Special Events

We offer a variety of special events all year. Learn more below.  Call us for more information.

Summer Serenade Concert-Saturday, June 24, 2023

Our Summer Music Series continues with an outdoor performance featuring the Brantford Memorial Concert Band, within the unique and picturesque setting of the Bell Homestead. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the concert. Donations are accepted for this free outdoor event in support of the Brantford School of Instrumental Music.

  • Saturday, June 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, June 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bell Summer Theatre Festival-July 7 to August 6, 2023

Outdoor theatre returns to the Bell Homestead. Join this talented group of actors as they present two locally-written productions Pinnochio. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the show. Admission is by donation. Go to www.branttheatre.com for specific dates and show times.

Symphony Under the Stars-Thursday, August 24, 2023

Our Summer Music Series continues with an outdoor performance by the Brantford Community Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy classical music enjoyed by the Bell family and a few modern favourites on the historic grounds of the Bell Homestead. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the concert. Donations are accepted for this free outdoor event in support of the Brantford School of Instrumental Music.

  • Thursday, August 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rain date is Friday, August 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Time to Sing-Sunday, August 27, 2023

We bid farewell to August with an outdoor concert by the Brant County singers. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the afternoon with these wonderful voices. Admission by donation with all proceeds supporting Brant Food for Thought.

  • Sunday, August 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Coffee House at the Cafe-Saturday, September 9, 2023

Join us for an outdoor evening of smooth 60s music by local group Pleasant Ridge and good eats on The Exchange Café porch. Test your 60s TV trivia for a chance to win prizes. 60s style finger foods and refreshments are included in the cost. The concert will be moved to the Bell’s carriage house in the event of poor weather. Tickets are $30 each including HST. Call 519-756-6220 to purchase.

  • Saturday, September 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Halloween Fun Fair-Sunday, October 29, 2023

Make a free take-home craft and try hand-crancked pumpkin spice ice-cream samples while supplies last. Home baked goods and refreshments will be available for purchase at The Exchange Café. Admission is free but donations towards future events are welcomed.

  • Sunday, October 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Bake Sale-November 26, 2023

The Exchange Cafe and volunteers are baking up a storm so you don't have to! Simply choose from the list of goodies below and call us at 519-756-6220 or email us to place your order by Friday, November 18. Payment is required on Saturday, November 26 at the Bell Homestead Visitor Centre when you pick up your treats between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Payments accepted are cash, Interac, Visa or Master Card only.

Mix and Match a dozen (12) cookies for $10.00 (minimum 1/2 dozen per variety)

  • Cranberry white chocolate chip
  • Skor butterscotch chip
  • Italian Christmas
  • Ginger snaps
  • Shortbread
  • Cherry Christmas slices
  • Candy cane blossom
  • Chocolate dipped Christmas balls

Mix and match half dozen (6) squares, tarts or biscuits for $10.00

  • Brownies
  • Date squares
  • Hello dollies
  • Lemon squares
  • Raspberry coconut squares
  • Christmas blondies
  • Yuletide toffee squares
  • Butter tarts
  • Empire biscuits
Christmas Candlelight Celebration-December 2, 9 and 16, 2023

Tour Bell Homestead decorated for a Victorian Christmas amidst the soft glow of candles and oil lamps. Each tour includes; seasonal music in the drawing room, treats in Eliza Bell's kitchen and a children's Christmas scavenger hunt. Scrumptious desserts and beverages are available for purchase in The Exchange Café or you can do some holiday shopping at The Phone Booth Museum Store before or after your tour.

One-hour tours are available Saturday, December 2, 9 and 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.mAdmission by donation. Proceeds go toward future Bell Homestead events. Tours are limited to a maximum of eight people and are scheduled on the hour. Call us or email us to pre-book your tour. 

Loonie Family Day-Monday, February 20, 2023

Bring your family for a pre-booked, guided tour on Monday, February 20 of Alexander Graham Bell’s home and Canada’s first telephone office for the special admission price of $1.00 per person. Children 6 and under are free.

Book your tour between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by calling 519-756-6220 or emailing bellhomestead@brantford.ca. Please  note that we are closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.

Eliza's Mother's Day Afternoon Tea-Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Join us for an elegant afternoon at the Bell Homestead with a scrumptious assortment of tea sandwiches, scones and desserts. Mimosa cocktails will be served as a special treat. Take a tour of Eliza Bell’s 1870's home with the Brant 4H Club as we celebrate Alexander Graham Bell's mother along with all of our moms! Ticket includes museum admission. $45.00 per person, children ages 8 and under cost $15.00 per child (including tax). Call us or email us for tickets. 

May is Museum Month Open House - Saturday, May 20, 2023

Join us for a complimentary tour of the Bell Homestead as we celebrate International Museums Day! Call us or email us to pre-book a tour. 

  • Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
28th  Annual Barn Sale - Saturday, May 27, 2023

You'll find lots of great bargains at our annual rummage sale including household items, furniture, clothing and oddities galore. Admission is free with exception to cost of purchased items. Proceeds from the sale benefit our annual community special events. Have items to donate? You can drop off your donations at the Bell Homestead or call 519-756-6220 or email us to arrange pick-up. 

  • Saturday, May 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.