What is Tartan Day in the USA?
Tartan Day was officially declared by the US Senate in 1998 to honour the contributions that American Scots have made to the US.
In New York, events have expanded to a whole week of celebrations. From Scottish ceilidh dances to Tartan Day cocktails and the parade itself, a week-long series of events enables people to live and breathe the spirit of Scotland.
The celebrations showcase North America’s connections to Scotland. All of this would be incomplete without the famous NYC Tartan Day Parade, when pipes and drums parade proudly down 6th Avenue.
What is the NYC Tartan Day Parade?
The annual NYC Tartan Day Parade showcases the contribution Scots have made to the USA. It brings together clans, bands, community groups and people across the US who celebrate their connection to Scotland.
The parade strikes a universal chord from international pipers and drummers, being loud and proud to celebrate the Scottish contribution made to America.
It is led by an honorary Grand Marshal, usually a famous Scottish personality. For 2025, the NYC Tartan Day Parade Grand Marshal is actor, writer and presenter Alan Cumming.
Past Grand Marshals have included Gail Porter, Karen Gillan, Billy Connolly, Brian Cox, Kevin McKidd, Dougray Scott and Sam Heughan, together with former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
When is the NYC Tartan Day Parade?
In 2025, the annual NYC Tartan Day Parade is on Saturday 5 April. It will be taking place on 6th Avenue in New York City, as the centrepiece of the Tartan Week calendar. It's a parade that embodies the pride and passion of Scotland.
Visit the official NYC Tartan Week website (nyctartanweek.org)
Scotland’s Hoolie in New York
As part of NYC Tartan Week, Hoolie in New York will take over Carnegie Hall on Saturday, April 5. This will mark a historic moment for Scotland’s traditional music on one of the world’s most prestigious stages...built, of course, by a Scotsman.
This ground-breaking event unites award-winning talent, including Mànran, Julie Fowlis and Dougie MacLean, whose anthem Caledonia is a global symbol of Scottish identity. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Oban High School Pipe Band bring their world-class performances, while Gary Innes joins Duncan Chisholm who plays the historic Gregg fiddle, once played by Robert Burns. Hosted by Emmy winner Alan Cumming, this is a night not to be missed!
Discover more about Scotland’s Hoolie in New York
Photo credit: Kevin Kerr
Tartan Day celebrations in the USA
Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that American Scots have made to the USA. Celebrations will take place across the country including the NYC Tartan Day Parade, Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2025, and The Tartan Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Explore your connections with Scotland and meet other members of our global community.
*Header image photo credit: Instagram @thefirstpiper