The 2026 Grand Marshal of the NYC Tartan Day Parade is announced

The National Tartan Day New York Committee has announced that Outlander star, Sam Heughan, will return to lead the parade on 11 April for the second time.

Sam said: “I’m honoured to return to New York as Grand Marshal of the 2026 NYC Tartan Day Parade.

“There is so much to celebrate this year! A decade ago, I was fortunate enough to lead the parade at the beginning of my journey on the hit tv show Outlander. This year is a full circle moment as we celebrate our 8th and final season and what better way to celebrate?! This event brings the local and International Scottish community together in such a powerful way, and I’m looking forward to marching up Sixth Avenue, representing my beloved home-land and nation.”

Sam will be kitted out in a custom made outfit by Howie Nicolsby of 21st Century Kilts and Geoffrey Tailor on The Royal Mile. 21st Century Kilts and Geoffrey Tailor are the official design houses for the NYC Tartan Day Parade Grand Marshals.

Kyle Dawson, President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sam Heughan back to New York as Grand Marshal of the 2026 NYC Tartan Day Parade.

“Sam’s journey mirrors the growth of Tartan Week itself, rooted in heritage, embraced globally, and powered by community. It’s fitting to have someone who so genuinely represents modern Scottish culture leading the parade up Sixth Avenue.”

The 2026 NYC Tartan Day Parade takes place on Saturday, April 11, stepping off on West 44th Street and making its way up Sixth Avenue to 55th Street. The Parade brings together Pipe Bands, Highland dancers, Scottish clans, Shetland Vikings, the Tartan Dog Pack, and more than 3,000 marchers, cheered on annually by over 40,000 spectators.

The NYC Tartan Day Parade is the flagship event of NYC Tartan Week, held this year from Tuesday, April 6 – Sunday, April 12, with events throughout Manhattan.

• Highlights include the annual Pre-Parade Ceilidh on Friday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.at The Racket, presented by the New York Caledonian Club; 
• Tartan Day Observance on Friday, April 10 at 12:30 p.m., 
• Pipes and Drums on the Fountain Terrace Drums on Saturday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m., and 
• Scotland on the Fountain Terrace on Sunday, April 12 at 12:30 p.m. with multiple performances including free concerts and readings from the Declaration of Arbroath on the Fountain Terrace at Bryant Park, presented by The American-Scottish Foundation;
• the annual Kirkin o’ the Tartan service and brunch on Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, presented by the St. Andrew’s Society;
• and the Post Parade Party on Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 p.m. at Sony Hall with Music by The Rollin Drones & Drums N Roses with special guests.

Registration to march is free.

www.nyctartanweek.org