Where Xena-philes roam

JAN. 30-FEB. 1

LOS ANGELES

The Official Xena Convention: The series "Xena: Warrior Princess" may have ended in 2001, but it lives on at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott in January. At the 14th annual Xena Convention, fans will be able to meet actors who appeared on the show, including Ms. Xena herself, the now-blond Lucy Lawless. Turns out, Lawless has made a second career for herself as a singer and will perform as part of the event. Who knew the warrior princess was so multitalented? Also making an appearance will be Renee O'Connor, who played Xena's ambiguous gal pal, Gabrielle. Like any good convention for a show with a cult following, there will also be a costume contest. Expect to see many women in homemade, brown bikinis. Los Angeles Airport Marriott, 5855 West Century Blvd., 818-409-0960, www.creationent.com/cal/xebur.htm, $30 to $319.

JAN. 8-11

MEMPHIS

Elvis's Birthday: As Paul Simon says, we all will be received in Graceland. Based on our research, next month is probably the best time for that. Elvis Presley's home is celebrating the birthday (Jan. 8) of the late King (1935-77) with a lineup of events that includes a gospel tribute, Elvis bingo, and, for those who arrive early, a Jan. 6 Memphis Grizzlies basketball game that will feature movie clips and music. At multiple locations, with various admissions, some free. 901-332-3322, www.elvis.com/graceland/calendar/elvis_birthday.asp.

JAN. 19

RICHMOND

Poe's 24-Hour 200th Birthday Bash: Boston claims Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49) as its own. So does Baltimore. And so does Richmond, which is hosting a long-term celebration of the writer's 200th birthday. Festivities in 2009 include the unveiling of a Poe stamp and appearances by Garrison Keillor, the radio host and writer, and a number of exhibitions. On Poe's birthday, Jan. 19, the local Poe museum will stay open all night. There will be birthday cake, a vigil, and plenty of raven quothing. Edgar Allan Poe Museum, 1914-16 East Main St., 804-648-5523, www.poe200th.com.

JAN. 24-25

ORANGE CITY, Fla.

24th Annual Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival: The sea creature that people are always trying to save will be celebrated for two days in Volusia County. The event features live animals, dancing, and, if they're in the mood to swim by, manatees. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $8, 4-12 $2, dogs $10. Blue Spring State Park, French Avenue, 386-775-9224, www.themanateefestival.com.

PLAN AHEAD

MARCH 7-8

ROCKFORD, Ill.

5th Annual Sock Monkey Madness Festival: Those little stuffed monkeys made of socks can trace their roots to Rockford. It was there that the Nelson Knitting Co. made those red-heeled socks that were used to make the little animals during the Depression. The Midway Village Museum celebrates this history by hosting a two-day party. You'll be able to make your own monkeys and check out the Sock Monkey Film Festival. Adults $7, students and children ages 3-17 $4. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, 815-397-9112, www.midwayvillage.com.

MEREDITH GOLDSTEIN

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