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 2023 Virginia International Tattoo will be its incredible international cast of more than 800 performers, with bands from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps joined by civilian and military performers from seven nations. You’ll see returning favourites such as Norway’s Band and Drill Team of His Majesty the King’s Guard, the Singapore Armed Force Central Band, and the Massed Pipes and Drums from four nations.