No doubt you’ve heard the name Robbie Burns, but who is he and why do we celebrate him? 

Robert Burns – a.k.a. Rabbie Burns, Ploughman Poet, and the Bard of Ayrshire - born January 25, 1759, was a Scottish poet and lyricist.

Though he died July 21, 1796, Scotland’s national bard continues to be celebrated across the globe centuries later, thanks to works including “Address to a Haggis,” “My Luve is like a Red Red Rose,” and a little ditty called “Auld Lang Syne.” He’s inspired everyone from Bob Dylan to Michael Jackson, and may be a long-lost relative of fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger.

Toronto of course, is in on the action with beer, bagpipes, Highland dancing, scotch, Scotland’s national dish haggis, neeps and tatties, and much more.

Check out this year’s festivities: 

The Caledonian
856 College St. 

The popular Scottish public house and whisky bar is celebrating RB all week long with Ardbeg and Laphroaig tastings, Highland dancers and celebratory dinners. But you’ll have to act fast – events are almost sold out. 

Cameron’s Brewing
1165 Invicta Dr.

Get outta town Thursday to Oakville’s famed brewery for Robbie Burns Cask Night. Expect live music, Scottish inspired cask ales, and pizza of all things. A percentage of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Kerr Street Mission. 

p.s. Wearing a kilt is encouraged, and it gets you entered into a special draw. 

The Chefs House
215 King St. E.  

Scotsman Chef John Higgins, Director of George Brown Chef School, is back with his annual Robbie Burns Supper this Wednesday, complete with Highland dancing and haggis, natch.

Duke Pubs
Various locations

Duke Pubs celebrates Robbie Burns annually with an evening filled with bagpipes and haggis across all six locations.

So head to your favourite locale on Friday for Humpback Ale and haggis from The Healthy Butcher.

Fab Restaurant Concepts Inc.
Various locations

Fab Restaurant Concepts Inc. is getting into the spirit on Thursday and Friday with a traditional five-course meal, beer tasting, and scotch nosing at their various eateries across town: Brazen Head, Dominion Pub & Kitchen, Murphy’s Law, and Pour House Pub & Kitchen.

Mill Street Brew Pub
20 Tank House Lane

Head to East Toronto's first micro-brewery, nestled in the heart of The Distillery Historic District, this Friday for a dinner in honour of the famed Scottish poet - complete with brewmaster Andrew Yonick, live music, and Mill Street pairings.