Burns Night is a spirited Scottish celebration held in January that honors the poet Robert Burns through a traditional supper of haggis, theatrical recitations of his work, and the communal singing of "Auld Lang Syne."
Burns Night is a spirited Scottish celebration held in January that honors the poet Robert Burns through a traditional supper of haggis, theatrical recitations of his work, and the communal singing of "Auld Lang Syne."
St. Andrew’s Society of Madison Burns Night 2027
When: January 23, 2027
Where: Forward Club at Breese Stevens Field
Time: Cash Bar starts at 5pm
Programming runs from 6pm-9pm
Members Price:
Non Members Price:
Ticket Includes: The ticket provides a complete Scottish experience, including a full meal featuring a traditional portion of haggis, a celebratory shot of whisky, and live entertainment with bagpiping, singing, and dancing. Additionally, guests can browse and bid on one-of-a-kind Scottish-themed items in a curated silent auction.
Burns Night is an annual Scottish celebration held in January to commemorate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, the nation’s beloved "Bard." The evening centers around a traditional Burns Supper, featuring a hearty menu of haggis, sausages, root vegetables, and tatties (potatoes), often accompanied by plenty of Scotch whisky. A key highlight is the theatrical recital of the poem "Address to a Haggis," where the main dish is ceremoniously sliced open with a dirk. The festivities are rounded out with spirited toasts, such as the "Toast to the Lassies," readings of Burns' famous verses, and energetic dancing. To conclude the night, guests traditionally join hands to sing "Auld Lang Syne," a poignant tribute to friendship and days gone by.
What to Expect
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917 E. Mifflin St. (Gate 6), Madison, WI 53703
The Forward Club is an upscale, climate-controlled event space and year-round sports bar located within the historic Breese Stevens Field. It serves as a community hub for soccer watch parties, live music, and private events, offering a premium hospitality experience for Forward Madison FC fans.
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For the Forward Club, your best bet for parking is the South Livingston Street Garage (located at 111 S. Livingston St.), which is just two blocks away and generally costs around $1 per hour.
While free on-street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, the club strongly encourages guests to avoid residential streets north of East Washington Avenue to be respectful of neighbors.
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The Forward Club offers a robust selection of local and premium beverages, featuring a full-service bar built from repurposed 1935 bricks. Their venue is a cashless establishment so be prepared to bring a debit or credit card to purchase drinks. Their selection typically includes:
Beer & Seltzers: Draft and canned options from local favorites like New Glarus (Spotted Cow), One Barrel Brewing, and Vintage Brewing Co., alongside staples like Michelob Ultra.
Wine & Spirits: A variety of local Wollersheim wines and a full slate of liquor for cocktails.
Non-Alcoholic: Pepsi products, Gatorade, lemonade, and Bubblr sparkling water.
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Because the Forward Club is a modern, soccer-centric venue, it has a more relaxed vibe than a stiff ballroom, which encourages that wide spectrum of dress:
The "Full Highland": You will absolutely see several men in Prince Charlie jackets (the formal tuxedo of the kilt world), waistcoats, and full kilts. This is the gold standard for those who own the gear or are performing.
The "Casual Scot": Many people opt for a simple tartan shirt or a sweater with jeans or chinos. It’s festive but comfortable for a space that is, at its heart, a sports bar.
The "Madison Mix": You’ll see plenty of business casual—think a blazer over a button-down or a simple dress—often accented with a single tartan scarf or tie.
Bottom line: You won't be out of place in a full kilt, but you also won't be turned away in a pair of clean jeans and a nice sweater. The Forward Club is a "fan-first" environment, so as long as you're dressed for a nice night out, you'll fit right in.
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The ticket provides a complete Scottish experience, including a full meal featuring a traditional portion of haggis, a celebratory shot of whisky, and live entertainment with bagpiping, singing, and dancing. Additionally, guests can browse and bid on one-of-a-kind Scottish-themed items in a curated silent auction.
Menu
Bangers (sausages)
Mash (potatoes)
Root Vegetables
Gravy
Portion of Haggis
Shot of Whisky
Tentative Schedule
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Upon arrival, guests should head to Gate 6 on Mifflin Street for check-in and entry to the club. Please note that while the bar is open for additional beverage purchases, the Forward Club is a strictly cashless venue that accepts only credit cards or mobile payments.
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Piping in the haggis is a ceremonial procession where the dish is led into the room by a bagpiper, followed by the Address to a Haggis, a dramatic recital of Robert Burns’ poem where the haggis is theatrically sliced open and toasted with a glass of whisky.
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The evening's menu features a hearty traditional spread of savory sausage served alongside roasted root vegetables and mashed potatoes topped with rich gravy. Vegan option available upon request.
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The evening features a vibrant lineup of traditional entertainment, including atmospheric bagpiping, live music from Lochanside, and spirited performances of both Scottish country and Highland dancing.
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The celebration concludes in timeless tradition as guests join hands in a circle to sing "Auld Lang Syne," raising their voices together to honor old friendships and toast to the year ahead.
Meet your performers:
Breckenridge School of Highland Dance
Coming Soon!
Toast to the Lassies Speaker
Coming Soon!
Lochanside Trad Band
Coming Soon!
Immortal Memory Speaker
Coming Soon!
Madison Scottish Country Dancers
Coming Soon!
Toast to the Laddies Speaker
Coming Soon!
Chuck Snowdon Meritorious Service Award
The Chuck Snowdon Meritorious Service Award was authorized in 2023 and may be awarded annually to anyone in the St. Andrews Society who has rendered long, faithful, and meritorious service to the promotion of Scottish arts and culture in the Madison, WI area. The award is presented in memory of Chuck Snowdon.
Nancy McClements
2023 
Janice Lacock
2026Janice Lacock is a certified RSCDS instructor who has spent 15 years strengthening the Madison and Milwaukee Scottish dance communities through dedicated teaching, expert event choreography, and her role as the longtime teacher liaison for the Midwest Scottish Weekend. From mentoring beginners via MSCR to skillfully calling ceilidhs for the St. Andrew’s Society, her tireless leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in helping local Scottish traditions thrive and prosper.
Nancy McClements is a prominent leader and dedicated instructor for the Madison Scottish Country Dancers, playing a pivotal role in organizing the annual local ball and the Midwest Scottish Country Dancing weekend. As a respected ambassador of the craft, she represents the Madison community at dance balls across the country, sharing her passion and expertise to keep the tradition of Scottish country dance thriving.
David Bradley
2024 2027David Bradley is a cornerstone of the Madison Pipes and Drums and a dedicated advocate for the Scottish community, known for his commitment to preserving Celtic traditions through music and leadership. His tireless efforts have been integral in fostering local heritage and ensuring the pipes continue to resonate throughout the Madison area.
2025 Sarah Breckenridge O’Connor
Sarah Breckenridge O’Connor is a powerhouse of Scottish culture in Madison who has dedicated her life to Highland Dance as the founder of the Breckenridge School and the Wisconsin Highland Dance Association. A tireless ambassador and community builder, she was instrumental in establishing the St. Andrews Society of Madison and continues to inspire her students with unrivaled tenacity and passion.
2028