Barrel samples from Kensington Wine Market’s 2014 Robbie Burns event.
[Ed. note: This article has been updated to reflect events taking place in 2016.]
On January 25, the world celebrates Robbie Burns Day. Robbie Burns, a Romantic poet and 18th century celebrity heartthrob, was Scotland’s favourite poet and lyricist.
Even if you can’t brag about your Scottish heritage, it’s a day worth celebrating. There’s Scotch and haggis and lots of dancing. Here’s how you can celebrate this event in and around Calgary.
The Calgary Burns Club 40th Anniversary Burns Supper
Date: Friday, January 22
Address: Telus Convention Centre, 120 9 Ave. S.E.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, the Calgary Burns Club Dinner is the real deal. Cocktails start at 5:45 p.m. and the traditional dinner is served at 6:45 p.m. This gentlemen-only event is for Calgary Burns Club members, invited guests and guests accompanied by a Calgary Burns Club member.
Scotch and Chocolate Tasting – A Toast to Robbie Burns
Date: Saturday, January 23
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $40
Address: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, 311 Cave Ave., Banff
Drive out to Banff to celebrate Scotland’s most celebrated poet. Get an insight into the world of single malt whiskies and learn about them from Parks Canada’s resident connoisseurs. Participants will also learn how to pair different whiskies with Bernard Callebaut chocolates. For tickets, call 403-845-3524.
J. Webb Wine Merchant’s Robbie Burns Night
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $75
Address: Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Ave. S.W.
This is J. Webb Wine Merchant’s seventh year celebrating the Bard of Scotland’s birthday. Expect plenty of whiskies from family-owned distilleries and bottlers, as well as Burns poetry readings, Celtic music and traditional Scottish food.
Robbie Burns Scotch Festival
Date: Saturday, January 23
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $60
Address: Crowfoot Wine and Spirits, 7414 Crowfoot Rd. N.W.
This liquor store hosts a tasting event in honour of Robbie Burns every year. This year, the venue features a variety of different Scotches for Calgarians to sample as well haggis and other snacks.
Robbie Burns Day at Willow Park Wines and Spirits
Date: Monday, January 25
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $30
Address: Willow Park Wines and Spirits, 10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.
Willow Park Wines and Spirits’ resident whisky expert David Michiels leads this event. Expect a traditional evening to celebrate the Burns’ birthday, including traditional stories, poems and music, haggis, and of course, plenty of whisky.
Scots Wha Hae – Arran Casks Release
Date: Monday, January 25
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Address: Kensington Wine Market, 1257 Kensington Rd. N.W.
Kensington Wine Market’s annual Robbie Burns Supper has changed this year. Due to AGLC regulations, the event is now just about the whiskey – there’s no supper this year. But that also means it’s free. This year, Kensington Wine Market hosts Louisa Young of the Isle of Arran Distillery on Robbie Burns Day. Young will help with the launch of two new Kensington Wine Market casks.
This event is currently sold out, but you can contact the store to be added to the waitlist.
Fifth Annual Robbie Burnstein Dinner and Fundraiser
Date: Thursday, February 4
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $250
Address: Beth Tzedec Synagogue, 1325 Glenmore Tr. S.W.
This is an untraditional tribute to Robbie Burns, but now a tradition in Calgary. The evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. and the haggis is piped in at 7 p.m. This event is an entire evening of entertainment, kosher food, whiskies and cigars. Funds raised support the Woodridge PREP Centre, a venue that aims to include individuals with Down Syndrome in the home, school and community life, as well as the Beth Tzedec Congregation.
Alberta Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers 2015 Robbie Burns Dinner
Date: Saturday, February 6
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person
Address: Varsity Community Centre, 4303 Varsity Dr. N.W.
The Alberta Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers’ hold a dinner, dance and fundraiser in honour of Robbie Burns. While it’s a belated birthday party, it’s just as celebratory. Expect traditional haggis (as well as roast beef with all the trimmings), pipe ban and highland dance performances. For tickets, call 403-404-4580 or 403-998-1057.