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Saturday Evening

An Evening of Festivities, Celebrating Jane Austen at 250
“We arrived at a quarter-past four, and were kindly welcomed by the coachman, and then by his master, and then by William, and then by Mrs. Perigord, who all met us before we reached the foot of the stairs.”

All Attendee and Companion registrants are invited to participate in the evening’s activities. Please remember to bring your name badges and banquet tickets.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

“thinking chiefly, I presume, of dress, company, and admiration”

Information on selecting banquet seats will be sent out in the summer. For the comfort of those who have not yet made JASNA friends, there will be tables designated for first-timers and solo attendees, but you are free to choose any table. Most participants wear Regency costume or cocktail attire on Saturday evening, but you are welcome to wear whatever is comfortable for you.

Social Hour

“I am put on the sofa near the fire, and can drink as much wine as I like.”

Meet and mingle. Bar accepts credit cards only (no cash, no charge to rooms).

AGM Banquet

“Then came the dinner and Mr. Haden, who brought good manners and clever conversation.”

Promenade

“At half-past seven arrived the musicians in two hackney coaches, and by eight the lordly company began to appear.”

Join the Promenade from the Banquet Room to the Ballroom, or just take in the sight of the beautifully attired company.

Regency Ball

“I fancy I could just as well dance for a week together as for half an hour.”

Enjoy English Country Dancing, called by Tom and Toni Tumbusch and with live music by an ensemble led by Jonathan Jensen of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Attendees and Companions at all levels of experience are welcome to dance; dance classes are offered on Thursday and Friday but are not required to participate in the ball. Feel free to follow Jane Austen’s advice – “I do not think it worth while to wait for enjoyment” – and invite another person to dance!

Ball Alternatives and Enhancements

“Billiards again drew all the odd ones away; and Edward, Charles, the two Fannies, and I sat snugly talking.”

Alternative ways to wind down the evening include cards and games in the Whist Room and an opportunity to hear our keynote speaker Paula Byrne a second time, in conversation with noted fashion historian Hilary Davidson. Byrne and Davidson will discuss “Jane Austen: Material Girl,” exploring what things meant to Austen, how she used them, and what new understandings of Austen are gained by considering the author in her material world.

You may also take away a special reminder of the 2025 AGM in the form of a hand-cut silhouette by artist Laura Muney, who will fulfill prearranged 5-minute appointments during the ball. See the Special Sessions page for details.

Sunday Morning

“I believe I drank too much wine last night at Hurstbourne; I know not how else to account for the shaking of my hand to-day.”

Ready to invigorate yourself with a Fun Run? If not, a quiet moment with Austen’s Prayers may be for you. Whichever you choose, do not miss the AGM Book-Signing, where you can meet the speakers you’ve heard throughout the conference and have their books personally signed for you. Then it’s time for a hearty brunch and a fascinating closing talk by John Mullan, open to all registered Attendees and Companions.