Step into the enchanting world of early 18th-century England at the Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora!

The annual Jane Austen Festival offers a glimpse into the charming world of one of literature's most beloved authors.

One of the world's most famous authors, Jane Austen has been a household name for more than two centuries and interest in her, and her books, is still as popular as ever.

This year marks the 251st anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and later this year, the latest adaptation of Austen's first, and most popular novels makes its way to the big screen, with

Sense and Sensibility, directed by Georgia Oakley and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Esmé Creed-Miles, debuting in theaters on September 11, 2026.

Here in Central Florida, each year hundreds flock to Mount Dora, dressed in bonnets for the Jane Austen Festival, with this year's event, the sixth annual event happening on Valentine's Day Weekend, February 13 - 15, 2026.

With a foot in the 21st Century and a toe in the Regency Era, the 6th Annual Jane Austen Festival will feature three days of special events, including a roster of lectures and workshops, an all-day Regency Marketplace, Four Course Teas, a Regency Ball, and more.

The 6th Annual Jane Austin Fest will features some old favorties, and some new features.

This year's keynote speaker is Claire Saim, co-author of the Visual Encyclopedia of Jane Austen. She is coming to the event in Mount Dora all the way from Paris and will speak about Eliza de Feuillide, Henry Austen’s French wife and good friend of Jane. And on Saturday, Feb'14 she will also share how the book came about.

Also on Saturday, Feb. 14, Sarah Gorman, will talk about Regency Balls, before the weekend's highlight, the Regency Ball.

New features, includes some interesting workshops; Perfume Making, Regency Table Games which incudes a deck of cards with the events logo, and a Hair Updo Workshop.

This years event will also offer a Jane Austen Fan Fiction Writing Workshop. And another new addition is theAssembly Room , a place to gather to meet other Jane Austen Fans, rest, kibitz.

Returning favorites include Betsy Bayshore and her Regency Fashion show. She was at the 1st and 2nd year’s Fest and many have requested her return. Also returning is the Bonnet Making Workshop with Kathryn Page.

Plus, as mentioned already, The Regency Ball returns this year and a dance class. The Stained Glass class is presented again, The Book Discussion, the Trivia Hunt, and the Saturday afternoon Teas are all on the schedule.

And don’t forget Lawn Bowling, one of the few “physical” things women in the Regency Era were allowed to do.

Best of all, proceeds of the Fest provides scholarships for women, so your attendance os worthwhile, as well as enjoyable!

For more details: https://janeaustenfest.com/

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