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.
2026 Lineup
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
FOOD
Pack a picnic, bring your own snacks or pick up dinner and dessert from onsite food trucks and vendors:
Greek n Go: Greek flavours from street-style gyro wraps to vegan options
Vagabond Pies: Pizza and calzones
MyPick: Authentic Korean food
Kid Sister Ice Cream: Frozen delights handmade in Esquimalt with local ingredients, including ice cream and vegan-friendly sorbet
PUBLIC TOURS
Government House will be open for public tours prior to the concert from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.
There will be limited numbers of walk-in spots on the tours. Pre-registration for the tours is strongly recommended and will guarantee you a spot!
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 (see map).
- 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.
- Donations graciously accepted in support of The Friends of Government House Gardens Society.
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.