What is Jane’s Walk?
Jane’s Walk is a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement.
The annual Jane’s Walk festival takes place the first weekend in May, in more than 500 cities and towns around the globe. In 2026, the walk roster will be available in mid-April and the festival will be held in Maine on Saturday, May 2.
Who was Jane Jacobs?
Jane Jacobs was a community activist and writer who lived from 1916-2006. She is best known for galvanizing her neighbors to stop a highway from being built through their community. She believed in the power of individuals to influence the places they live. Today, her principles underpin the participatory planning approaches that have been embraced in communities around the world.
Jane’s Walk ME is coordinated by Maine Preservation in collaboration with Friends of Congress Square Park, Greater Portland Landmarks, Maine Downtown Center, and Portland Downtown.