April 16–19, 2026
Future dates: 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 2026 Virginia International Tattoo will feature an incredible international cast of more than 800 civilian and military performers from six nations. Previous performers have included Norway’s spectacular Band and Drill Team of His Majesty the King’s Guard, the rousing Massed Pipes and Drums from four nations and the nimble OzScot Australia Highland Dancers. In 2025, performers include the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Central Band in their first trip to the United States.
At the heart of every performance will be an emotional and grateful tribute to our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines. With stirring music, heartfelt tributes to those who have served, and appearances by some very special guests, this Tattoo will remind us that as Americans, we enjoy freedoms made possible by 250 years of Service and Sacrifice.
Don’t miss the Virginia International Tattoo – A Scottish Tradition with an American Soul!
Tickets are available and on sale at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.
What is the Tattoo?
The centuries-old tradition of Tattoo originated as a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to “Doe den Tap-too” or “turn off the tap”. Hearing the call “Tap-too” soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as “Tattoo.”
The Tattoos seen across the world today are ceremonial performances of military music by massed bands. Each Tattoo is influenced by the culture of the country they represent. Fans of these massed spectacles of music and might flock to the world’s great Tattoos including Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, and Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. But the greatest Tattoo in the United States, and rivaling the largest in the world, is the Virginia International Tattoo.
2026 Show Times
- Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 19, 2:30 p.m.
