Birthdays, books, blueberries - take your pick

MEMPHIS

Elvis’s Birthday Celebration: Elvis Presley was born on Jan 8, 1935, which means he would have been 77 next month. At Graceland they will party in his honor, and special guests at the festivities will include music writer and performer Shane Keister, as well as former members of J.D. Sumner & the Stamps, an act that toured with Elvis and sang at his funeral. Events include a Southern birthday breakfast, Elvis bingo, and academic discussions about Elvis and what he meant to the world. January weather in Memphis should be nice and lukewarm. Ticket prices and locations vary. www.elvis.com/events/birthday_celebration.aspx

JAN. 12-14

NEW YORK

Baker Street Irregulars Weekend: Sherlock Holmes’s birthday is believed to be Jan. 6, 1854, and mystery and literary fans will mingle, sleuth, and probably discuss the latest portrayal of the detective character on the big screen (Robert Downey Jr.’s Holmes sequel comes out this month). Weekend activities include the Christopher Morley Walk, named for a famous founder of the Irregulars. www.bsiweekend.com

JAN. 26-FEB. 5

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.

Santa Barbara Film Festival: Fans of “The Help’’ should book a trip to this movie party, specifically the big event on Friday. That’s when Viola Davis, who stars in the film adaptation of the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, will be honored as Outstanding Performer of the Year, an award that in previous years has gone to Heath Ledger, Angelina Jolie, and Colin Firth. This festival prides itself on being close in proximity - and date - to the Oscars (Feb. 26), so expect to see some nomination-worthy hopefuls. Packages vary. 805-963-0023, www.sbiff.org

FEB. 17-18

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.

Amelia Island Book Festival: John Rambo was not invented by the screenwriters of the first “Rambo’’ movie. He certainly wasn’t invented by Sylvester Stallone. His creator is David Morrell, the author who wrote “First Blood’’ in the 1970s. Morrell, who also wrote “The Brotherhood of the Rose,’’ which became a TV movie starring Robert Mitchum, is a festival headliner. Others scheduled to appear include mystery writer Kathryn Casey and historical thriller writer Steve Berry. Ticket prices vary; many events are free. www.ameliaislandbookfestival.com

PLAN AHEAD

MAY 4-6

BROOKSVILLE, Fla.

Florida Blueberry Festival: It’s a safe bet to expect warm weather in the Sunshine State in May - perfect weather to celebrate 15 counties that grow sweet, sweet blueberries. This first annual event honors the fruit with blueberry crepes, blueberry wine, and a blueberry stomp. There will also be a parade with 130 floats. Brooksville Square, 352-593-5919, www.floridablueberryfestival.org

MEREDITH GOLDSTEIN

Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; check online. Meredith Goldstein can be reached at mgoldstein@globe.com.