The Virginia International Tattoo returns to Norfolk's Scope Arena April 22-25, 2027, with free Hullabaloo shows and the NATO Festival parade.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the Virginia Arts Festival, which presents the Tattoo.

The Virginia International Tattoo fills Scope Arena each April with massed pipes and drums, military bands, drill teams, dancers and choirs from around the world. The 2027 show runs Thursday to Sunday, April 22-25, the festival’s future dates page says. Tickets are on the 2027 Tattoo page.

The weekend around it is free: the Tattoo Hullabaloo on Scope Plaza before every show, and the Norfolk NATO Festival’s Parade of Nations downtown on Saturday morning.

Who to call

  • Tickets: Virginia Arts Festival box office, 757-282-2822, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays
  • General questions: Virginia Arts Festival, 757-282-2800
  • Official site: vafest.org/tattoo
  • Emergency: 911

The Tattoo at a glance
Next dates Thursday to Sunday, April 22-25, 2027
Show times 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave.
Last year Thursday to Sunday, April 16-19, 2026
Cost Ticketed; prices on the festival’s ticket page
Free events Tattoo Hullabaloo, Parade of Nations, NATO flag raising, pipe band championship
Organizer Virginia Arts Festival

What it is

A tattoo is a military music show with roots in Scotland, and Norfolk’s is one of the biggest in the country. The 2026 edition saluted 250 years of American independence with more than 800 performers from around the world, including massed pipes and drums, military bands, precision drill teams, dancers and choirs, the festival says. It is presented in cooperation with NATO and the Norfolk NATO Festival, a nod to the alliance’s command headquarters in the city.

Groups can order 2027 seats with the festival’s group order form.

The free weekend events

The festival has not posted the 2027 weekend schedule yet. In 2026 its weekend events page listed:

  • Tattoo Hullabaloo, Scope Plaza: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with music, dancing, drill routines and drumming before each show. Food, drinks and souvenirs are for sale.
  • International drumming showcase, Scope Plaza, during the Hullabaloo each day.
  • NATO flag raising, Scope Plaza, 5 p.m. Thursday, with the U.S. Fleet Forces Band.
  • Parade of Nations, downtown Norfolk, 10 a.m. Saturday. The festival calls it the only parade in the U.S. to honor NATO, with more than 100 units of bands, military units, community groups and floats.
  • NATO Festival International Village, Town Point Park, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, right after the parade, with international music, arts and food.
  • American Pipe Band Championship, Scope Plaza, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, with a massed bands closing ceremony at 6 p.m.

All were free and open to the public. Watch the Norfolk NATO Festival pages for the 2027 parade route and times.

Tickets

  • Everyone needs a ticket. Children of any age may attend, but each person must have a ticket, the festival’s what to know page says.
  • Tickets come by mail. Physical tickets are printed and mailed ahead of the show. If yours have not arrived, go to the Virginia Arts Festival will call window at the Scope Box Office, on the first level of the Scope parking garage. It opened at 4:30 p.m. on show days in 2026.

Parking and getting there

  • Garages: Paid public parking is in the city garages near Scope, which charge on the way in on event days. In 2026 the festival listed $5 to $20 a vehicle at all Norfolk-owned garages and lots and $2 at the MacArthur Center North and South garages.
  • Light rail: The Tide stops at Monticello Station, a short walk from Scope Arena and Scope Plaza. The festival says you can park free at the Newtown Road, Military Highway and Ballentine/Broad Creek park-and-ride lots and ride in for $2 each way, with kids free alongside a paying adult. Check current fares with Hampton Roads Transit.
  • Arrive early. All bags are checked and there are lines to enter Scope Plaza and the arena. The festival suggests coming three hours before show time for the Hullabaloo.

See our getting around guide for more on parking downtown.

What to know before you go

  • Not allowed in the arena: folding or stadium chairs, outside food and drinks (including food bought at the Hullabaloo) and cameras with detachable lenses. Non-flash photos and video for personal use are fine.
  • Dress warm: Scope is home to the Norfolk Admirals hockey team, and the festival warns it can be chilly inside. Bring a sweater or light jacket.
  • Pets: not allowed on Scope Plaza during the Hullabaloo. Scope’s venue policies cover service animals and other rules.
  • What to wear: casual dress is fine. Kilts and military ball caps are a common sight.

More in Norfolk

For the rest of the spring calendar, see things to do in Norfolk and things to do this month. The waterfront’s next big weekend is the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in May.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Virginia International Tattoo 2027?

The Virginia Arts Festival lists four shows at Scope Arena: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22, Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2027.

Where is the Virginia International Tattoo held?

At Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., in downtown Norfolk. The free Tattoo Hullabaloo before each show is outside on Scope Plaza.

Do children need a ticket for the Tattoo?

Yes. Children of any age are welcome, but the festival says everyone attending must have a ticket.

Where do I park for the Virginia International Tattoo?

In the city garages near Scope, which charge on entry; the festival listed $5 to $20 a vehicle at Norfolk-owned garages and lots in 2026. The Tide light rail stops at Monticello Station, a short walk from the arena.

Is the Parade of Nations part of the Tattoo?

It is the Norfolk NATO Festival’s parade on Tattoo weekend. In 2026 the 73rd Parade of Nations stepped off at 10 a.m. Saturday downtown and was free to watch.