Ready to party like a true Scot? Nicholson’s and the Caledonian Society are both celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns with two different parties this week.
First up, downtown gastropub Nicholson’s is hosting its 21st-annual Burns Night Celebration from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 23). This feast is a Scottish tradition to honor the 18th-century poet Robert Burns. Festivities will include Celtic music from the band The Lost Celts, dancing from the Cincinnati Highland dancers, a traditional toast to the haggis — during which Burns’ commemorative poem to the Scottish national dish will be read — with alcohol and more.
Opt for a VIP ticket and get access to a Scottish buffet, welcome cocktail and passed appetizers. Make sure to iron your nicest kilt for this authentic gathering. Free admission; $39.95 VIP. Nicholson’s, 625 Walnut St., Downtown, nicholsonspub.com.
The second party takes place 6-10 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 26) when the Caledonian Society of Cincinnati hosts its Rabbie Burns Supper.
Since 1827, the Caledonian Society has been devoted to preserving and promoting Scottish culture and heritage in the area and on Saturday, there will be bagpipes, drums, Highland dancing and sing-alongs, a bonnie knee contest, kilts, a buffet-style dinner, a tasting of haggis— a traditional savory Scottish dish made of sheep offal and suet and boiled in a bag, which may or may not be made of the animal’s stomach — and a tossing of haggis, as well as a cash bar. Kilts or Highland attire suggested but not required.
$35; RSVP required. Receptions West, 3301 Westbourne Drive, Western Hills, caledoniansociety.org.
This article appears in Jan 16-23, 2019.