Cape May Victorian Week
10 days celebrating Cape May's Victorian heritage with house tours, mystery dinners, period entertainment, and more.
Quick Facts
October
Usually mid-October
10 Days
Festival duration
100+
Events scheduled
45+ Years
Running since 1970s
2025 Dates: Check capemaymac.org for official dates when announced.
Types of Events
House Tours
Tour the interiors of Cape May magnificent Victorian homes, many not open any other time of year.
Murder Mysteries
Interactive mystery dinners and events throughout the week. Solve crimes in Victorian style.
Period Entertainment
Experience Victorian-era entertainment from music to magic to comedy.
Food & Drink
Victorian-themed dinners, tastings, and culinary events.
Crafts & Activities
Hands-on Victorian crafts, workshops, and family activities.
Don't Miss Events
Annual House Tour
The signature event. Tour 8-10 private Victorian homes decorated for the occasion. Tickets sell out fast.
Mansions by Gaslight
Evening tours of grand Victorian estates illuminated by gaslight. Magical atmosphere.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Interactive dinner theater where you solve a Victorian-era crime. Great for couples and groups.
Victorian Fashion Show
Period costumes paraded with historical commentary. Fun even if you're not into fashion.
Where to Stay
Congress Hall
Historic Hotel
The "Summer White House" - iconic yellow hotel from 1816. Central location, elegant rooms, and Victorian charm.
Victorian B&Bs
Bed & Breakfasts
Dozens of authentic Victorian B&Bs offer period atmosphere. Many include breakfast and afternoon tea.
Queen Victoria
B&B
Award-winning B&B in restored Victorian mansion. Full breakfast, afternoon tea, and exceptional service.
Virginia Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Upscale boutique hotel with excellent restaurant (The Ebbitt Room). Romantic atmosphere.
Booking tip: Accommodations book 3-6 months in advance. Consider mid-week stays for better availability and lower rates.
Planning Tips
Book Accommodations Early
Hotels and B&Bs fill up 3-6 months in advance. Book as soon as dates are announced (usually spring). Mid-week stays are easier to find than weekends.
Buy Event Tickets in Advance
Popular events like house tours and murder mysteries sell out quickly. Tickets typically go on sale a few weeks before the festival.
Dress Victorian (Optional but Fun)
Dressing in Victorian costume is encouraged but not required. Many visitors go all-out with period dress. Costume shops exist in town.
Plan Your Schedule
Events run throughout the 10-day festival. Pick your must-dos and book those first. Leave time for spontaneous exploration too.
Explore Beyond Events
Cape May is gorgeous any time. Walk the historic district, visit lighthouses, enjoy beaches, and dine at excellent restaurants between scheduled events.
Weather Prep
October weather varies - bring layers. Some events are outdoors. Rain dates may apply for certain activities.
While You're in Cape May
Victorian Week events don't run all day. Fill your free time with Cape May's other attractions:
Nature
- Cape May Lighthouse
- Cape May Bird Observatory
- Sunset Beach & Flag Ceremony
Dining
- Lobster House (seafood)
- The Ebbitt Room (fine dining)
- Mad Batter (brunch)
Activities
- Shopping on Washington Street
- Emlen Physick Estate
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
Getting to Cape May
From Philadelphia
1.5 hours via Atlantic City Expressway and Garden State Parkway.
From NYC
2.5-3 hours via Garden State Parkway. Consider off-peak travel.
From Delaware
Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Delaware. Scenic 85-minute crossing.
Plan Your Cape May Visit
Explore everything Cape May has to offer beyond Victorian Week.