Events & Programs

What goes on at the Castle?

Tourists and local residents delight in a chance encounter with Kate and Esther the Maids or Christopher the Butler who often make an appearance during special events. Whether it's Robert Burns Day with the address to the Haggis, March Break or Christmas, the Castle comes alive with something for everyone. There's even theatre in October where the whole Castle becomes the set as the audience follow actors from scene to scene through the rooms and hallways. Member's Night provides an opportunity to talk with staff and directors about the year's work or upcoming projects while enjoying food from one of our preferred caterers and music from talented Vancouver Island performers. So plan your visit or get involved and let us show you Victoria's Legendary Landmark!

The Castle is a wonderful location to hold a private event so why not consider holding yours here?

New for 2012 - Join us this Winter for one of our New Craft Classes. Class registrations close 1-2 weeks in advance (in order to custom order the materials) and space is extremely limited, so register early to ensure that you get a spot!

Our Spring Break program is back again this year with expanded activities.

See below for more info and registration forms or contact us at 250-592-5323 x31. You may also Email your request or questions.

March Break Programs at Craigdarroch Castle:

From March 12th - 23rd, Craigdarroch Castle will host weekday tours from 9:30 - noon for elementary students during March Break. Each class will feature a guided tour of the Castle, a Victorian craft activity, snack and indoor/outdoor games.

$25 for 2.5 hours. Pre-registration and payment is required. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are for ages 8-10 and Tuesday and Thursday are for ages 5-7.Click here for the full listing of activities.

Vintage Craft Workshops for Teens

For teens, we will be offering a series of vintage craft workshops on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Click here for the full listing of workshops.

Join us this October as Giggling Iguana Productions puts on a site specific adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale of horror. The magnificent grounds and interior of Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria's premier heritage site, provide the backdrop for this tale of a family gone horribly wrong. Join our intrepid narrator as he reunites with his old school chum Roderick Usher. Meet the sad and lost Madelaine whose body and mind guard a terrible family secret. Be repulsed by the ancient family doctor who protects and serves the name of Usher. This is the show that launched 10 years of spooky fun at Craigdarroch Castle and sold out 3 years running.

Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle

Decorating the Castle for the Christmas season takes many hours and involves a number of staff and volunteers. The transformation is amazing as the rooms are presented in traditional Victorian fashion and original period toys peak out from under the Christmas trees. The decorations are on display throughout the month of December.

Our Christmas 2011 Entertainment Calendar is ready and posted here. We've got a number new musical selections this year as well as additional children's entertainment. All of the day time entertainment is free with your admission to the castle.

SOLD OUT - A Christmas Carol

Craigdarroch Castle was built by Robert Dunsmuir and completed in 1890. Dunsmuir, in true Scottish tradition, was known to host celebrations for Robbie Burns Day. Both Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan also had a personal connection with Robbie Burns....the first book of poetry by Burns was published in Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, the town where Joan and Robert were married.

Join us at Craigdarroch as we celebrate on Saturday, January 21, 2012!

At 10:00 a.m., the Castle opens for self-guided tours. At 11:30 a.m. Cookeilidh will begin a short musical performance and at 12:00 noon the Haggis will be piped into the Castle by the Highland Gathering Light Horse and Foot Guard. Bill Johnston will give the "Address to the Haggis" then visitors will be invited to sample a wee bit. As the Haggis is being served the performers will continue to entertain in the alcove.

We offer this tribute to Robert Burns, at no extra charge, as part of the admission fee. As a memento, take home your FREE copy of a Robbie Burn's poem and the recipe for Haggis.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

The Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society is very grateful to the businesses and individuals who generously sponsor many of our special events. Whether through cash donations, loans or in kind contributions their support helps us provide the decorating, actors and musicians that appear throughout the year in the castle. Preserving this National Historic Site is made easier by their assistance and it is our pleasure to recognize their support here.

CHRISTMAS GOLD SPONSORS

Black Press, Monday Magazine, The Ocean 98.5, Jack FM 103.1, The Times Colonist

CHRISTMAS MYRRH SPONSORS

Bayside Press, Clay & Company, Barristers & Solicitors, Victoria Coal & Heating, Waddell Raponi, Lawyers, David & Meredith Zaparinuk

CHRISTMAS FRANKINCENSE SPONSORS

Randy & Katherine Bonsen, Una H. Ferguson, JONESco Real Estate Inc., Kilshaw's Auctioneers Ltd.,

LOANS & IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

Lis Bailly, Richard Coleman, Jerymy Brownridge ~ Government House, Ann Landsell, Neil Russell, Bill Stephenson, Carl Heinz & Martin Hegt ~ Tempo Trend Studios

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION REWARDS

Abkhazi Garden - The Land Conservancy,
Blue Fox Cafe,
Fine Floral Designs,
Hotel Rialto - Veneto Tapa Lounge,
Il Terrazzo Ristorante,
IMAX Victoria ,
Licorice for Hair,
Ming's Chinese Restaurant,
Paradise Boutique,
Pizzeria Prima Strada,
Prince of Whales Whale Watching,
Russell Books,
Shine Cafe,
The Butchart Gardens,
Victoria Butterfly Gardens,
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour