Since 1999, NYC Tartan Week has been celebrating Scottish-American heritage and showing New York City what it means to be Scottish! This year, we took a trip to the city to join the celebration and witness two of the week’s final, major events- The Tartan Day Parade and epic post-party featuring live music and whiskies. Needless to say, this is the one day that must be on your calendars for next year!
The Tartan Day Parade marches up 6th Avenue each year. For 2024’s event, Emmy Award-winning Scottish actor Dougray Scott was announced as the parade Grand Marshall, leading bagpipers, dancers, Scottish clan members, dogs (in kilts!), and more in the annual parade.
The parade is free to attend and if you want to actually walk (or dance) in it, that’s free as well. Grab your band, your clan, your dogs…and as long as you have seven or more participants, you’re good to go. Take a look at the participation requirements here. The parade also welcomes Highland dancers, theatre groups, colleges and clubs.
This year, Sony Hall in the heart of the theatre district hosted the post-parade party which is also Tartan Week’s biggest fundraiser of the year. 100% of all ticket sales go right back into Tartan Week events, so you can be sure to celebrate again in 2025. Don’t even think about missing the party if you come to NYC for any of the Tartan Week festivities. This year, ImpEx Beverages was on hand featuring whisky samples from Ardnamurchan, GlenAllachie, Isle of Raasay, Kilchoman, and Nc’nean Distilleries to enjoy while you danced to the bands on stage. And if you’re more of a beer drinker, Belhaven Scottish Ale was handed out at the bar.
The line-up included Sean Heely Band, The Rollin Drones and the Glengarry Bhoys. It might be impossible to top the crowd and energy next year! But I’ll definitely be there to see what happens.
NYC Tartan Week events take place each year throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, leading up to the Tartan Day Parade and party. Interested in attending next year? We’ll see you at the 2025 parade and post-parade party- Saturday, April 5th. Read more about all of this year’s events on the blog here so you know what to expect for next April.
The 2024 NYC Tartan Week events are organized by the National Tartan Day New York Committee and made possible with additional support from the Scottish Government, Visit Scotland, ScotlandShop, The Tailor Public House, Isle of Harris Gin, Walkers Shortbread, WeeBox, Compliant Global,
For info, visit https://www.nyctartanweek.org/. The National Tartan Day New York Committee is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations to continue their annual celebrations of Scottish heritage. For ways to show your support, click here.
Coming from Philly? Lock in those hotel rooms now. There’s no excuse- you can leave the car at home and hop on Amtrak for a short ride. We’re in the city all the time covering shows and events, so if you’re not sure what route is best for you feel free to send us a message and we’ll help you plan a trip! We might even throw in some of our favorite hidden gems and restaurant recommendations too.
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