Fall Events, Cinemas, and Stories Await at Elmwood Cemetery
With events ranging from outdoor movie screenings to walking tours that bring the cemetery’s history and residents to life, Elmwood offers a blend of spooky fun and rich storytelling making it a must-visit this fall.
With events ranging from outdoor movie screenings to walking tours that bring the cemetery’s history and residents to life, Elmwood offers a blend of spooky fun and rich storytelling making it a must-visit this fall.
Dive into Memphis history through love stories, eerie epitaphs, and more at this Victorian landmark.
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: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Catch a spooky movie on Elmwood Cemetery on October 24. 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 Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) and will 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: Secrets
An annual fundraising walking tour where Elmwood’s residents come back to life. I have attended and highly recommend this! For over two decades, Elmwood's residents have returned from beyond to meet the public and tell a few tales. On October 17-18, Elmwood's residents return to spill their secrets.
"Some secrets were buried with them. Others refused to stay quiet. Hidden romances, family scandals, lost fortunes, and untold heroics—these truths linger beneath the surface, waiting to be heard."
Ticket prices range from $20-$25. 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 on October 15 at noon. This is an indoor, seated version of the event. Great for those who may be mobility-restricted. Admission is $10.
Día De Los Muertos Altar Building Workshop
In collaboration with Cazateatro, a bilingual theatre company, Elmwood Cemetery will host their third 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, October 12 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. Tickets for $20 for all mentioned tours.
- Scandals and Scoundrels Tour on Oct. 3 | Dive into the seedy history in this tour of the infamous residents.
- True Crimes of Bygone Times on Oct. 10 | True crime stories of decades past. "Who was accused of lacing her cookies with arsenic?"
- Shadows of the Past on Oct. 10 | Features mysteries of Victorian symbolism to chilling tales from yellow fever
Sit In on a Historical Elmwood Seminar
Similar to the walking tours, Elmwood will host a number of historical seminars featuring different topics. Tickets are $15.
- Songs My Mama Sang Me: Murder Ballads and Death Songs in American Culture on Oct. 4
- Cemetery Work: Where Culture & Death Collide on Oct. 26
Stroll through during Spokes & Spirits
Participate in the spookiest ride through the cemetery during this bicycle tour and costume contest event on Oct. 10. Come in costume, decorate your bikes, and get ready to ride. Tickets are $10. Prizes will be given out for best costume.
Take a Tram Tour
Every Thursday in October, Elmwood Cemetery will offer tram tours for groups up to seven people. The trams are covered in shade for the ultimate comfort plus you can learn Memphis history from a knowledgable and friendly tour guide. Admission is $10. Tours begin at 10 am; registration is required and it does fill up.
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