TARTAN DAY EVENTS
2001 National Tartan Day Festival on the National Mall, with the Pipes & Drums of the St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. Photo by B.R. Forbes
National Tartan Day celebrates the influence of Scotland and its people on Canada and the United States. The day is celebrated on April 6, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. Here are some of the events commemorating this day in North America.
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CANADA
April 6, 2024
Dressed to Kilt - Tartan Day Fashion Show. Toronto, Ontario. The St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto is pleased to support the first “Dressed to Kilt” show in Canada. Founded by Sir Sean Connery and Dr. Geoffrey Scott Carroll, this iconic fashion show merges the elegance of black-tie attire with the rich history of Scotland. The globally acclaimed Scottish fashion extravaganza will take place on Saturday, April 6 in the Governor’s Room of The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. Get ready to experience the magic of kilts, cutting-edge designs, and unparalleled entertainment. Sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto.
April 20 - 21, 2024
Tartan Day Weekend, Ottawa, Ontario. Saturday, April 20: Tartan Day Expo, Mosaic Convention Centre, free admission, free parking, raffle prizes, vendors, exhibitors, and refreshments. Sunday, April 21: National Tartan Day, Parliament Hill, pipes, drums, song and dance, 12 to 1:30 PM. Sponsored by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band.
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CALIFORNIA
April 5 - 13th, 2024
Tartan Day Parade & Film Festival. Sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles.
April 6, 2024
159th Annual Tartan Ball. San Ramon, California. Enjoy a wee dram and cocktail, and meet the Chief at the no-host bar starting at 6:00 pm, followed by a formal sit-down dinner with your choice of entrees from our menu starting at 7:00 pm. Entertainment will be provided by: The Prince Charles Pipe Band, Highland Dancers, James Moseley Band, Scottish Folk Singer Peter Daldry, Fiddler Michael Mullen, and Special Guest Color Guard. Hosted by Caledonian Club of San Francisco.
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COLORADO
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April 13 - 14, 2024
Colorado Tartan Day Festival, Longmont, Colorado. Please join us at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont, Colorado. 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm Sunday. Celebrate Celtic Heritage with us, meet the Clans honoring our ancestors. Sponsored by St. Andrew Society of Colorado.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AREA (SEE ALSO VIRGINIA)
April 9, 2024
National Tartan Day Symposium, Alexandria, Virginia. Washington, DC. Speakers will include Eilidh MacKinnon, Deputy Head, Scottish Gov’t Office, USA–Greetings from ScotGov; Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil (Keynoter) – News from the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs; Rory Hedderly, Entrepreneurial Scotland & The Saltire Project – Possible Interns Placement and Scholarship Opportunities; George Dixon, Past President, SAS/ MD Eastern Shore – Kirkin’ History Project: 84 Years of Kirkin’ of the Tartans at the Washington Nat’l Cathedral; Camilla Hellman, American Scottish Foundation, NYC – The Power of Partnering; Panel Discussion with reps from DC Metro Area Scottish Heritage Groups; Collaboration & Mutual Support/ Importance of Partnering; Chris Humprheys, President, St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, DC; Tracy Morton, President, and Heather Haddock, V.P., Scottish-American Womens’ Society (SAWS); Alexandra Duncan, Vice President, Virginia Scottish Games Ass’n (VSGA); Kathy Garrity, President, National Capital Tartan Day Committee (NCTDC); James Morrison, Member, Alexandria Sister Cities Committee (re: longtime twinning of Alexandria, VA with Dundee, Scotland). Sponsored by the National Capital Tartan Day Committee.
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April 9, 2024
National Tartan Day Reception and National Tartan Day Award, Alexandria, Virginia. Color Guard, flags and anthems. Scottish entertainers–City of Alexandria Pipe band; Peter Walker, fiddler; Scottish dancers. Refreshments–beer, wine and soft drinks; light hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Scotch tasting. Scottish entertainers will include City of Alexandria Pipe band; Peter Walker, fiddler; Scottish country dancers. Refreshments will be beer, wine and soft drinks; light hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Scotch tasting. Presentation of Annual National Tartan Day Award by the Scottish Coalition, USA to 2024 Honoree Ret. Hon. Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil. Presenters: Camilla Hellman, President American-Scottish Foundation; John King Bellassai, President Council of Scottish Clans and Associations; and Peter Wilson, President, Scottish Heritage USA. Sponsored by the National Capital Tartan Day Committee.
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LOUISIANA
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April 6, 2024
Tartan Day - An Afternoon in Scotland. Metairie, Louisiana. Learn more about Scotland at this interactive event, with the following various topics, such as Saints, Pubs, Distilleries, Highland Dress/Tartan, History, Music/Bagpipes, Nature, Castles, and Food. Join us from 1pm-4pm. Hosted by: Caledonian Society of New Orleans
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MASSACHUSETTS
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April 6, 2024
Tartan Ball. Andover, Massachusetts. The evening will feature live music and entertainment from some of the top local Scottish artists, including a harpist during cocktail hour, award-winning pipers, highland dancers, and fiddlers. Our guest band is Celtic Beats, a New England-based Ceilidh band led by bagpiper Campbell Webster, who is actively touring with the Dropkick Murphys. There will be a catered 3-course meal as well, raffles and an after-dinner Ceilidh dancing with an open musical jam session. Formal Scottish dresswear is highly encouraged. Hosts: Scots’ Charitable Society in collaboration with Scottish Arts
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MINNESOTA
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April 6, 2024
Tartan Day, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ceilidh called by Chandi McCracken plus a Whisky Tasting at Lynnhurst Church gymnasium. Hosted by the Twin Cities Scottish Club.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
April 6, 2024
Tartan Day Celebration, Peterborough, New Hampshire. From 3:00 PM 4:00 PM at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture. Entertainment will include the Scottish Music Orchestra, interspersed with informative and entertaining narrative. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Scottish Music Club.
NEW YORK
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March 30 - April 7, 2024
Celebration of Highland Dance at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Sponsored by Clan Currie Society, the non-profit wing of the Learned Kindred of Currie.
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April 3, 2024
NYC Tartan Week Kick-Off Party. New York, New York. Come meet the sponsors of NYC Tartan Week and get into the 2024 tartan spirit with your fellow Scots and lovers of all things Scotland. Sponsored by: American-Scottish Foundation.
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April 4, 2024
The New York City Tartan Week Mòd. New York, New York. New York City Tartan Week is excited to host its second Scottish Gaelic Song Competition, The NYCTW Mòd. Singers from across North America and beyond will compete in this prestigious singing competition which will take place at The Tailor Public House in Manhattan on Thursday 4th April, 2024. Each performer will sing one song at the competition. Sponsored by: Isle of Harris Distillery
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April 4, 2024
National Tartan Day Cocktail Reception. New York, New York. Join the Saint Andrew’s Society at the National Tartan Day annual cocktail reception hosted for the New York City Scottish community to celebrate its love of Scotland and all things Scottish! Business Attire, Jacket & Tie Required, Highland Dress Encouraged. Presented by the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York.
April 4, 2024
ASF Scottish Supper Club, New York City, New York. The 4th Annual ASF Scottish Supper Club celebrating all things Scotland - spotlighting arts and culture in words and music. Sponsored by: American-Scottish Foundation.
April 5, 2024
NYC Tartan Week Pre-Parade Ceilidh. New York, New York. The iconic NYCC Pre-Parade Ceilidh returns to The View at The Battery for 2024! Scotland's chart-topping Ceilidh band, Whisky Kiss, will lead us once again as we reel the night away, with additional entertainment to be announced. Enjoy delectable food and drink, stunning sites, and spectacular entertainment! Organizer: New York Caledonian Club.
April 6, 2024
Kirkin o’ the Tartan. New York, New York. Kick-off Parade Day with the Kirkin o' the Tartan service and pre-parade brunch. The service is a pan-denominational Christian blessing of the tartans of the clans, celebrating Scotland and Scots in America. A time-honored free event for the entire family. The Service will be followed by the pre-parade brunch. Presented by the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York.
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April 6, 2024
New York City Tartan Day Parade, New York City, New York. New York Tartan Day Parade will step off at 2:00 PM at 44th and Sixth Avenue. Organized by: National Tartan Day New York Committee.
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April 6, 2024
NYC Tartan Week Post-Parade Party. New York, New York. Join us for the most anticipated celebration of NYC Tartan Week! After the parade, keep the Scottish spirit alive at the NYC Tartan Week Post Parade Party, hosted at the iconic Sony Hall. The sensational Seán Heely band kicks off the party before the Glengarry Bhoys return, delivering unforgettable performances that will have you dancing all night long.
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April 7, 2024
NYC Tartan Week Sunday Brunch. New York, New York. Join the New York Caledonian Club on the final day of NYC Tartan Week 2024 for our annual Sunday Scottish fry! Enjoy traditional Scottish brunch fare as well as the rousing sounds of live traditional Scottish music. Eat, drink, be merry, and replenish from the post-parade festivities. Organizer: New York Caledonian Club.
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April 13, 2024
Tartan Day Celebration and Dinner, Rochester, New York. Come celebrate Scottish Heritage and Culture starting with a cash bar, spirited celtic music, a buffet dinner, bagpiping, dancing, raffles and games. Sponsored by the Scottish Heritage Society of the Rochester NY Area.
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NORTH CAROLINA
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April 6, 2024
Tartan Day. Franklin, North Carolina. Bonnie knees contest, Celtic music, sword fighting, scone baking contest, tartan search, burgers, hot dogs and more. First 20 guests free museum admission. Braveheart 5K registration. Sponsored by Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center, Inc.
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PENNSYLVANIA
April 6, 2024
Tartan Day 2024. Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Enjoy wonderful entertainment, Workshops, Exhibitors, Shop for beautiful items from our vendors, Take a chance on winning amazing raffles, and Have some tasty Scottish foods. Sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh.
SOUTH CAROLINA
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April 4 - 7, 2024
Tartan Day South Highland Games & Celtic Festival, Cayce, SC.
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TEXAS
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April 5, 2024
Tartan Day 2024. Austin, Texas. Doors at 6:30 pm. Silver Thistle will feature a mini band and solo players with highland pipes, small pipes as well as traditional and alternative percussion. Ed Miller will entertain you with his authentic brand of Scottish folk music and banter and the Hill Country Highland Dancers will perform selections of highland and national dances. Sponsored by: Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums.
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April 6 - 7, 2024
San Antonio Highland Games. San Antonio, Texas. Sponsored by the Scottish Society of San Antonio and the San Antonio Highland Games Association.
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VIRGINIA (SEE ALSO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AREA)
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April 2, 2024
Tartan Day Tattoo 2024. Alexandria, Virginia. Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024 is a spectacular evening of music and dance showcasing the very best of American and Scottish cultures, presented live on stage in a public theatre for the first time in the Washington DC area! Immerse yourself in a captivating showcase that blends traditional and contemporary music and dance, bringing together the very best global talent for a once in a lifetime experience. The beat of drums, the skirl of pipes, stirring marches, and colorful highland dancers will inspire, entertain, and leave you feeling uplifted as we celebrate Tartan Day 2024! Sponsored by The Washington Tattoo.
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April 6, 2024
Tidewater Tartan Day Concert, Virginia Beach. Tidewater Pipes & Drums will host its third annual Tartan Day Concert at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at 17th Street Park in Virginia Beach. Please join us as we celebrate National Tartan Day and the band’s commitment to education, performance and competition. We will be joined by Scotch & Rye, Thistle & Rose Highland Dancers and representatives of the Virginia International Tattoo. This event is FREE and open to the public. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Sponsored by the Tidewater Pipes & Drums.
WASHINGTON
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April 6, 2024
National Tartan Day Educational Observance, Spokane, Washington. Events include discussion of Scottish history, customs, and culture; piping and drumming; Highland dance; poetry reading; genealogy, and storytelling. Sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Society of the Inland Northwest.
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If you have an event that is not listed, please send the information to Bart Forbes at COSCA@bforbes.com.
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