April 24–27, 2025
Future date: Thursday, April 16 -Sunday, April 19, 2026
Thursday, April 22-Sunday April 25, 2027
It’s no secret Norfolk has a serious appreciation for our military. After all, Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world. In 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival presented the city with what has now become a staple to Norfolk’s performing arts scene: The Virginia International Tattoo. The Tattoo blends tradition and entertainment in the form of bagpipers, military bands, fife and drum corps and drill teams that make up the hundreds of performers who come to Virginia once a year for the festival.
The heartbeat of the 2024 Virginia International Tattoo will be its incredible international cast featuring more than 800 performers – with bands and drill teams from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps joined by civilian and military performers from seven nations. You will see returning favorites including Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps and the Netherlands Royal Marine Band and first time performers that are sure to become new favorites. Not to be forgotten are the Massed Pipes and Drums from four nations who will be joined by the incredible Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dance Company.
The soul of the 2024 Tattoo will be an emotional and grateful Celebration of Freedom, 80 years from the D-Day landings and 75 years from the founding of NATO. This Tattoo will remind us that as Americans, we have helped write some of the greatest chapters in the story of human freedom. With stirring music, historic photos and video, tributes from US military bands and appearances by special guests, we will remember and celebrate the men and women who have safeguarded freedom not only for the United States, but for the world.
This year’s Norfolk NATO Festival International Village will occur at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 and is celebrated as the only U.S. parade to honor all 30 members of NATO. Don’t forget to pre-register online and stop by Scope Plaza to see the Norfolk NATO Festival International Village and Flag Raising and seize the opportunity to discover performances, art, food, and history.
2025 Show Times
- Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27, 2:30 p.m.
