Virginia International Tattoo

The Virginia International Tattoo is a military tattoo that began in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival, a not-for-profit performing arts organization based in Norfolk, Virginia.

The event was established in 1997, and is held annually in Norfolk, Virginia. The Tattoo is an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, Celtic dancers, and choirs. It is presented in cooperation with NATO and the Norfolk NATO Festival.

It is the largest show of its kind in the United States, involving a cast of over 800 performers from around the world. Over 38,000 people attend each year, including over 12,000 area students. The Virginia International Tattoo was listed as American Bus Association's Top North American Event for 2016. The tattoo is considered to be one of the seven “founding members” of the International Association of Tattoo Organizers (IATO). The Tattoo, like many other events, did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For over 20 years, the Virginia International Tattoo has been offering a unique opportunity to gain insight into culture, language, military traditions of the international community.  A showcase of remarkable talent and tradition, the Virginia International Tattoo has presented performers from Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Republic of Ireland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Ukraine