NORFOLK — The Virginia International Tattoo returns to the Scope Arena from April 24-27 and tickets are now on sale.
The largest tattoo in the United States was established in 1997 and is a signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival. An annual celebration of patriotism and international goodwill, the tattoo welcomes over 800 performers from all over the world in a display of military bands, drill teams, massed pipes and drums, Celtic dancers, choirs and more.
The 2025 tattoo will celebrate the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. Performances from each branch’s band will take place during the show.
“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,” according to the event’s website.
Other performers will include Australia’s OzScot Australia Highland Dancers and the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia, Canada’s Delta Police Pipe Band and Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, Norway’s His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team, and United Kingdom’s Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band of Northern Ireland.
U.S. acts include the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Hampton Roads Police Honor Guards, Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band, Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard, Old Dominion University Concert Choir, Tidewater Pipes and Drums, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, U.S. Navy Drill Team, U.S. Marine Corps Band Quantico, U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company, U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
The show runs approximately 120 minutes. Performances run from April 24 through April 27. All performances begin at 7:30, except for April 27 which begins at 2:30.
Tickets are on sale now through the Virginia Arts Festival. For more information or to buy tickets, visit vafest.org/tattoo.