How 1 road trip from Huntsville will make you love Elvis' hometown

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A woman wearing an electric blue top plays guitar on the Cathead Stage at Blue Canoe in Tupelo, Mississippi, an easy road trip from Huntsville — Elvis’ legacy lives on in Tupelo’s live music scene, including the longtime favorite Blue Canoe. (Tupelo CVB)

Quick guide to Tupelo, Mississippi

Only 140 miles southwest of Huntsville, you can join the thousands of people globally who have discovered Tupelo, Mississippi, known worldwide as the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

Just as rock ‘n’ roll never goes out of style, this town blends modern entertainment, food and culture with its many classic charms—and all with a confident wink.

Read on for details on a must-do music celebration this September and where else to find the best of the town in our exclusive guide to things to do in Tupelo.

Make a road trip from Huntsville for the 70th anniversary of Elvis’ Homecoming on Sept. 26, 2026

Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue by sculptor Bill Beckwith, located in Fairpark in Tupelo, Mississippi (Tupelo CVB)

Tupelo celebrates a big anniversary this fall, and it’s free! An evening of music and dancing will fill Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark area on Sept. 26, 2026, which is the 70th anniversary of Elvis’ legendary 1956 Homecoming Concert.

Fairpark, located in front of City Hall and in the middle of the city’s lively downtown retail district, is the site of the original show.

The park was once home to the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, where Elvis made his first appearance at age 10 and won fifth prize in a singing contest, according to the Tupelo Elvis Fan Club. Eleven years later, he returned as a global superstar with his first two No. 1 hits on record and many more to come.

🎸 What: Elvis ’56 The Homecoming Concert
🎶 Who: Music by The Brothers Windham, Elvis tribute artist Nick Perkins + Wyly Bigger
📍Where: Fairpark, 337 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804
📆 When: September 26, 2026 | 6–10:30PM
🙌 Cost: FREE!

Elvis Homecoming - Tupelo MS, September 26, 2026

Elvis’ time in Tupelo + recent ‘sightings’

A person holds gold sunglasses in the foreground to appear like the mural of Elvis is wearing them in downtown Tupelo, Mississippi — Experience all things Elvis in Tupelo, where he was born Jan 8, 1935. (Tupelo CVB)

Roses and the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi — Experience all things Elvis in Tupelo, where he was born Jan 8, 1935. (Tupelo CVB)

While you’ll experience Elvis’ legacy in the obvious places, like Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, you’ll notice it all over town. Admire public art and design flourishes in area businesses. Look for the occasional nod on local restaurant menus.

Shop over two floors of 100 antique vendors at Relics Antique Marketplace, which is in the former garment factory where Elvis’ mother, Gladys, worked while she was pregnant with him.

Take a deep dive by downloading the free All Shook Up: Elvis’ Tupelo Experience Trail pass to guide your way. When you check in at each stop, you will earn a free #MyTupelo pennant you can pick up at the Tupelo Visitors Center.

Explore an inspired + thriving Tupelo music scene

Inside Backline Music Hall in Tupelo, Mississippi — Tupelo’s newest venue, Backline Music Hall (Tupelo CVB)

Naturally, Tupelo has a solid live music scene, especially for a town its size (pop. 38,091). Here’s where to find it:

Blue Canoe: Catch live music several nights a week + check the calendar for touring artists. Established talent who’ve played there include Diplo, Rae Sremmurd, Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark Jr. + many more.
Downunder: Sip craft cocktails + enjoy international pub grub to the sounds of acoustic sets.
Huntington Bank Arena: Seats up to 10,000 people for shows by nationally + internationally touring musicians, including Blackberry Smoke on Oct. 23, 2026 + Anthony Hamilton + Leela James on Nov. 13, 2026.
Backline Music Hall is Tupelo’s newest venue, hosting touring artists + showcasing exceptional local + regional talent.

Tupelo restaurants: Traditional tastes + tunes with fresh twists

Three plates of food at Romie's Grocery in Tupelo, Mississippi — Dig into Southern meat-and-three plates and more at Romie’s Grocery. (Tupelo CVB)

You won’t be surprised that music makes its way into mealtimes in Tupelo, too. Here are a few of our favorites:

🍗 Romie’s Grocery: Tap your feet to local tunes + “put a little South in ya mouth” with classics like fried chicken, mashed potatoes + fried green tomatoes.
🍳 Brick & Spoon: Enjoy a scrumptious brunch set to the sounds of laid-back sets by local musicians.
🍔 Johnnie’s Drive-In: Cue up an oldies playlist to cruise into Tupelo’s longest-running restaurant for an Elvis-approved Johnnie Burger + sit in his favorite booth.