Family Friendly

71st Annual Parade of Nations — 2024

April 20 2024

10 AM

The Norfolk NATO Festival is proud to present its annual Parade of Nations, the longest continuously running parade in Hampton Roads and the only parade in the United States honoring NATO! Over 75 Parade Units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and International Military bands, and colorful floats which represent each of the NATO Member Nations! Local community organization and Festival partners are also featured.

Free and Open to the Public

Parade Route Map

Reserved seating on Waterside Drive and Granby Street available for purchase here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Clear bags are strongly encouraged. Bag checks will be conducted at random.

  • Grab your lawn chairs and come to downtown Norfolk
  • Find a seat near the announcers stands on Waterside drive and on Granby Street so you don’t miss any of the features
  • Floats from each of the NATO Member Nations
  • Visiting International bands from the Virginia International Tattoo 
  • Local and Visiting High School Marching Bands participating in the Virginia International Music Festival 

In collaboration with Performing Arts Consultants and the Virginia Arts Festival, the Norfolk NATO Festival invites high school marching bands to participate in the Virginia International Music Festival.
Participating bands will march and compete in the Parade of Nations.


Be in the Parade

The Norfolk NATO Festival’s Parade of Nations is presented in cooperation with the Virginia International Tattoo. 

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