Three Days in Norfolk: Va. Tattoo & Nato Fest

It’s that time of year once again: the time when Norfolk rolls out its red carpet and invites locals and visitors to enjoy a unique blend of global culture and naval tradition during the Virginia International Tattoo and NATO Festival, April 24-26, 2025. 

CHART YOUR COURSE

Our city is your city. Use the menu below to customize your Norfolk experience.

How Do You Say Norfolk?

Nor-FOLK? NOR-fik? NAW-fik? NOR-FUK? Here’s the verdict.

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, Virginia is a city on the water, but never watered down. Built on character, by characters, we’re a melting pot of people, cultures, and ideas.

Downtown

Norfolk’s walkable, waterfront downtown is the urban hub of the city full of shopping, entertainment, restaurants and excitement!

Historic Freemason District

The city’s oldest standing neighborhood, Historic Freemason features beautiful tree-lined cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, historic homes and water views.

NEON DISTRICT

The creative center of the city, NEON’s 80+ pieces of public art, live performances and eclectic restaurants are destined to inspire.

GHENT

Ghent is filled with character, culture and delicious cuisine — not to mention tons of eclectic eateries, unique shops, art galleries and antique stores.

Chelsea

Chelsea is one of the most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods in the city, with the celebrated Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) passing through the center.

park place / Railroad district

Lined with local breweries, eateries and street murals, the industrial neighborhoods of Park Place/Railroad District are sure to get any visit on the right track.

Riverview

From zoo animals to wildly delicious restaurants, the LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood of Riverview truly has something for everyone.

Larchmont / lochhaven

Next door to Old Dominion University, Larchmont and Lochhaven are home to history, local restaurants, outdoor fun and perfect water views.

Oceanview

The relaxing beachside communities of Ocean View and East Beach are the perfect place to unwind with fresh seafood, sand and sun!

Military Highway

Ideal for people on the move, Military Highway plays host to Norfolk International Airport and an abundance of shopping options.

What’s happening

Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Looking for up-to-date cruise schedules, parking information, lost luggage contacts, maps, deals and related tips on cruising in and out of Norfolk, VA.? Here’s your complete guide.
Learn More

May 2025 Events Guide

Outdoor events kick into overdrive, as concerts, festivals and outdoor activities dominate the calendar. It’s also Bike Month, making it the perfect time to hop on two wheels and explore the city.
Learn More

Events This Week

The Virginia International Tattoo returns to Norfolk, alongside the NATO Festival and 72nd annual Parade of Nations. Catch these events plus concerts, cruises, more.
Learn More

Events

Every season is event season in Norfolk. See what’s on deck.

Apr042025
Oct192025

Ghent Farmers Market

Learn More
Apr262025

Toddler Time

Learn More
Apr262025

FLO

Learn More
Apr242025
May102025

Sincerely, Spring 2025 Senior Exhibition

Learn More
Apr262025

Taste of India

Learn More
Apr262025

Norfolk Tides vs. Memphis

Learn More
Apr152025
May312025

Membership Swap: Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Learn More
Apr262025

Party for the Pint-Sized at Maker’s Craft Brewery

Learn More
Apr262025

Golden Egg Hunt

Learn More
Apr102025
May032025

Make Your Own Patch @ Activity HQ

Learn More
Apr262025

Yoga at the Plot

Learn More
Apr032025
May032025

Special Exhibit: The Price of Unpreparedness

Learn More
Apr032025
May032025

Special Display: The Paintings of Mary Maynard

Learn More
Apr242025
Apr272025

Virginia International Tattoo

Learn More
Apr052025
Apr262025

Jr Master Gardners April Series

Learn More
Apr032025
May032025

WWII Paper Dolls @ Activity HQ

Learn More
Apr262025

Pitch-A-Friend at COVA

Learn More
Mar192025
Jun132025

Dinosaurs of Antarctica

Learn More
Apr252025
Apr272025

Virginia Opera presents Loving V. Virginia

Learn More
Apr162025
Oct152025

Bike Nights at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Learn More
Apr262025

Summer Sip & Paint

Learn More
Apr262025

Improvageddon: The Ultimate Improv Competition

Learn More
Apr252025
Apr262025

Yes Fest

Learn More
Apr262025

NoCo Spring Wine Fest

Learn More
Apr052025
Apr262025

Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise

Learn More
Apr262025

Celebrate Trails Day on the ERT

Learn More
Apr192025
May242025

The Vault – Andy Harris: Little Flowers That Follow Me Everywhere

Learn More
Apr052025
Apr262025

Norfolk Signature Dinner Cruise

Learn More
Sep272024
May102025

MAMA-Girl! Retrospective Exhibit

Learn More
Mar072025
Jul312025

Carved Couture Exhibition Opening

Learn More
Apr262025

72nd Annual Parade of Nations

Learn More
Apr192025
May242025

Flourish: An Annual Juried National Exhibition of Floral and Botanical Artworks

Learn More
Apr272025

The Neuroscience of Mindfulness

Learn More
Apr272025

Native Plant Workshop- Members Only

Learn More
Apr272025

Golden Egg Hunt

Learn More
Apr272025

Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise

Learn More
Apr272025

Norfolk Tides vs. Memphis

Learn More
Apr272025

Norfolk Signature Dinner Cruise

Learn More
Apr272025

High Wire Act: Stand-Up Comedy without a Net

Learn More
Jul212024
Jun152025

Industry Night at COVA

Learn More
Apr272025

The Neuroscience of Mindfulness

Learn More
Apr272025

Mala Vista, RHDP, The High Doubts at The Annex

Learn More
Feb102025
Apr282025

Pub Quiz

Learn More
Apr282025

Norfolk Screening with Q&A

Learn More
Apr282025
May022025

2025 Senior Olympics

Learn More
Apr292025

Norfolk Forum: Bob and Lee Woodruff

Learn More
Apr292025

The Tallis Scholars

Learn More
Apr292025

Bob & Lee Woodruff

Learn More
Apr012025
Apr292025

Homeschool Garden Science April Series

Learn More
Apr302025

All Elite Wrestling

Learn More
Apr092025
Apr302025

Twofold Poker League Tournament at Maker’s Craft Brewery

Learn More
Mar192025
Jun252025

Chris’s Pub Trivia

Learn More
Apr302025

Toddler Time

Learn More
Apr302025

Ghost Funk Orchestra at The Annex

Learn More
Feb122025
Apr302025

Mosaic Academy Norfolk

Learn More
Feb122025
Apr302025

Trivia Night

Learn More
May012025

Plena Libre

Learn More
May012025

Solja Boy

Learn More
May012025

Norfolk Works: The Summer Employment & Career Series

Learn More
May012025

Norfolk Home and Garden Tour

Learn More
May012025

Bearly Dead ’25 “Paradise Waits” Tour

Learn More
May012025

Bearly Dead ’25 “Paradise Waits” Tour

Learn More
Apr102025
Dec182025

Trivia Thursdays at the Bold Mariner Brewing Company

Learn More
May012025

Norfolk Home & Garden Tour

Learn More
May022025

TX2 at The Annex

Learn More
May022025

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Norfolk St. Spartans

Learn More
Apr112025
Jun272025

Friday Night Live Musci at COVA

Learn More
May022025

Bike Night

Learn More
May022025
Jun272025

Live Music Patio Series at Just Birdies

Learn More
May022025

Chris Staples & Feign Kin @ Union Overall Co

Learn More
May022025

Zack Fox (DJ Set)

Learn More
May022025
May302025

Norfolk After Dark Dance Cruise

Learn More
May022025

Girl-Prov : A Girl’s Night Out with Improv Comedy

Learn More
May022025

The Comedy Sketchbook – A Night of Sketch Comedy

Learn More
May022025

Night for the Fight

Learn More
May032025
May042025

SPRING TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

Learn More
May032025

Matisyahu

Learn More
May032025

Wild Tykes at the Virginia Zoo

Learn More
May032025

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Norfolk St. Spartans

Learn More
May032025

Step Up for The Up Center

Learn More
May032025

Creative Nation Spring Fest

Learn More
May032025

Spring Into Summer at COVA

Learn More
May032025
May312025

Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise

Learn More
May032025
Aug022025

Storybook Tea Party at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Learn More
May032025

Warehouse LIVE: Zac Plastic, Box Factory, Chase Evers & Holy Love Incorporated

Learn More
May032025
May172025

Norfolk After Dark Dance Cruise

Learn More
May032025

Darren Kiely – Never Been Here Before World Tour 2025

Learn More
May032025
May042025

Fiesta De Mayo

Learn More
May032025

Granby Street: A Downtown Norfolk Walking Tour

Learn More
May032025

Date Night at the Push Comedy Theater

Learn More
May032025

The Great Gatsby Ballet World Ballet Company

Learn More
May032025

Pints for Parkinson’s Norfolk Optimism Walk After Party

Learn More
May032025

Live Green Norfolk: A Celebration of Community & Sustainability

Learn More
May032025

The Nascar Jones Show: Comedy Talk Show

Learn More
May032025
Nov222025

East Beach Farmers Market (Weekly)

Learn More
May042025

Fashion & Hair Show

Learn More
May042025

Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise

Learn More
May042025

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Norfolk St. Spartans

Learn More
May042025

John Moreland, singer-songwriter

Learn More
May042025

Warehouse LIVE: Boo Boo Spoiler, You’re Jovian & Infinite Boss

Learn More
May042025

May Day & Open House at the Goode Family Visual Arts School

Learn More
May042025
Nov022025

Tour de ORF

Learn More
May062025
May112025

Pretty Woman: The Musical

Learn More
May062025

Wild Babies at The Virginia Zoo

Learn More
May062025

Shakey Graves

Learn More
May082025

ZOSO (The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience) – Freedom Hawk

Learn More
May082025

ROTC Commissioning

Learn More
May082025

Norfolk Works: The Summer Employment & Career Series

Learn More
May082025

MacArthur Memorial Holocaust Remembrance Day Event

Learn More
May082025

Candlelight Yoga With Live Music

Learn More
May092025
May102025

Panties in a Twist

Learn More
May092025

Coco Jones

Learn More
May092025

Family Twilight Trek – Frogs at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Learn More
May092025

Norfolk Signature Lunch Cruise

Learn More
May092025
Jun012025

Memphis

Learn More
May092025

Black Jacket Symphony presents Jimmy Buffett

Learn More
May092025

Old Dominion University Advanced Degree Commencement

Learn More
May092025

Open Mic Night at Makers Craft Brewery with Vanessa Rodriguez

Learn More
May102025

Silent Disco

Learn More
May102025

Old Dominion University Commencement

Learn More
May102025

Jr Garden Artists: Mother’s Day Mugs at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Learn More
May102025

Larry Fleet

Learn More
May102025

ERT X NKR Group Paddle at Plum Point Park

Learn More
May102025

Shane Gillis Live

Learn More
May102025

Luther Relives- “A Mother’s Day Weekend” Musical Tribute to Luther Vandross

Learn More
May112025

Mother’s Day Brunch

Learn More
May112025

Norfolk Mother’s Day Signature Dinner Cruise

Learn More
May112025

Mother’s Day Buffet

Learn More
May112025

G-Eazy

Learn More
May112025

Mother’s Day Paint N Sip at Cova Brewing

Learn More
May112025

Mother’s Day Afternoon Sail

Learn More
May112025

Norfolk Mother’s Day Signature Brunch Cruise

Learn More
May112025

Alcée Chriss III, organ

Learn More
May112025

Free Mother’s Day Train Rides

Learn More
May112025

Hackensaw Boys – celebrating 20 years of Love What You Do

Learn More
May112025

Mother’s Day Afternoon Sail

Learn More

The Latest

Read our blog for the latest — and greatest — happenings in the city.

Less Than: Ghent Zero-Waste Refill Shop Turns Five

Less Than803 Shirley Ave., Norfolk, VA Follow on Instagram…
Learn More

Pianist Olga Kern Returns for Virginia Arts Festival

Catch Olga Kern Live in Norfolk: What: Zemlinsky Quartet with…
Learn More

Three Days in Norfolk for NATO Festival and Virginia International Tattoo 

Learn More

May 2025 Events Guide 

May might be the perfect month in Norfolk, as the weather turns pleasant, offering a hint of summer, but without all…
Learn More

How to Celebrate National Bike Month in Norfolk

May is National Bike Month, a chance to showcase the many benefits of…
Learn More

A Little Something: Southern Charm Finds a Home in Ghent

If you’ve ever found yourself looking for “a little…
Learn More

Best Brunch Spots in Norfolk, VA

From pillowy biscuits to piled-high Benedicts and waffles topped with all the fixings, brunch in Norfolk…
Learn More

Norfolk 2025 Cruise Schedule

As renovations continue at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, we’re eagerly anticipating the…
Learn More