Summer at the Castle: Summer concerts, afternoon tea, ghost walks and history

BADEN, ONT.— Castle Kilbride provides something for every taste this summer as the restored Victorian-era mansion continues its popular “Fabled” exhibit. The Castle offerings in July and August include outdoor concerts; tours; afternoon tea; crafts; quiet hour; an art show; and ghost walks.

Built in 1877, the Castle was home to James Livingston, Canada’s “Flax Mill King” and his family. The museum features rare, nationally designated three-dimensional wall and ceiling murals that reflect Victorian extravagance and variety.

The Township purchased Castle Kilbride in 1993 and opened it as a museum for its first time in 1994. In 1995, Castle Kilbride was designated as a National Heritage Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

The museum’s special exhibit for 2024, “Fabled,” was co-curated by Castle Kilbride and Stratford Festival Archives, pairing the childhood books of Laura Louise Livingston with exquisite costumes previously used on stage.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening at Castle Kilbride.

Castle Concerts

On Thursday nights between 7 and 8 p.m., concert-goers bring their lawn chairs to the front lawn of Castle Kilbride for live music al fresco. Admission is by donation.

The lineup for the rest of the season includes:

July 25- Unleashed

Aug. 1- Eric Jackson & the Willow River Band

Aug. 8- Rescue Junction

Aug. 15- Onion Honey

Aug. 22- Festival City Big Band

Aug. 29- Kettle’s On

Concert admission is by donation.

Fabled Fridays

Fabled Fridays take place throughout the summer until Friday, Aug. 30.

The 45-minute guided tour of the “Fabled” exhibit, features costumes from such favourites as Alice Through the Looking Glass, Peter Pan, Romeo and Juliet and Oliver Twist. Advance tickets are $8 an adult and $5 a child. Fabled Fridays is offered at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m. eventbrite.ca/e/fabled-fridays-at-castle-kilbride-

Queen of Tarts Tea & Tour

This summer’s tea and tour gets a twist to reflect the “Fabled” theme. The focus is on Alice Through the Looking Glass and the characters of Alice and the Red Queen as tea party guests tour the Stratford-inspired exhibit, led by a Castle guide in costume.

Tea & Tour visitors then sip lemon chiffon tea and munch on a fruit scone, Earl Grey flax cookie and a tart. Tickets are sold in advance for the Queen of Tarts Tea & Tour, offered Sunday, Aug. 11, Sunday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The cost is $15 a child and $22 for an adult.

Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca/e/queen-of-tarts-tea-and-tour-at-castle-kilbride

Whimsical Weekends

One weekend a month, families can attend Castle Kilbride's Whimsical Weekends. The guided 30-minute tour of the museum and “Fabled” exhibit finishes with a fairy tale-inspired craft. The August dates are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3 and 4. The theme is Guards of the Red Queen: Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Ticket prices are the same as regular admission and available at eventbrite.ca/e/whimsical-weekends

Quiet Hours at the Castle

For those who prefer a quiet experience at Castle Kilbride, the Castle offers Quiet Hour on select Tuesdays in the summer from 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. on a day when the Castle is closed to the public.

Quiet Hour allows visitors to self-guide through the museum at their own pace. A guided tour is available for those with low vision who wish to experience the museum through vivid verbal descriptions and touching a selection of objects.

Tickets must be bought in advance. Personal support workers are admitted for free. When booking, please share any accommodation needs in advance at castletours@wilmot.ca. Tickets are $8/Adult and $5.25/child and available at eventbrite.ca/e/quiet-hours-at-castle-kilbride

“Perceptions”: A Juried Art Show by the COAA

The Central Ontario Art Association presents “Perceptions,” an annual juried art show featuring selected fine artists from across central Ontario working in diverse media.

Juried by award-winning artist Susan Gosevitz, COAA members submitted artwork based on their interpretation of the broad theme “Perceptions.” All are invited to the opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m., and to meet some of the artists in person. The show runs from Aug. 10 to Sept. 7. 

Castle Kilbride Ghost Walks

They’re back………

Take a walk on Castle Kilbride’s eerie side. The tour features frescoes from an artist who should have been dead, playful kids throughout, including Kilbride’s resident spirit and haunted antiques that have found their way back to the Castle. 

Participants are secluded inside the house with their guide, creating a perfect environment for experiences. This indoor tour has not disappointed; it has been Ghost Walks’ most active.

Tour with a guide in costume as they present an out-of-the ordinary tour. Ghost Walks take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 24 (with more dates in the fall). For fees and booking, visit GhostWalks.com. 

Quote
Mayor Natasha Salonen
Township of Wilmot

“The Castle Kilbride team has incredible programming on offer this summer. I’ve had the chance to speak with folks who are visiting the Castle from all over Ontario and know that Township residents have especially been enjoying the weekly outdoor concerts. Be sure to add a visit to the Castle to your summer itinerary!”

Sherri Gropp
Curator
Township of Wilmot

“Staff planned for the Fabled exhibit to be a fun one but the reception it has received has made it magical. It has been exciting for staff to plan and host events to match the theme. Imagination and fun abound this summer.”

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Media contact:
Donna L. Kell | Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Township of Wilmot | 519-778-3782 | donna.kell@wilmot.ca