories behind the epitaphs (the inscription on a tombstone) at the cemetery. According to the event, “Born who knows/died who cares” is an actual epitaph at Elmwood. They sound rad. 

Dive into the seedy history of the cemetery during the Scandals & Scoundrels tour on either Oct. 19th or Oct. 26th. The last tour offers a look at the “lucky ducks” of the cemetery, those with epic survival stories, on Oct 26th for the Staying Alive! A Triumphant Cemetery Tour. Tickets for $20 for all mentioned tours.

Sit In on a Historical Elmwood Seminar

Similar to the walking tours, Elmwood will host a number of historical seminars featuring different topics. On Sept. 9th, they’ll host The Great War & Elmwood Cemetery which focuses on World War I. The Plagues of Memphis: Part 1 will take place on Oct. 6th with Part 2 on Oct. 20th.