St. Andrew's Society of Washington, DC

Burns Night Dinner
2023-01-28 18:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA, 22307, United States
The Saint Andrews Society of Washington DC is hosting the 264th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns poet laureate of Scotland. This celebratory formal event includes a three-course dinner, performances by the Washington DC Pipes and Drums Scottish, dancers and traditional poetry and speeches that celebrate Burns’ remarkable life and works.

The event will be held January 28 2023 at Belle Haven Country Club 6023 Fort Hunt Road Alexandria VA. Cocktails are a hosted hour with a cash bar beginning at 6:30 pm and dinner starts at 7:30 pm. Dress is Highland Formal or Black Tie.

Member discount is EARLY30 which is a $30 per ticket. Valid until Jan 6.

National Tartan Day
2023-03-27 14:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | DACOR Bacon House, 1801 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States
The National Capital Tartan Day Committee (NCTDC) will again be celebrating the Tartan Day Holiday in DC this year–the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Senate Standing Resolution designating April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day–to honor the many contributions of Scots, and Scottish-Americans, to the founding and subsequent development of the United States–in all fields of endeavor.

This year, both of NCTDC’s regular events--Symposium and Reception–will occur “live” and on the same day–Thursday, 6th April–and in the same location (DACOR Bacon House in downtown DC, at 19th & “F” Streets, NW, very near the White House and the World Bank Building). The Symposium (in the indoor parlor) will run from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. The Reception (in the walled garden, out back) from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.

The Annual Tartan Day Award–presented each year to deserving Scottish-Americans by the Scottish Coalition, USA (TSCUSA)–will be presented jointly during the Reception to former Congressmen John Duncan (R-TN) and Mike McIntyre (D-NC), founding Co-Chairs of the Friends of Scotland Caucus in the House (2002 – 2019 for Duncan, and 2002 – 2015 for McIntyre)–for their leadership in founding and chairing the Caucus, and for sponsoring the House Tartan Day Resolution (H.R. 41), in 2005. As in years past, the award will be presented by the members of the steering committee of the five Scottish heritage organizations that together make up TSCUSA. Both Mr. Duncan and Mr. McIntyre will attend the event. The award will be presented by Camilla Hellman, President of ASF, Peter Wilson, President of SHUSA, Ken Lloyd, the new National commander of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS), and John King Bellassai, President of COSCA–all member organizations of TSCUSA.

All current members of the House Friends of Scotland Caucus will be invited to join us for the Thursday Reception and Awards Presentation at DACOR Bacon House. Though Congress will not be in session that week, some will likely be in town.

Our lineup of speakers for the afternoon Symposium will include (1) Chris Thomson, Scottish Gov’t Counselor for North America; (2) Professor Duncan Sim of the University of the West of Scotland, who has published on the subject of the Scottish Diaspora in America; (3) the Rt. Hon. Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil, an hereditary Scottish peer long resident here in the States; (4) Donald MacLaren, Chief of Clan Laurin and Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs; (5) Professor James Ambuske from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA; (6) Keith MacGregor, North American Board Member for the Clan Gregor Society, Scotland; (7) Alexandra Duncan, Membership Secretary for the Scottish American Women’s Society of Washington, DC; and three speakers who together c will address trade policy between Scotland and the USA and related issues economic issues–(8) Ian Houston, President of the Scottish Business Network, (9) John Bleed Director of the Confederation of British Industry, (a BABA/ DC member organization), and (10) Peter Wilson, President of Great Scot International, a business entrepreneur located in NC who imports Scottish food stuffs, beverages and woolens). (Peter is also President of Scottish Heritage, USA (SHUSA) a Scottish Coalition member organization.)

Professor Duncan Sim will be focusing on the Scottish Government’s new Engagement Plan with the U.S., which he and a colleague have just revised, at the direction of ScotGov. He will also be alluding to his previously published work about the present-day Scottish Diaspora in the USA, and giving an update. Lord Dunrossil and Donald MacLaren, who are both with the governance group at the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC), will be addressing aspects of how the various clan and family societies here in the States (of which there are approximately 120)–celebrate and display their “Scottishness.” As you know, all these clan societies have websites and pitch tents at highland games around the USA. And many Scottish clan chiefs come over as guests of honor to attend these events. Though the relations between the clan chiefs in Scotland and their clan societies in the USA (and elsewhere around the world) are generally cordial, there are some issues around authenticity about which the SCSC has expressed concerns. Dunrossil and MacLaren will also talk about the SCSC’s new “Heirs Project”–an effort to provide training and orientation to the upcoming heirs of Scottish clan and family chiefs, and to the generation of new, young chiefs now stepping into leadership roles. These will be the primary focus of their remarks. this will be a panel discussion.Keith MacGregor will be talking about the 20-year effort of the Clan Gregor Society, Scotland–founded in 1822, of which Keith is the North American Board Member–to unearth and restore a dozen intricately carved gravestones bearing images of armored medieval MacGregor chiefs, which had all lain long-forgotten and neglected in a highland cemetery for centuries. Prof. Ambuske from George Mason University has focused his research on Scots in colonial America, before and during the American Revolution. He will talk about that. Alex Duncan will bring us news from SAWS which is a relatively new (8 years old now) nonprofit membership organization open to all women in the DC Metro Area who were born in Scotland or descend from one or more Scottish immigrants to America (female or male). Ian Houston, Peter Wilson, and John Bleed will together be addressing current trade and economic issues between Scotland and the USA–including the impact of Brexit, inflation and supply chain issues, and President Biden’s newly announced “Buy American” trade policy on Scottish exports, etc. (This will be a panel discussion.)

May Dinner & Member Meeting
2023-05-10 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Clyde’s at Mark Center, 1700 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, 22311, United States
The SAS May Member meeting will be held on May 10, 2023, at Clyde’s in the Mark Center, 1700 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA. Cocktails in the Wharf Bar beginning at 5:30 pm and dinner ordering at 6:15 pm. The selections for dinner will be from a limited menu and separate checks. Menu selections include Crab Cakes, Salmon, Filet Mignon, Roast Chicken, and a Pasta selection. We are happy to be hosting two current SNP U. K. Members of Parliament from Glasgow and Inverness. Please RSVP for the meeting to help us with seating arrangements.

RSVP

Bannockburn Picnic
2023-06-24 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | Ft. Ward Park, 4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, Virginia, 22304, United States
The Bannockburn Picnic is officially on! The picnic will take place on Saturday, June 24th from 10AM-2PM at Ft. Ward Park.
The picnic is a family event. It is open to all Society members and their families. There is no charge to attend the picnic. If comfortable to do so, we simply want you to come out and celebrate the beginning of summer and the end of the pandemic. The Society is providing lunch; however, you are welcomed to bring any food or beverage of your choice.
RSVP: In order to ensure that we have enough food for the picnic, please RSVP at president -at- saintandrewsociety -dot- com no later than Thursday, June 22nd and let him know that you will be attending and if you will be bringing any guests.

Virginia Scottish Games
2023-09-02 00:00 - 2023-09-03 23:59 (America/New_York) | Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road , The Plains, VA, 20198 , United States

September Member Meeting
2023-09-12 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Clyde’s at Mark Center, 1700 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, 22311, United States
We will gather beginning at 5:30pm for a Wee Dram in the Wharf Bar and the meeting will follow at 7:00pm. The selections for dinner will be from a limited menu and separate checks. Menu selections include Crab Cakes, Salmon, Filet Mignon, Roast Chicken, and a Pasta selection. During the member meeting, the report of the nominations committee will be read, an update on Tartan Ball and the winter schedule of events.

Please RSVP for the meeting to help us with seating arrangements.

RSVP

Wee Dram
2023-09-14 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | DACOR Bacon House, 1801 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States
Please join us on Thursday, September 14th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm for a Wee Dram in the garden of DACOR Bacon House, a private diplomatic club in Northwest Washington, D.C, just a few blocks from the White House. This is a great chance to bring prospective members to informally meet society members, as well as a time to socialize and catch up with each other after a busy summer. Kilts or other Scottish accents or dress are strongly encouraged but not required. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a cash-only bar, and donations are encouraged to defray the food costs.

About the venue: An elegant 200 year-old brick mansion built in the iconic Federal style, DACOR Bacon House is an historic national treasure that serves as a living testament to America’s political, cultural, and diplomatic heritage, it is also a museum for the public that honors the nations diplomatic history and shares art and artifacts from around the world. Today, it is a center for international dialogue and understanding and opens its doors daily to the foreign affairs community in support of their important diplomatic work.

RSVP

Tartan Ball
2023-11-04 19:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20045, United States
Join us on November 5th, 2022 at the National Press Club for an evening of pageantry, camaraderie and celebration of our Scottish heritage.

You and your guests will enjoy:

Society’s own Color Guard Pipes & Drums & Highland DancersCocktail Reception with Scottish Single Malt WhiskeysThree-course gourmet dinner with wine pairingsSilent Auction benefiting the Washington Scots Charity and Education FundDancingOpen Bar Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour commences with an open bar at 7pm, with dinner served at 8pm. After dinner you can dance the night away to a live band. Dress code is Formal Highland Attire or Black Tie.

St. Andrew's Day Kirkin of the Tartan
2023-11-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | St. Andrew’s & St. Margaret’s Anglican Catholic Church, 402 E Monroe Ave, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Kirkin of the Tartan & Evening Prayer, St. Andrew’s Day, Thursday November 30, 7:00 PM, with bagpiper (Matt Kuldell) and presentation of tartans followed by a gala reception with Scottish and other foods, Scottish beverages and a great time of fellowship and fun. Please put this on your calendar now and invite family, friends, and neighbors. The church is located at 402 E Monroe Avenue in the Del Ray section of Alexandria VA.

Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk
2023-12-02 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk will take place on Saturday, December 3rd in Old Town Alexandria. We will begin the day with our traditional church service at 9 AM at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH) followed immediately by the wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of William Hunter. The church is located at 323 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314. After the service and wreath-laying, we will make our way over to the parade line-up location on St. Asaph St between Wolfe and Wilkes streets. Come celebrate your Scottish heritage by walking with your Society that started it all.

The Parade will step off at 11am.

Burns Night Supper
2024-01-26 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Join us for an evening of celebration to honor the life and work of Scotland’s great poet and author, Robert Burns.

Festivities to include:

Welcome ReceptionFine Wines and WhiskiesDinner Banquet of Traditional Scottish FarePerformances of Poems and Songs with Traditional Toasts

Dress: Black Tie Optional (Military Evening Dress or Highland Garb welcomed)

Please reach out to Tim Bradley at tbradley@uschamber.com with any questions.

Calcutta Cup Watch Party
2024-02-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub, 4150 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA, 22206, United States
Join the gentlemen of the Society on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Sam Beckett’s pub in Shirlington to watch Scotland meet England for the 142nd time on the rugby pitch. The winner of this Six Nations match takes the Calcutta Cup, the oldest trophy in international test rugby.

Don’t know anything about rugby? No worries – there will be plenty of folks there to help you out over pints.

The match kicks off at 11:45, but Beckett’s opens at 8:45 for fans of the 9:15 Ireland-Wales match. The Society will have members there when doors open, so feel free to turn up at any time before the Scotland match starts and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Kilts and Scotland rugby jerseys are encouraged and have proven to be conversation starters, so this can be a great recruiting opportunity for us. We hope to see you there!

The Washington Tattoo
2024-04-02 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 Netherton Dr, Alexandria, Virginia, 22302, United States
The Washington Tattoo invites you to experience the Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024 – 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!

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness incredible and unique performers from around the world, with proceeds from the event supporting veterans, underserved communities and young people through The Washington Tattoo’s veteran mental health initiative, Rudiments to Recovery and The Washington Tattoo’s underserved youth mentorship program, Rudiments to Opportunity.

Last year’s gala was a sell-out success. Seating is limited and tickets are predicted to sell out so don’t wait to secure your chance to be part of this unforgettable, immersive experience, while supporting the mission of the Washington Tattoo – to reshape today’s conversation around mental health for active duty personnel, veterans, first responders, and families through the power of music wellness – fueled by world-class military precision and cultural excellence.

Join us on April 2nd for a bigger, more powerful, evening you will never forget!

Kirkin o' the Tartans
2024-04-14 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20016, United States
The pageantry of the Highlands returns to Washington, DC, as the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, DC marches into Washington National Cathedral for the Annual National Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans. Led by the Society Color Guard and Pipes & Drums, scores of kilted Society members will file into the grand edifice to host the National Capital Region’s Scottish-American community as they pay tribute to Scottish ancestors who struggled to gain, preserve and pass down civil liberties and religious freedoms.

May Member Meeting
2024-05-16 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Clyde’s at Mark Center, 1700 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, 22311, United States

Wee Dram
2024-06-27 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | The Hamilton DC, 600 14th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
Please join the members of The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington DC For a Wee Dram!This is a great chance to bring prospective members to informally meet society members, as well as a time to socialize and catch up with other members. Kilts or other Scottish accents or dress are strongly encouraged but not required.

Please RSVP below, if you plan to bring a prospective member please also have them RSVP using this form.

USA v. Scotland Rugby
2024-07-12 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024, United States

Wee Dram
2024-07-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Duke’s Grocery Navy Yard, 1201 Half St SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, United States

Celtic vs. DC United
2024-07-20 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024, United States

50th Annual Virginia Scottish Games
2024-08-31 08:00 - 2024-09-01 17:00 (America/New_York) | Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road , The Plains, VA, 20198 , United States

Wee Dram
2024-09-19 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, 713 King St, VA, 22314, United States
This is a great chance to bring prospective members to informally meet societymembers, as well as a time to socialize and catch up with other members. Kilts orother Scottish accents or dress are strongly encouraged but not required.

74th Annual Tartan Ball
2024-11-09 18:30 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20045, United States
Join us on Saturday November 9th 2024 at the famous National Press Club for the 74th Annual Tartan Ball, a formal celebration of Scottish-American heritage and traditions.

Burns Night 2025
2025-01-24 17:30 (America/New_York) | U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20062, United States
The Burn’s Nicht Supper is an annual Society event honoring the birthday of Scotland’s greatest poet and author, Robert Burns. The Society comes together for drinks, followed by dinner and a celebration of the life and contributions of Robert Burns, called the “Immortal Memory.” The event is open to members and guests and is one of the highlights of the Society’s calendar for the year.

Wee Dram
2025-02-13 17:00 (America/New_York) | Duke’s Grocery, 1201 Half St SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, United States
This is a great chance to bring prospective members to informally meet society members, as well as a time to socialize and catch up with other members. Kilts or other Scottish accents or dress are strongly encouraged but not required.

Click Here to RSVP

Wee Dram
2025-03-20 17:00 (America/New_York) | Murphy’s, 713 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, United States

The Washington Tattoo 2025
2025-03-29 18:00 (America/New_York) | Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20052, United States
The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to give a gift that truly stands out! This year, delight your loved ones (or yourself!) with tickets to The Washington Tattoo 2025.

Imagine an extraordinary event filled with world-class performances, breathtaking music, and rich cultural displays that create memories to cherish forever. This isn’t just a gift—it’s an unforgettable experience!

Featuring:

The U.S. Army Fife & Drum Corps, The U.S. Navy Drill Team, and The Commandant’s Own, United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps – Showcasing the finest in military precision and music

U.S. Naval Academy Pipes and Drums – Highlighting our future military leaders

The Rollin’ Drones – Bagpipe rock band from Glasgow, Scotland​​

The OzScot Championship Highland Dancers from Australia – Combining traditional and contemporary highland dance for the 21st Century

The Washington Opera Society – Mesmerizing vocal performances celebrating the arts

The Sean Heely Band – Traditional Celtic sound with a contemporary twist

The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. Color Guard – Honoring tradition with vibrant display

The Culkin Irish Dance Academy – Bringing the magic of Irish dance to the stage

Wee Dram
2025-04-17 17:00 (America/New_York) | Queen Vic, 1206 H Street NE, Washington, 20002

National Kirkin' O' The Tartan
2025-05-04 16:00 (America/New_York) | Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20016, United States
This is an extraordinary event in the life of the Metropolitan Washington DC Scottish Community. The Kirkin’ takes place May 4th 2025 at the Washington National Cathedral located in the upper part NW Washington DC near the Maryland line. Pipes & Drums and Members in full regalia step off at 3:30 PM sharp from the South Walk.

The Washington St. Andrew’s Society has conducted the Kirkin’ Service at the National Cathedral, uninterrupted, since 1952 when it was moved there by then Chaplain Rev. Dr. C. Stewart McKenzie from several other churches in the DC area.

The massed Pipes, Drums, & Colors will lead the Tartan Bearers & Society Members into the Cathedral Nave at precisely 4:00 PM for the start of the service under direction of Cathedral Verger. Upon conclusion of the service, the massed Pipes & Drums (in force) march in again to the High Altar with Society Members for the “Blessing of the Tartans”, Remembrance of Departed Comrades, and Benediction. Upon dismissal at the Altar the entire company follows the Pipes & Drums out of the Cathedral in procession.

Wee Dram
2025-05-15 17:00 (America/New_York) | Samuel Becketts, 2800 S. Randolph St, Suite 110, Arlington, Virginia, 22206

Wee Dram - DACOR Bacon House
2025-09-18 17:00 (America/New_York) | DACOR Bacon House, 1801 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States
This is a great chance to bring prospective members to informally meet society members, aswell as a time to socialize and catch up with other members!

Summer business attire required.
