If you’re going to celebrate Australia day in the USA, you may as well do it with a bunch of Aussies who you can reminisce with, or at least feel like you can be yourself. We’ve got a round up of the Australia Day activities and celebrations happening across the USA, so you can join your fellow country-people on the cans.

In case you’re wondering, January 26 is observed as Australia’s national day. It marks the day that the First Fleet of ships from Britain arrived in Port Jackson, Sydney back in 1788. It’s become a controversial day for many Australians, who see it as “Invasion Day” – the day the west took the land from its indigenous owners.

Not being particularly patriotic myself, and working on a farm, meant that we didn’t really celebrate Australia Day at home, and it was never a big deal, other than to listen to Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown. But since moving to the USA, it’s nice to “get your Australian on” every once in a while, although I would prefer it to be on May 8.

Obviously, things have changed dramatically in 2021. The spread of COVID-19 means a dramatic increase in virtual events, and socially-distanced outdoor events. It also means that a lot of your favourite get-togethers aren’t happening this year.

This post was originally written in January 2020, and has been updated in January 2021 to reflect this year’s activities.

AUSTRALIA DAY IN THE USA

If you’re an introvert at heart (like me) and not too keen on getting together with a bunch of strangers, here are 10 ways to celebrate Australia Day in the US that don’t require a crowd.

But if you want to get together with a bunch of new mates instead and let your Aussie slang fly, here are the get-togethers we’ve found to celebrate Australia Day in the US. Please feel free to contact me with your event if it’s not listed here, or put it in the comment section.

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REALTED: Where to get Aussie Meat Pies in the US

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Australia Day in Colorado

• Saturday, January 30

AusDenver: The group is waiving its usual big indoor event this year, and are hoping to put on a more low key outdoor gathering. It does depend on the Colorado Governor’s COVID-19 instructions though, so check the group’s Facebook page for updates closer to the day.

Details: Facebook page.

Australia Day in Dallas

• Saturday, January 23

Aussies (& Kiwis) in Dallas: Australia Day party runs from 2pm-6PM at Lee Harvey’s, 1807 Gould Street, Dallas, Texas, so there will be plenty to drink. The venue has an outdoor patio with fire pits.

There’ll be plenty of Aussie fare, like meat pies, sausage rolls, lamb sandwiches, and some Coopers to wash it all down. Bakers can enter the sweets bakeoff contest for $5 per item, with the winner taking all (the money, not the treats). Make sure your Aussie or Kiwi iconic sweet is at the judging table by 3pm to be eligible!

Details: Facebook event page.

Australia Day in Minnesota

Australian New Zealand American Association of Minnesota: Are still finalizing the details of their event, so stay tuned for more information! We’ll update this space once everything is ready to be announced.

Details: Facebook page.

Australia Day in Seattle

Kangaroo & Kiwi Pub: The Australian tavern will hold its usual Australia Day gathering at 2026 NW Market Street, Seattle. They have plenty of outdoor seating with heaters for socially distant hangs, and will be holding a sausage sizzle to celebrate.

Details: Facebook page.

Australia Day in the US Virtual Events

• Tuesday, January 26

Aussies of Silicon Valley: Will move their usual Australia Day get together online this Australia Day with their virtual Quarantini event. Pour your tipple of choice and join the friendly crew online to toast the homeland.

Details: Facebook page.

The Australian Community: Is hosting an “OzDay” event featuring musical performances, expat advice, interviews, giveaways, prizes, and a special “Cooking in small spaces” segment for those of use who are still adjusting to tiny kitchens in big cities. The event will raise money to tackle food insecurity across America.

Details: Event page.

America Josh: Is holding an Australia Day party and trivia virtually! Join fellow Aussies and Aussie trivia lovers for an evening (or early afternoon) of fun with some mates. BYO snacks and beers, and Josh will provide the trivia, Aussie tunes, prizes, and the meat tray raffle (just like home). Starts at 7.30PM ET.

Details: Eventbrite page.

• Saturday, January 30

Australian American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco: Will hold its 41st Australian Gala a little differently this year. The virtual event will begin at 7.30PM (PST) and will include entertainment from Aussie artists Ian Moss, Nat Dunn, and Presidents Street. at the Fairmont Hotel from 6pm. The event is run by the San Francisco Chamber in partnership with the Texas Chamber.

Your entry fee will include an Australian themed gift box full of goodies and wine, with a menu designed by Penfolds Chef Scott Huggins.

Non member tickets: $125, member tickets: $95.

Details: Event website.

Celebrate Australia Day in the US (at home)

It’s been a very tough year for small businesses, so let’s support those that are bringing a little slice of home to the states.

Bub’s Aussie Gourmet Pies, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

One of the only Aussie bakeries that I’ve come across that has a drive through! It also has a curbside pick up option, as well as instore pick up facilities.

Choose from meat pies, sausage rolls, chocolate or strawberry lamingtons, custard tarts, vanilla slices, pavlova, and French silk pie.

See the website for ordering details (it’s a good idea to order before you arrive to pick up).

Aussie Pie Company, Seattle, Washington

This bakery has a shop front bakery that you can pop into, and they ship their pies, sausage rolls, lamingtons, and boxes of Aussie style puff pastry.

Visit in person to pick up a ham and cheese roll, Greek salad, and an array of desserts like the raspberry cream puff, apple puff, and raspberry cheesecake shells. Check out their website for more information.

Pacific Pie, Portland, Oregon

While they’ve had to re-evaluate their offerings during the pandemic there are still a plethora of tasty pies (chicken, beef & mushroom, roast lamb, to name a few), as well as pasties, potato wedges, and sausage rolls on offer.

For the sweet tooth’s out there, pick up a slice or a whole pie from their decadent selection: Key lime, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate bourbon hazelnut, or apple sour cream streusel.

Get more information on their website.

Burto NZ Bakery, Windsor, San Francisco

Head north of San Francisco to this New Zealand bakery for meat pies, sausage rolls, and a pastry case that will make your eyes glaze over.

Prepare for indecision to hit as you take in the cream buns, lamingtons, vanilla slices, Danishes, and bread. Check the website for more information.

Aussie Pies and Sausages, Los Angeles, California

Is running a limited Australia Day promo on their website, offering 16 mini party pies, 16 mini sausage rolls, and 6 lamingtons for $50.

You can also order pasties, snags, caramel slice, rocky road, and other sweet treats. The store ships across the US, although some dessert items are pick-up only.

Bronzed Aussie, Los Angeles, California

Order pies, sausage rolls, and desserts for pick up from this Los Angeles bakery. Desserts include lamingtons, slices, and pavlovas but they need to be ordered ahead of time for pick up.

Check out the website for more information.

Australian Bakery Cafe, Marietta, Georgia

If you need your pies, sausage rolls, lamingtons, caramel slices, cherry ripe slices, or rum balls shipped to you in time for Australia Day, you better get in quick.

The Australian Bakery Cafe is shipping on January 11-13, and on January 18-20 only. So visit the website for online ordering and pick up information.

Down Under Bakery, New York

Down Under Bakery is shipping its pies and sausage rolls as usual and is encouraging its patrons to order early to avoid disappointment.

Now you can also order DUB’s own coffee blend and some Aussie and New Zealand sweet treats through their online store. Check their website for details.

Bourke Street Bakery, New York

You can order delivery or pick up from this iconic Aussie bakery that offers bread, savory pastries, meat pies, sausage rolls, quiches, and sweet pastries and cookies like fruit Danishes, Pain au Chocolat, and choc sour cherry cookies.

They also offer all day breakfast & lunch. Get the details on their website.

Waltzing Kangaroo, Fort Collins, Colorado

Another favourite local bakery that added shipping to its repertoire in 2020, Waltzing Kangaroo will send pies and their signature bouillon seasoning to your door for Australia Day if you order before Monday, January 18.

Otherwise visit the bakery for sausage rolls, pies with a side of mashed potato, mushy peas, or gravy, and an array of desserts. Check their website for more information.

KO Catering & Pies, Boston, Massachusetts

Socially distance the tasty way with the special menu of nibbles from KO Catering & Pies (to pick up at their store on January 23 or 24).

The smorgasbord includes 8 mini spinach & ricotta rolls, 8 mini sausage rolls, 12 Aussie lamb skewers with harissa tzatziki sauce, 12 sweet corn fritters with sweet chilli sauce, 16 Laksa marinated prawns/shrimp with crispy shallots and aromatic herbs, 12 curried coconut chicken skewers with lime aioli, 4 mini lamingtons, and a pavlova with kiwi, strawberry, and passionfruit sauce.

See their Facebook page for ordering details.

Cuppa Coffee Espresso Bar, Southend & Westend, Boston

Try the pies, sausage rolls, ANZAC biscuits, lamingtons, caramel slices, scones, and some Aussie chocolates across two locations in Boston.

Visit their website for more information.