JANE AUSTEN: A 250th BIRTHDAY PARTY
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” was required reading for most of us during our school days. It is one of several literary classics that never seems to go out of style. For those who have not yet read an Austen masterpiece, it is time to indulge. The novels just keep getting better with age. Add in the countless movies, television series and the new Jane Austen’s EMMA musical, and you have the recipe for Jane Austen mania.
The global resurgence is timely and well-deserved. The beloved author and her works have captured the hearts of readers worldwide for decades. The spotlight shines even brighter this year with the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The tributes are many and across all genres.
Among my many favorite movie tributes is the new release, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. Where crossing continents and combing through book shelves leads to love; a delightful story with a French twist. Not to be missed.
Celebrations commenced earlier this year and will continue through December.
After a bit of digging, I found several amazing events that should be on every Jane Austen fan’s bucket list. And, surely would appeal to British drama and period rom-com enthusiasts. A good story and stunning scenery make for a unique adventure. The beauty of Bath and the English countryside gives one all the more reason to travel and experience the momentous historic occasion first hand.
I am always up for a good party across the pond, especially if it involves dancing and finding my very own Mr. Darcy.
Jane sums it up well in this quote:
“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”– Pride and Prejudice, 1813
From Costumed Balls to lively Literary Festivals, the Jane Austen year-long birthday party promises to be unforgettable and a fashion flashback. Period stately gowns prevail. And, the gents are distinguished and debonair in their best dress tails.
JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL; BATH, ENGLAND: September 12-21, 2025
- Grand Regency Costumed Promenade: Saturday, September 13th.
- Yuletide Birthday Ball: Saturday, December 13th, in the Bath Pump Rooms.
- Jane Austen House “Persuasion & Poetry Festival”: September 12-21, 2025
Note: as of July 2025, nearly 90% of the U.K. festival events are sold out, including the December Yuletide Birthday Ball. So, you will need to act fast.
Those who want to host their own Jane Austen event in 2025, can enjoy some of the overseas excitement via Zoom. The Jane Austen Festival will be selling Zoom access tickets for select talks and lectures. Check the festival website for updates.
During my research, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is an official Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) with over 5,000 active members.
The Jane Austen Society of North America is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers and dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writing.
The organization website is robust with “everything Jane and beyond”, and even includes a podcast. The JASNA video, highlighting Austen’s Enduring Appeal, is worth watching. The video offers engaging insight into why the world is so enamored and inspired by Jane Austen.
During this celebratory year, JASNA will be extending a special gift to students who want to learn more: A free one-year Student Membership to the Society. Click here for details.
Celebrate closer to home with these U.S. Based related events/exhibitions:
• JASNA Annual General Meeting (Baltimore, MD): October 10-12, focusing on Austen’s legacy and impact.
• Exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum (New York City): “A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250” thru September 14th.
• Goucher College (Baltimore, MD): If I Loved You Less: Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday & the 50th Anniversary of the Goucher College Jane Austen Collection; September 13th.
Photos and images courtesy of the Jane Austen Festival.
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