Three Days in Norfolk: Va. Tattoo & Nato Fest

It’s that time of year once again: the time when Norfolk rolls out its red carpet and invites locals and visitors to enjoy a unique blend of global culture and naval tradition during the Virginia International Tattoo and NATO Festival, April 24-26, 2025. 

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Our city is your city. Use the menu below to customize your Norfolk experience.

How Do You Say Norfolk?

Nor-FOLK? NOR-fik? NAW-fik? NOR-FUK? Here’s the verdict.

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Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, Virginia is a city on the water, but never watered down. Built on character, by characters, we’re a melting pot of people, cultures, and ideas.

Explore Our Neighborhoods

Downtown

Norfolk’s walkable, waterfront downtown is the urban hub of the city full of shopping, entertainment, restaurants and excitement!

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Historic Freemason District

The city’s oldest standing neighborhood, Historic Freemason features beautiful tree-lined cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, historic homes and water views.

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NEON DISTRICT

The creative center of the city, NEON’s 80+ pieces of public art, live performances and eclectic restaurants are destined to inspire.

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GHENT

Ghent is filled with character, culture and delicious cuisine — not to mention tons of eclectic eateries, unique shops, art galleries and antique stores.

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Chelsea

Chelsea is one of the most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods in the city, with the celebrated Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) passing through the center.

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park place / Railroad district

Lined with local breweries, eateries and street murals, the industrial neighborhoods of Park Place/Railroad District are sure to get any visit on the right track.

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Riverview

From zoo animals to wildly delicious restaurants, the LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood of Riverview truly has something for everyone.

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Larchmont / lochhaven

Next door to Old Dominion University, Larchmont and Lochhaven are home to history, local restaurants, outdoor fun and perfect water views.

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Oceanview

The relaxing beachside communities of Ocean View and East Beach are the perfect place to unwind with fresh seafood, sand and sun!

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Military Highway

Ideal for people on the move, Military Highway plays host to Norfolk International Airport and an abundance of shopping options.

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What’s happening

Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Looking for up-to-date cruise schedules, parking information, lost luggage contacts, maps, deals and related tips on cruising in and out of Norfolk, VA.? Here’s your complete guide.
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May 2025 Events Guide

Outdoor events kick into overdrive, as concerts, festivals and outdoor activities dominate the calendar. It’s also Bike Month, making it the perfect time to hop on two wheels and explore the city.
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Events This Week

The Virginia International Tattoo returns to Norfolk, alongside the NATO Festival and 72nd annual Parade of Nations. Catch these events plus concerts, cruises, more.
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Events

Every season is event season in Norfolk. See what’s on deck.

Sep272024
May102025

MAMA-Girl! Retrospective Exhibit

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Apr192025
May242025

Flourish: An Annual Juried National Exhibition of Floral and Botanical Artworks

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Apr282025
May022025

2025 Senior Olympics

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Apr192025
May242025

The Vault – Andy Harris: Little Flowers That Follow Me Everywhere

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Mar072025
Jul312025

Carved Couture Exhibition Opening

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Apr162025
Oct152025

Bike Nights at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

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Apr282025

Norfolk Screening with Q&A

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Apr152025
May312025

Membership Swap: Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

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Apr242025
May102025

Sincerely, Spring 2025 Senior Exhibition

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Apr042025
Oct192025

Ghent Farmers Market

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Feb102025
Apr282025

Pub Quiz

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Mar192025
Jun132025

Dinosaurs of Antarctica

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Apr012025
Apr292025

Homeschool Garden Science April Series

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Apr292025

The Tallis Scholars

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Apr292025

Bob & Lee Woodruff

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Apr102025
May032025

Make Your Own Patch @ Activity HQ

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Apr292025

Norfolk Forum: Bob and Lee Woodruff

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Apr032025
May032025

WWII Paper Dolls @ Activity HQ

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Apr032025
May032025

Special Exhibit: The Price of Unpreparedness

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Apr032025
May032025

Special Display: The Paintings of Mary Maynard

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Apr302025

Toddler Time

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Mar192025
Jun252025

Chris’s Pub Trivia

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Feb122025
Apr302025

Trivia Night

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Feb122025
Apr302025

Mosaic Academy Norfolk

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Apr092025
Apr302025

Twofold Poker League Tournament at Maker’s Craft Brewery

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Apr302025

Ghost Funk Orchestra at The Annex

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Apr302025

All Elite Wrestling

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May012025

Norfolk Works: The Summer Employment & Career Series

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Apr102025
Dec182025

Trivia Thursdays at the Bold Mariner Brewing Company

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May012025

Plena Libre

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May012025

Solja Boy

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May012025

Norfolk Home and Garden Tour

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May012025

Bearly Dead ’25 “Paradise Waits” Tour

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May012025

Norfolk Home & Garden Tour

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May012025

Bearly Dead ’25 “Paradise Waits” Tour

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May022025

The Comedy Sketchbook – A Night of Sketch Comedy

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May022025

Girl-Prov : A Girl’s Night Out with Improv Comedy

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May022025

Night for the Fight

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May022025

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Norfolk St. Spartans

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May022025

Zack Fox (DJ Set)

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May022025

Bike Night

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May022025
Jun272025

Live Music Patio Series at Just Birdies

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May022025
May302025

Norfolk After Dark Dance Cruise

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Apr112025
Jun272025

Friday Night Live Musci at COVA

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May022025

TX2 at The Annex

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May022025

Chris Staples & Feign Kin @ Union Overall Co

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May032025

Creative Nation Spring Fest

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May032025

Wild Tykes at the Virginia Zoo

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May032025

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Norfolk St. Spartans

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May032025

Darren Kiely – Never Been Here Before World Tour 2025

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May032025
Aug022025

Storybook Tea Party at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

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May032025

Warehouse LIVE: Zac Plastic, Box Factory, Chase Evers & Holy Love Incorporated

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May032025

Granby Street: A Downtown Norfolk Walking Tour

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May032025

Pints for Parkinson’s Norfolk Optimism Walk After Party

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May032025

The Nascar Jones Show: Comedy Talk Show

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May032025
May042025

SPRING TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

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May032025

Date Night at the Push Comedy Theater

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May032025
May042025

Fiesta De Mayo

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May032025

Step Up for The Up Center

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May032025

Spring Into Summer at COVA

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May032025
May172025

Norfolk After Dark Dance Cruise

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May032025
May312025

Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise

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May032025

Matisyahu

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May032025
Nov222025

East Beach Farmers Market (Weekly)

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May032025

Live Green Norfolk: A Celebration of Community & Sustainability

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May032025

The Great Gatsby Ballet World Ballet Company

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May042025

Fashion & Hair Show

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Jul212024
Jun152025

Industry Night at COVA

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May042025

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Norfolk St. Spartans

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May042025

John Moreland, singer-songwriter

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May042025

Warehouse LIVE: Boo Boo Spoiler, You’re Jovian & Infinite Boss

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May042025
Nov022025

Tour de ORF

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May042025

May Day & Open House at the Goode Family Visual Arts School

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May042025

Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise

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May062025

Wild Babies at The Virginia Zoo

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May062025
May112025

Pretty Woman: The Musical

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May062025

Shakey Graves

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May082025

MacArthur Memorial Holocaust Remembrance Day Event

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May082025

Norfolk Works: The Summer Employment & Career Series

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May082025

ZOSO (The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience) – Freedom Hawk

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May082025

Candlelight Yoga With Live Music

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May082025

ROTC Commissioning

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May092025

Norfolk Signature Lunch Cruise

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May092025

Black Jacket Symphony presents Jimmy Buffett

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May092025

Open Mic Night at Makers Craft Brewery with Vanessa Rodriguez

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May092025

Old Dominion University Advanced Degree Commencement

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May092025

Coco Jones

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May092025

Family Twilight Trek – Frogs at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

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May092025
Jun012025

Memphis

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May092025
May102025

Panties in a Twist

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May102025

Shane Gillis Live

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May102025

Jr Garden Artists: Mother’s Day Mugs at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens

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May102025

Luther Relives- “A Mother’s Day Weekend” Musical Tribute to Luther Vandross

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May102025

ERT X NKR Group Paddle at Plum Point Park

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May102025

Old Dominion University Commencement

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May102025

Silent Disco

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May102025

Larry Fleet

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May112025

Norfolk Mother’s Day Signature Dinner Cruise

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May112025

Mother’s Day Paint N Sip at Cova Brewing

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May112025

Alcée Chriss III, organ

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May112025

Mother’s Day Afternoon Sail

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May112025

Mother’s Day Brunch

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May112025

Mother’s Day Buffet

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May112025

G-Eazy

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May112025

Norfolk Mother’s Day Signature Brunch Cruise

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May112025

Free Mother’s Day Train Rides

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May112025

Mother’s Day Afternoon Sail

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May112025

Hackensaw Boys – celebrating 20 years of Love What You Do

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May122025

Tidewater Community College Commencement

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May122025

G-Eazy

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May132025

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Wild Wetlands

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May132025

Norfolk Tides vs. Jacksonville

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The Latest

Read our blog for the latest — and greatest — happenings in the city.

Less Than: Ghent Zero-Waste Refill Shop Turns Five

Less Than803 Shirley Ave., Norfolk, VA Follow on Instagram…
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Pianist Olga Kern Returns for Virginia Arts Festival

Catch Olga Kern Live in Norfolk: What: Zemlinsky Quartet with…
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Three Days in Norfolk for NATO Festival and Virginia International Tattoo 

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May 2025 Events Guide 

May might be the perfect month in Norfolk, as the weather turns pleasant, offering a hint of summer, but without all…
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How to Celebrate National Bike Month in Norfolk

May is National Bike Month, a chance to showcase the many benefits of…
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A Little Something: Southern Charm Finds a Home in Ghent

If you’ve ever found yourself looking for “a little…
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Best Brunch Spots in Norfolk, VA

From pillowy biscuits to piled-high Benedicts and waffles topped with all the fixings, brunch in Norfolk…
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Norfolk 2025 Cruise Schedule

As renovations continue at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, we’re eagerly anticipating the…
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