The Costume Museum at Government House

07/29/2026

Princess Peggy Abkhazi transformed the surrounding landscape into the beautiful gardens that continue to welcome visitors from around the world.

Every table set for tea is a part of that enduring legacy. Join us for tea and experience a living piece of Abkhazi Garden’s history. ☕️

07/16/2026

Market On The Green is just 1 month away!

Be sure to join us and Fender Bender on the Castle's south lawn on August 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a day of local artisans and live entertainment!

07/14/2026

07/07/2026

This week Music on the Lawn returns to the Government House! On Thursday, July 9, The Sutcliffes bring an evening of Beatles favourites to the Government House bandshell, with the show starting at 6:00 pm.

Arrive early for a free public tour of Government House, pack a picnic or grab dinner from the food trucks, and be sure to bring your dancing shoes.

Find more details, including how to register for public tours, at: https://ltgov.bc.ca/news/its-time-to-dance-music-on-the-lawn-2026/

06/27/2026

A beautiful house to visit

New carpet has been installed in the dining room. The carpet was manufactured in England. As was the standard at the time, strips of carpet 27″ wide were sewn together to make what we consider “wall to wall carpeting.”  We think it is absolutely stunning. Come for a tour and see for yourself....

06/12/2026

FREE summer concerts at the Government House Bandshell are back! Over three Thursdays in July, local bands bring the beats with the return of full sets of new and old musical favourites. The first set starts at 6:00 pm, with an intermission, followed by a second set until 8:00 pm.

🎶Thursday, July 9, 2026🎶
THE SUTCLIFFES – A night of the best of the Beatles

🎶Thursday, July 16, 2026🎶
THE HIT LIST – Pop, rock, dance and soul from throughout the decades

🎶Thursday, July 23, 2026🎶
TIGHT HAIR DISCO – The disco songs you love and remember, where funk meets the dancefloor

THINGS TO KNOW
🎶Concerts will take place rain or shine, barring any extreme weather forecasts.
🎶Concerts take place at 1401 Rockland Ave, at the Government House Bandshell, located just above the Cary Castle Mews near the orchard.
🎶Outside food is welcome, but no alcohol please.
🎶Bring Your Own Chairs and Blankets – there’s lots of room for everyone, but come early if you want to be close to the stage. Seating is on an open lawn, so bring hats for sun and cover in case of rain.
🎶There are outside washrooms available onsite.
🎶These events are popular and onsite parking is limited. Government House can be reached via a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive from downtown. Buses on Victoria Regional Transit routes 11 and 14 stop on Fort Street at Joan Crescent, three blocks from Government House.
🎶Transit by bicycle is welcome! Due to the popularity of these events, bike rack space may be limited, but bikes may be stored along the perimeter fence surrounding the concert space.
🎶Well behaved, on-leash furry friends are welcome.

A NOTE ON ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible parking is no longer available along the small road leading to the Bandshell. This area has been closed to parking due to damage to the roots of the surrounding trees. Those unable to walk from nearby parking options can can drop off guests and personal items at the former entrance to accessible parking, and a shuttle will be available from the lower parking lot to the bandshell. Parking attendants will be onsite to assist.

Visit https://ltgov.bc.ca/news/its-time-to-dance-music-on-the-lawn-2026/ for more information on food, parking, public tours, etc.

06/06/2026

The summer schedule for public tours of Government House returns this weekend! Starting on June 6, public tours will now run every Saturday into September.

Tours give a look into the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians, covering history, points of interest, and art and architecture. Tours are free but space is limited, and visitors must register in advance.

Pre-registration is required – register and select a date and time here, up to two weeks ahead: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/government-house-49152051653

05/27/2026

What's on display for 2026? We are celebrating friendships that created iconic gardens, plus honouring nursing in WWI and WWII

05/27/2026

02/14/2026

We will have a beautiful selection of Peggy’s dresses on display this year, including three brand new (to us) fabulous ballgowns.