Tartan Day Parades & Events in the United States

Each April, Tartan Day brings Scottish heritage into the public eye, celebrating the legacy of the Declaration of Arbroath and the contributions of Scottish Americans.

For the Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA), Tartan Day parades are more than events—they are a powerful expression of identity, community, and continuity.

Since the first parade in New York City in 1999, the NYC Tartan Day Parade has grown into the flagship celebration, bringing together clans, pipe bands, and Scottish organizations from across the United States and Scotland. Regional events in cities such as Washington, DC, Chicago, and Charlotte extend this visibility nationwide, connecting local communities to a shared cultural moment.

Scottish parades are deeply rooted in clan societies, volunteer-led networks, and alongside Highland Games and festivals, they play a vital role in preserving and sharing Scottish heritage.

For COSCA, Tartan Day parades provide a platform to showcase Scottish culture, engage new generations, and strengthen ties across the diaspora. They are not just celebrations—they are living expressions of Scotland’s story in America.

You can find out more about the history of Tartan Day and Scottish cultural parades on our Scottish Coalition pages, here.

Click on the buttons below to explore individual Tartan Day Events and Parades.

Watch the 2026 Tartan Day messages, hosted by the American Scottish Foundation (ASF) here: