Robbie Burns Night

2026 marks the 31st year the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg is honoring Scotland’s iconic poet and lyricist Robert Burns.

Beloved the world over, “Rabbie” as he was known by his contemporaries, spoke directly to the hearts of working class Scots, celebrating their lives with warmth, insight, humor and occasional satire.

The annual tradition continues Saturday Jan. 31st, when his life and works will be rekindled by the SSF’s “Robbie Burns Night,” at the Fredericksburg Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 20 Sanford Drive, beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m, followed by the festivities at 6 p.m.

The Scottish Society of Fredericksburg celebrates all things Scottish. Scots and their far flung kin have been saluting this perennially popular ‘poet of the people’ for more than 200 years around the world. Fredericksburg Scots link themselves with all of them during their local observance.

Born on Jan. 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, Burns is known as the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet, among various monickers. He’s widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is revered worldwide.

For those unfamiliar with the Burns Supper, a.k.a. Burns Night, the first one was held in memorium at Burns Cottage by his friends on July 21, 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death. Since then, the suppers have been held on or about his birth date by numerous Scottish organizations.

The itinerary for Fredericksburg’s Burns Night begins with the aforementioned social hour, followed by opening remarks, then a performance by the University of Mary Washington Eagle Pipe Band and Highland Dancers. Traditional Scottish bagpipers signal the parading of the Haggis, (a liver, onions, oats and spices main dish). An Ode to the Haggis and the Selkirk Grace follow.

The Welsh Band DragonFyre will perform authentic Celtic music during the evening.

A buffet dinner of traditional Scottish and American favorites at 7 p.m. precedes a round of toasts, a speech about the life of Burns, a recital of his poems, a satiracal toast to the lassies, and their tart reply to the laddies. Attendees then participate in a cash-only raffle for Scottish-related items before the evening concludes with everyone singing “Auld Lang Syne,” which Burns himself wrote.

Dress is evening attire. Men wear kilts or jackets and ties while women and children wear something dressy.

If you have a family tartan or Celtic-style jewelry, you’re encouraged to wear it. If you don’t know your tartan, or don’t have one, simply wear something plaid.

To attend the Burns Night festivities, mail a check, payable to the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg, to Avril Bishop, 5 Hardwick Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Checks must be received by Monday Jan. 19, 2026. Admission is $70 for adults, and $35 for children 12 and younger. Enclose a list of attendees for name tags.

Holiday Inn has set aside rooms for attendees needing accommodations, available to book before Jan. 16. After that date reservations will be accepted based on room rate and availability. To reserve a room, call 540-368-8000.

Burns Night information is posted on the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg, VA Facebook page.

Event questions should be emailed to: scotfred1@aol.com

Newcomers interested in joining the Society, will receive an application with their invitation by return email. Society brochures will be available at the Burns Night check-in desk.

In 2009, Burns was chosen as “The Greatest Scot” of all time by the Scottish public in a vote conducted by Scottish television channel STV, narrowly beating William Wallace, who was depicted in the Academy Award winning movie Braveheart.

So, save the date…Jan. 31, 2026, and tell your friends!