New Year, New Adventures

1. MUSIC

Tennessee

A special series of events beginning Jan. 7 at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Memphis home, will celebrate what would have been the rock-‘n’-roll icon’s 80th birthday. In addition to private parties and tours, the museum is hosting an auction of 67 Elvis artifacts, including two diamond necklaces.

2. SPORTS

Azerbaijan

In June, the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, will host the first European Games, a kind of Olympics for continental Europe. Athletes will compete in events ranging from badminton and boxing to taekwondo and trampolining.

3. LITERATURE

Poland

Harry Potter diehards can re-create the series at the stunning Czocha Castle–which looks just like Hogwarts–during two elaborate live-action-role-play sessions in April. After being sorted into houses, attendees will don robes, wield wands and take classes at a fictional wizarding college.

4. ART

New York City

The Whitney Museum of American Art’s new building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, will open its doors on May 1. Situated beside the Hudson River, it will include 50,000 sq. ft. (4,600 sq m) of indoor galleries along with outdoor exhibition space and terraces facing Manhattan’s High Line park.

5. RELIGION

Philadelphia

In September, Pope Francis will make his first-ever visit to the U.S. Visitors will be able to attend a free public mass celebrated by the Pontiff, which officials estimate could draw up to a million people. The last papal visit to the U.S. was in 2008, when Benedict XVI addressed the U.N. in New York City.

6. DESIGN

Sweden

An Ikea museum, situated in the furniture chain’s first store in Almhult–known as Ikea Town–is set to open in the fall. Exhibits will explore the company’s 70-year history as well as the design of products.

7. HISTORY

Japan

After five years of renovations, the 17th century Himeji Castle will fully reopen in March. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world.