About

The 2026 edition of The Jane Austen Festival will take place from Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September and is the largest and longest-running Jane Austen Festival in the world. 

The festival begins with the highly anticipated Regency Costumed Promenade on Saturday 12 September, which fills the streets of Bath with over 500 people in Regency dress.

The 10-day festival includes a varied programme of events inspired by the timeless works of Jane Austen including: guided walks, costumed balls, theatrical performances, talks and more.

Visit the festival website for the latest updates and ticket availability. 

2026 Programme highlights

• Friday 11 September - Jane Austen's Bath - minibus tour, Discussing Aunts in Austen! book club, Museum Lates at No.1 Royal Crescent

• Saturday 12 September - Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, Saturday Festival Fayre, Emma at Bath Abbey (Film), Dancers Harvest Regency Ball 

• Sunday 13 September - Jane Austen & Bath walking tour, Regency Choral Evensong, Regency Feast at Prior Park

• Monday 14 September - Canal Cruise Afternoon Tea, A History of Georgian Feasting at BRLSI, Regency dance workshop at Bath Forum

• Tuesday 15 September - Pride & Prejudice - A Murder Mystery at The Bird, Bonnet or Turban workshop at The Art Pad, Regency Games Evening at No.1 Royal Crescent

• Wednesday 16 September - Around Bath with Anne Elliot walking tour, A lively Scotch air Regency dance workshop, Ladies Period Costumier talk

• Thursday 17 September - "Carriages" to Meryton & Longbourn - minibus tour, Pride & Prejudice singing workshop, Regency Games Evening, Ghost Walk

• Friday 18 September - Breakfast with Beau Nash, Austen's Arcadia at Theatre Royal, Fencing workshop

• Saturday 19 September - Full-Day Pride & Prejudice Cinema Experience, Taking Tea at No.1 Royal Crescent, Jane Austen: Incurable Romantic - walking tour

• Sunday 20 September - Bookmark Embroidery workshop, Mini Prom, Croquet Game

View full 2026 programme

Tickets and booking information

Tickets go on general sale for 2026 events from 14 May 2026.

Wristbands for taking part in the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade are now available for £15 (under 16s free) - although it is free to watch. Wristbands also give you discounts on entry to attractions around the city, including the Jane Austen Centre, Regency Tea Room and No.1 Royal Crescent.

Useful links

• Where to stay in Bath
• Plan your visit
• Travel to Bath by train
• Maps & guides
• Bath Visitor Guide

FAQs

When is The Jane Austen Festival?

The festival returns from Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September 2026.

When is the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade?

The parade takes place from 11am on Saturday 12 September 2026. It will start from the Royal Crescent before proceeding through the city centre via George Street and on to Great Pulteney Street. The procession is free to watch, although you will need a wristband to take part in the parade.

Where is The Jane Austen Festival?

The Jane Austen Festival takes place every September in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. Events are hosted across multiple venues, so please check the location when booking. 

How do I get to the festival?

You can learn more about Travelling to Bath here. Once you're in Bath, the Festival programme has a venue map on the back. On your ticket confirmation, there will be a Google Maps link and the what3words pinpoint location.

Can I purchase a festival pass for the Jane Austen Festival?

Each individual event is ticketed and there is no ticket that covers the entire festival due to the safety limitations of venues in Bath.

How do I get my tickets if I live abroad?

The Festival no longer posts out physical tickets; all tickets are now e-tickets in the form of a downloadable QR code in your email confirmation. This is the same for UK and International visitors. 

Do I have to wear a Regency costume for the events?

There are only a couple of events where Regency costume is obligatory, for example, to take part in the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade on the first Saturday and the costumed Balls. You need to provide your own costume. Please arrive dressed as there are no changing facilities at the event venues.

Can children attend events at the Jane Austen Festival?

Children are welcome at most events, except evening Balls, where the minimum age is 14 years old, and unless otherwise stated in an event description. All under 18s must have their own ticket and be accompanied by an adult who also has a ticket. 

Accessibility

The majority of the venues used by The Jane Austen Festival are accessible; see their venue accessibility & event location page for more details.

At the time of booking, please make a note in the notes section, so suitable arrangements can be made for your comfort.

Walking tours marked as being step-free in the programme can only be guaranteed as suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. If in doubt, please email the festival@janeausten.co.uk.

Read more

Festivals in Bath
Jane Austen's Bath
Literary Bath