Performing Arts Consultants (PAC), in conjunction with the Virginia International Music Festival, the annual Virginia Arts Festival, NATO Fest and the Virginia International Tattoo provides exciting student performance opportunities for marching bands, concert bands, orchestras, jazz bands, choir, and dance teams in Norfolk, Virginia. This four-day itinerary will give student groups some once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities as well as experiences unique to the Hampton Roads region.
FUTURE DATES
April 24–27, 2025
April 16-19, 2026
April 23-25, 2027
Day One: Thursday
Arrive in Norfolk for dinner and dancing aboard City Cruises Norfolk. Students can enjoy a nautical setting dancing to live music all while admiring Norfolk’s skyline.
Day Two: Friday
Spend the day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, an action-packed, European-themed park with 17th-century charm and 21st-century technology, spread over more than 100 acres of Virginia terrain. Themed areas include England, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. Thrilling rides, stage shows, attractions, exhibits and eateries mean unparalleled fun and adventure for the entire family!
Choir and Instrumental groups may also enjoy attending the Concert Band Adjudication followed by an on-stage clinic at Chrysler Hall.
Day Three: Saturday
It’s time to March in the annual Norfolk NATO Festival Parade of Nations on Saturday morning. The Parade of Nations is the longest continuously running parade in Coastal Virginia and the only parade in the United States honoring NATO. The parade features more than 100 units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and international military bands and colorful floats which represent each of the 29 NATO member nations. Groups perform at the adjudicated Virginia International Music Festival, then march in the (optional) NATO Parade of Nations alongside up to 30 other competing bands.
Now it’s time to play at Nauticus. Scientists will lead the groups of students showing them live demonstrations and many great educational programs. The museum features more than 150 exhibits, including computer and video interactive films on a giant screen, exotic aquariums, touch pools, shark petting and national-caliber traveling exhibits. Then stroll through 200 years of naval history at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Students can enjoy lunch at the on-site café.
Need another performance option? Choral, band and instrumental groups are all welcome to perform aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy. This massive warship is located in Downtown Norfolk. Feel the excitement of being aboard a historic warship in Downtown Norfolk with a public audience.
Head over to Scope Arena in the late afternoon to attend the Virginia International Music Festival’s Awards Ceremony held at Chrysler Hall. After the awards ceremony, attend the Hullabaloo, a free, three-hour outdoor festival prior to the Virginia International Tattoo with food vendors and performances. Afterward, experience the Virginia International Tattoo, a military performance with participation from eight to 10 counties including all five United States military branches. See military bands from around the world take center stage in a 120-minute performance.
Day Four: Sunday
Time to head home, but before you leave, make a stop at the Mariners Museum and Park in Newport News. Discover one of the largest international maritime history museums, filled with prized artifacts that celebrate the spirit of seafaring adventure. Explore over 60,000 square feet of gallery space with rare figureheads, handcrafted ship models, USS Monitor artifacts, paintings and much more.
