The annual event is an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, Celtic dancers and choirs. It's from April 18-21 at Norfolk Scope.

NORFOLK, Va. — It's a centuries-old tradition of military pipes and drums, and so much more.

The Virginia International Tattoo is returning to Norfolk this week.

The Tattoo began back in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival: an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, Celtic dancers, and choirs, presented in cooperation with NATO and the Norfolk NATO Festival.

According to the Virginia Arts Festival: "the centuries-old tradition of Tattoo originated as a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to 'Doe den Tap-too' or 'turn off the tap.' Hearing the call 'Tap-too' soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as 'Tattoo.'"

Woven deeply into the International Tattoo's fabric is the military.

"From the first note to the last note, they're our audience. They're our neighbors in Hampton Roads. So, totally integral to the Tattoo is our support of the military," producer-director Scott Jackson previously told 13News Now.

"To have that kind of support for our service, for our families, is just a wonderful thing and to feel it viscerally in the tattoo is an incredible experience," said Captain Christian Muncey, United States Air Force Heritage of America Band Conductor.

This year's theme is "A Celebration of Freedom." It will honor the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, and the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO. The 2024 Tattoo will feature more than 800 performers from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

The Tattoo will take place April 18 through 21 at Norfolk Scope. Tickets are available and on sale now at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

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Looking for a spring break destination the whole family can enjoy? Consider breaking tradition by spring breaking in Norfolk. We’ve got sandy beaches (minus the crowds), engaging attractions with a little education sprinkled in for the kids, plus family-friendly breweries that are perfect for unwinding after a fun day of adventuring. Here are some ideas for spending spring break in Norfolk, VA.

^{Photo Credit: @jessicahubbardphotography, Instagram}

Nauticus

Spend the day exploring Nauticus, a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in Downtown Norfolk. Wander through their fun and educational exhibits before exploring the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the Navy. Explore the decks and depths of the ship, and don’t forget to take a family photo!

NEON District

Need to burn off some energy? Skip, hop and stroll throughout the NEON District to discover colorful murals around every corner. Even the sidewalks have points of interest in this arts centric neighborhood. While you’re here, grab some poke or açaí bowls at Zeke’s Beans and Bowls, or sit down for a farm-to-table feast at Commune.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

With more than 60 different gardens to explore, the Norfolk Botanical Garden has something for every taste and season, but spring is an especially vibrant time to visit as so many beautiful trees and flowers are in bloom. Spend some time in the WOW Children’s Garden where you’ll see, smell and touch edible plants and take a nature walk through their Plant Safari Habitat. Don’t forget to pause every once in a while to say hello to the toads and turtles.

Virginia Zoo

Did you know that Norfolk is home to the only zoo in our region? Spend some time exploring the Virginia Zoo’s beautiful walking paths and learning about more than 700 different species. Here you can walk among Australian wallabies and their joeys, spot Africa’s majestic rhinos, lions and cheetahs, gaze at beautifully colored reptiles and even play with goats at the Zoo Farm.

Beach Day

Spend a day making sand castles, soaking up the sun and perhaps even spotting dolphins in the distance. Ocean View is ideal for families with young kids as the mild waves of the Chesapeake Bay gently lap on the beachfront—perfect for wading. Enjoy local seafood while overlooking the Chesapeake Bay at the Ocean View Pier Restaurant. Don’t want to leave the beach? Pack a picnic with food from Taste!

Looking for a way to get out on the bay? Sunset cruises on the American Rover, themed dinner and lunch cruises aboard a City Cruises Norfolk vessel, sailing lessons through Sail Nauticus, and kayaking are all great ways to experience the Chesapeake Bay. For the more educational cruises, check out the Norfolk Naval Base Cruises aboard Victory Rover where they showcase aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and more! The Elizabeth River Ferry also runs between Norfolk and Portsmouth daily for a quick jaunt across the water.

With an abundance of different cuisine in Norfolk, it is easy to please everyone’s palates, and our family-friendly breweries are eager to entertain you. Doumar’s is a great spot to show the kids the world’s first waffle cone machine, and if you’re lucky they will be making fresh cones while you’re there! Want more sweets? Check out the sweetest of treats in Norfolk here, and see our ice cream and gelato shops here!

Norfolk is home to the Norfolk Tides, which always makes for a memorable outing. Head to Harbor Park for loaded franks for the kids and local beers for the adults as you cheer on the home team. Keep an eye out for themed nights featuring special activities like costumed characters, fireworks or a chance to run the bases after the game!

Norfolk has some fantastic options to make your home away from home truly an enjoyable experience. Score an unbelievable view of the Elizabeth River to wake up to, opt for adjoining rooms to enjoy some peace and quiet, or go for the place that allows you to walk everywhere you need to be. Wherever you choose, we’re happy you’re here. Check out these lodging options.

With an abundance of outdoor activities, Norfolk is the perfect destination to enjoy some sunshine. From exploring our gardens to setting sail along the Chesapeake Bay, there is a variety for you to explore. You won’t want to miss these top outdoors things to do in Norfolk, VA.

Gardens

Norfolk is home to plenty of lush green spaces, including the largest botanical garden in Virginia. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, there’s a beautiful assortment of greenery to peruse at these locally loved gardens.

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens offers visitors a dose of history, art and horticulture all in one spot. With the Hermitage sitting right on the Lafayette River, it’s a perfect backdrop for a day spent outdoors! During the warmer months, be sure to check out the museum’s Sunsets on the River concert series for an evening of outdoor entertainment including local music, food trucks, art, local craft beer and wine. Best of all, your well-behaved dog can join in on the fun!

The beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 themed gardens on the property, and there is always something to explore. Most blooms can be spotted during the spring and summer months, but make sure to check out their year-round gardens too. The WOW Children’s Garden features world-themed splash fountains, plus a nature walk through Plant Safari habitat gardens.

Trails

Taking the road less traveled is certainly an option. But when there’s well-established trails featuring historic points of interest, restaurants, breweries and wildlife nearby, we say it’s okay to stick to the path. Explore these trails as you get to know more about Norfolk’s past and present!

This self-guided tour marks 400 years of Norfolk and American history. The Cannonball Trail winds along the shoreline of the Elizabeth River and through the districts of Downtown Norfolk. Pay attention to the historic sites noted on this tour for bonus history lessons on this walking trail adventure!

The Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) is a 10.5-mile biking and pedestrian urban trail that will satisfy the highly active. No bike? No problem. Pedego Electric Bikes are available to rent Downtown, so get ready to cruise along as you enjoy some fantastic scenery.

On the Water

Some of the best outdoor things to do in Norfolk aren’t on dry land. Did you know that Norfolk has 144 miles of shoreline? We’re home to the Chesapeake Bay, plus the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers, which equals no shortage of water activities, whether you feel like being active, exploring via boat or simply relaxing on the sand.

Did you know that Norfolk has its very own sandy beach? The areas of Ocean View and East Beach are your gateway to beach days, sandcastles, water activities, seafood and gorgeous sunsets. These beaches are perfectly situated on the Chesapeake Bay where warm waters and gentler waves make it ideal for families. Here are ideas for things to do in Ocean View, Norfolk.

There’s arguably no better way to reconnect with nature than by paddling out on a kayak tour to explore the gentle rivers and quiet coves which some of Norfolk’s most beautiful wildlife calls home. Rent a vessel through Norfolk Kayak Tours, embark on a guided journey at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, or BYOK (bring your own kayak) to paddle off from a public launch.

Bordered almost entirely by water and home to the longest fishing pier in North America, Norfolk is geographically positioned for the ultimate fishing trip. No matter what your choice of fresh catch may be, you’re sure to find it in the nearby Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean or Elizabeth River. Norfolk’s mild climate and wide variety of aquatic life have made the region’s waterways one of the top fishing destinations in the world. Thousands of visitors flock to the area’s shores each year in search of the perfect fishing trip.

With the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay running along its west and north borders, Norfolk is the ideal home for sailing. Still learning? Check out Sail Nauticus and its informative boating excursions. Sign up for a weekend course emphasizing on-the-water instruction and earn a U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.

Tours on Water

Sometimes it’s nice just to sit back, relax and let someone else be your guide for the day. Here are some tours you can sign up for if you’re looking to learn more about Norfolk’s history, see the city line from a new point of view or perhaps indulge in a scrumptious buffet, cocktails and dancing.

Norfolk’s own tall sailing ship, the American Rover is a three-masted topsail schooner with “tanbark” sails. They offer two-hour narrated harbor tours and sunset cruises April through October embarking from Waterside Marina on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Once on board, guests can choose to hoist a sail with the crew, take a turn at the helm or just sit back and enjoy the scenic view. The sunset cruise also features live, acoustical entertainment.

See incredible views of the Norfolk harbor and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet aboard City Cruises Norfolk. Enjoy delicious new menus and specialty drinks. Then, dance to DJ entertainment or relax on the new rooftop lounge. It all adds up to the perfect Norfolk experience. Cruising year-round from downtown Norfolk, Spirit offers lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktail, moonlit cruises and more.

Experience the most popular way to see the world’s largest naval base and the Port of Virginia. Two-hour cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin, in Downtown Norfolk. Cruise past the vessels that ensure our freedom—destroyers, cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more. A fascinating fact and fun-filled narration is provided.

Tours on Land

There’s plenty to see, do and learn off the water as well! Take a self-guided tour of Norfolk’s incredible public art murals, or join a guided tour to learn more about Norfolk’s history, art, architecture and more!

Experience Norfolk in a whole new light with guided tours from Norfolk Tour Company. Explore Norfolk’s most haunted houses and theatres or enjoy the colors of the murals in the NEON District. Walk the city and learn more about its unique history with a tour through Historic Freemason or the “Underground River: Black History Tour on the ERT.”

With self-guided tours aplenty and even guided tours focused on Norfolk’s NEON District, our city’s burgeoning arts scene provides a platform for a multitude of artists to create public murals on local businesses showcasing Norfolk. Any space, whether on a building wall, a house, a shed or even the sidewalk, can be transformed into a stunning display by local artists whose love for the city is obvious in every scene.

The city of Norfolk would not be the creative, diverse and vibrant community that it is without the endless contributions made by Black residents and business owners. Some of these Black-owned businesses have become staples, while others have just planted their roots. From scrumptious soul food to self-care sanctuaries, we celebrate these businesses within our city and encourage you to visit their establishments to continue to support and lift them up. Here are a few Black-owned businesses to get you started.

The street view of 350 Grace is a sleek and simple black and white facade, but once you open their front door, a vibrant blue, white and brick interior greets you. Their menu is a perfect marriage of traditional Southern comfort food and modern cuisine. Not only is the food delicious and innovative; it is completely gluten- and grain-free. Chef Willie Moats brings extreme talent to the 350 Grace menu with dishes like Black Garlic Molasses Glazed Half Cornish Hen served with maple sweet potatoes, fried okra, tomato marmalade and melted goat cheese. Their cocktail menu favors Southern concoctions like the Salted Grapefruit Bourbon Martini (Jim Beam Black, ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup, grapefruit zest), or try an after dinner drink like Mississippi Mud (Goslings Rum, creme de banana, half-and-half and Hennessy). To cap off the meal, indulge in a Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Brûlée served with fresh blueberry jam.

Southern wraparound porches will catch your eye when you drive by Bar-Q’s location nestled inside Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Then, your attention will quickly divert to the oversized meat smoker that resides in their parking lot, leaving you to wonder just how delicious their barbecue must be. Next, comes the beautiful aromas of freshly smoked meat that will have your mouth watering almost instantly. Bar-Q has an à la carte menu, but we highly suggest filling up a platter with their moist brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links and classic cornbread. Pitmaster Jayme Campbell is a barbecue pro but embraces his creative side and hosts occasional BBQ Sushi Nights at the brewery.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Brothers is the perfect mix of the traditional dining experience with a contemporary flair. Founded and inspired by NBA referee and Norfolk native Tony Brothers, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience that is vibrant, inviting and entertaining. Brothers boats a broad menu that will entice the most sophisticated and adventurous palate. Kindred spirits are invited to enjoy the finest cut of chops, a variety of fresh seafood and a robust selection of spirits.

Canvas Social Cuisine, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk serves up comfort food, soul, Caribbean and American inspired dishes.

Did you know that Norfolk is home to a black-owned record store? Even though vinyl sales are skyrocketing in the U.S., only a fraction of the country’s 2,500 record stores are Black-owned, according to an article from Insider. At Freshtopia you can browse their vinyl record collection, shop for “fresh” hip-hop-related gear or catch beesus the DJ spinning live on fresh radio.

Get Well Soon founders Virginia Thornton and Zahra Ahmad have created a self-care sanctuary to cater to a need they saw in themselves and in their community: suffering anxiety and depression in silence. Get Well Soon offers guided meditation, yoga, massages, facials, brow and lash services, an infrared sauna and a merchandise shop. This fun and welcoming environment is ideal for achieving healthier minds and bodies.

This all-vegan restaurant located in Park Place brings alternative options to meet without compromising the flavor. The secret is Jikoni Kush, a non-hybrid grain hailing from the tropics of Africa. Try their vegetable pasta mixed with Jikoni Kush, tomatoes, mushrooms, mixed bell peppers, onions and avocados, smothered in Jibini (Alfredo mixed with spicy Jamaican jerk sauce and topped with potatoes). Looking for something sweet? Try a vegan smoothies made with almond milk, organic agave and cashews for added creaminess. This cafe shares its location The House of Consciousness bookshop, promising that if guests arrive with an empty stomach and open mind, they’ll send them back full.

Owner Chris Simmonds launched this zero waste + refill shop in multiple cities throughout the region, including Norfolk. His Ghent shop features sustainable alternatives to everyday items that are healthier for you and our planet. Look for eco-friendly products made from natural ingredients that are free from harsh, synthetic chemicals and stem from makers who are environmentally aware. Household items like soap, lotion and deodorant are sold in recycled, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging—or without packaging at all. While you’re there, peruse the vast, curated selection of nonalcoholic beverages at Ceremony, a section of the store within Less Than.

Experience an elevated dining experience on Granby Street with Prime 255, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk. The restaurant combines a luxury atmosphere with craft cocktails and culinary delights.

Pure Lagos is an Afropolitan Boutique and Art Gallery. African art pieces decorate the walls while African jewelry, clothing and accessories are featured throughout the store. Owner Sia Alexander not only sources all of these goods from Africa herself but prides herself on being a Fair Trade boutique. With a degree in Human Psychology and incredible knowledge in herbology, nutrition, yoga and spiritual healing gained from time spent in Paris, Capetown and West Africa, Sia offers African holistic health consultations to assist with deep healing. Find Pure Lagos at 251 W. Bute St.

Shark City Naturals is a family-owned and operated, all-natural cosmetics company. The products were initially created to combat adverse reactions from products made with unknown substances but quickly evolved into a business providing a variety of beauty products made with wholesome ingredients.

Established in 1924, Stark and Legum, a haberdashery, is a Granby Street landmark offering customers the finest selection of men’s clothing, including designer suits, shoes and hats. Their talented and knowledgeable staff will help choose the best apparel and accessories for any occasion.

Pop-up art studio and workspace. Pop in any time for simple free flow crafting like creating bookmarks, bracelets, paintings and more. Sign up for guided workshops by yourself or with a group. Also carries local art, jewelry and more, created by the owner and other talented artists.

With a mission to share the true taste of West Africa cuisines with our region in an authentic, fresh and contemporary way, Yendidi is a cultural gem in our city. Start with an Afro Pie, a flaky, buttery pie filled with vegetables and a choice of beef, fish or chicken. Opt for a Ghana salad as a lighter option, or dive into a combination platter like Black Beans Jolly Burrito. With a tantalizing selection of soups and stews, plus meat, poultry, seafood and vegan options, there’s something to excite everyone’s taste buds at Yendidi.

Indie pop band AJR will return to Norfolk in June after abruptly cancelling their tour kick show at Scope Arena last week.

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NORFOLK, Va. — Indie pop band AJR has announced a new concert date at Norfolk Scope Arena after abruptly cancelling their tour kick show there last week.

The band posted on social media Thursday morning: "Norfolk - we’re excited to announce we are coming back to the Scope Arena on June 23rd!"

The band had planned to start The Maybe Man Tour — which is their first national arena tour — with the April 2 show in Norfolk. However, in a social media post around 1 a.m. that day, the band cancelled the concert, saying the venue was too small for "the scale of the show."

However, on Thursday, the band clarified "what exactly happened" to cause the cancellation.

"With any arena tour, each room is a little different and with a show as complicated as ours, some rooms require a little more advance work to build the show in the way it was intended to be experienced. We came to find out that our original production team was aware of challenges to get the show stood up in Norfolk and didn’t take the necessary steps to prepare for this show."

In a press release Thursday from SevenVenues, the entertainment bureau for the city of Norfolk, the performance was described as having "state-of-the-art production and multiple larger-than-life 3D optical illusions."

At the time of the initial cancellation, the Norfolk said the city was "disappointed" by the band's decision to postpone the show, "which was booked with Scope Arena a year ago." The city also cited past music and entertainment productions that Norfolk Scope has hosted, "showcasing the venue’s capabilities to provide awe-inspiring and memorable experiences."

On Thursday, the band said it was working with the team at Scope Arena to meet the tour's performance needs.

"We are so bummed this happened but we’ve been working closely with the team at Scope Arena who’ve been amazing in helping us work out a solution and are ready to bring The Maybe Man back to Norfolk!"

"Thanks for your patience and we’ll see ya this summer! All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date and ticketholders will receive more info via email. Any remaining tickets will go on sale today at 1pm ET."

AJR's tour kicked off in Philadelphia on April 3 and will stop at about two dozen cities across the U.S. before returning to Norfolk in June.