How long is the event?

The tea runs about two hours, including time for a self-guided tour of the museum's tea set displays.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

The museum grounds and Visitors' Centre offer level access, but the upper floors of the house are accessible only by stairs.

Can groups reserve a single table?

Tables seat six; parties larger than six will be seated at multiple tables but can request proximity when booking.

What happens in bad weather?

In the event of inclement weather, the tea will be moved inside to the Visitors' Centre.

Are children welcome?

Families are welcome, but note the event format and museum displays; supervision is required, and upper floors involve stairs.

How do ticket proceeds help the museum?

Ticket sales support preservation of the collection, public exhibits, and educational programming at Dalnavert Museum.

Afternoon Tea at Dalnavert Museum: Historic Tea Party and Fundraiser in Winnipeg

On a quiet street in downtown Winnipeg, Dalnavert Museum opens a window onto domestic life from a century past. A Cup of Tea for Charity is a two-hour fundraiser held on the museum grounds and in the Visitors' Centre that pairs classic tea service with chance to explore a historic house and its collection. The event takes place at Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Guests arrive to tables set for six on the lawn or under cover; finger sandwiches, dainties, and a curated selection of teas are served, while tabletop parlour games encourage conversation. The program includes a self-guided stroll through the house to view the museum's tea sets and period rooms. Note that the upper floors are accessible only by stairs, and larger groups will be seated across multiple tables. What makes this tea special is how it stitches social ritual to preservation. Every ticket supports the museum's work maintaining a unique collection and staging public programs. The house itself functions as the main attraction: its rooms, furnishings, and display cases anchor a material history of Winnipeg domestic life. The Visitors' Centre provides an indoor fallback when Manitoba weather turns; in inclement conditions the event moves inside. This experience is quietly accessible—no technical skills required—and ideal for travelers who enjoy low-impact cultural outings. The gathering is also distinct for its small-scale, social-table format: seating six per table keeps conversations convivial and encourages mingling with other guests. The inclusion of parlour games and curated tea sets offers tactile moments that connect visitors to historical leisure practices. Practical details matter: the event runs about two hours, usable by families and solo travelers alike, and a table seats six people; parties larger than six will be split. If you rely on step-free access, be aware upstairs rooms require stair use. Bring a camera for close-up shots of porcelain and table settings, and dress for the season—layers work well on Winnipeg lawns. Whether you come to support heritage conservation, to savor fine tea, or to enjoy a gentle cultural outing, A Cup of Tea for Charity offers a focused, pleasant way to spend an afternoon in the city. The combination of edible ritual, tangible artifacts, and the chance to tangibly aid a local museum makes this fundraiser more than a social hour: it's a small civic act wrapped in good china and conversation. Advance booking is recommended because seating is limited and tables are reserved in small groups. Expect friendly volunteers and a modest gift table with ceramics and membership info. Tickets help underwrite exhibits and education programs. To reserve your place, use the event booking link provided by the organizers; arrival times and final details are included on the booking page.

About Friends of Dalnavert Museum

Friends of Dalnavert Museum supports programming and public engagement at Dalnavert, a historic Victorian house museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The organization partners with museum staff to present guided tours, themed events, lectures, workshops, and community programs that interpret Victorian domestic life, local Métis history, medical and social histories, and seasonal family activities.

Programs include walking tours of downtown Winnipeg focused on Métis heritage and early 20th-century urban life, small-group Behind the Ropes tours led by the collections registrar, hands-on workshops such as darning classes, and specialized presentations on topics like Victorian drug culture and funeral customs. Friends of Dalnavert Museum emphasizes accessibility and community connection. Offerings include dementia-friendly tours and family-focused holiday programming such as Halloween tea parties and Victorian-themed celebrations.

Public historians, museum professionals, and volunteer supporters contribute to research, interpretation, and delivery, helping ensure content is historically informed and appropriate for diverse audiences. Events vary in length and format; many programs fit 45–60 minutes while special events run longer. As a Winnipeg-based heritage organization, Friends of Dalnavert Museum works within museum best practices to care for collections and to share local stories, including the history of the Red River Métis and the city’s social development. Visitors can expect small-group experiences, docent-led interpretation, and chances to see artifacts not normally on display. Programming aims to educate, preserve regional heritage, and invite community participation in understanding Winnipeg’s past. Membership and volunteer opportunities support ongoing preservation, research, and public accessibility while deepening local connections to Manitoba's cultural heritage and public education.