The Virginia International Tattoo is a military tattoo that began in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival. Presented annually in Norfolk, Virginia, the tattoo is an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military 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 1,000 artists from many different countries, and over 38,000 people attend each year, including over 16,000 area students at the annual student matinees. 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). Unfortunately, the Tattoo, like many other events, did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. History The term "tattoo" derives from the cries of the 17th and 18th-century Dutch innkeepers who, as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters, would cry, "Doe den tap toe!" "Turn off the taps!". The sound of "taps" led to an impromptu parade back to barracks. Over time, the words of that cry evolved into the term "tattoo," which now refers to a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. Highlights Tattoo Weekend Events Hullabaloo is a free outdoor festival of pipers, dancers, drill teams and drum lines which starts three hours prior to each performance of the Virginia International Tattoo. A variety of food and beer is available for purchase. The event is located on Scope Plaza, Norfolk, Virginia. DrumLine Battle at the Tattoo A Hullabaloo favorite, DrumLine Battle™ showcases marching percussion ensembles of any instrumentation and any skill level year-round, spotlighting their unique talents and creativity in a high energy face-to-face competition. DrumLine Battle is a program of Drum Corps International. This event is located on Scope Plaza, Norfolk, Virginia. Highland Heavy Athletic Championship The Virginia International Tattoo is partnering with Brute Strength Gym for a Heavy Athletic Championship, Highland-style, with a caber toss, keg toss and more. Free, Norfolk, Virginia Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship The Virginia International Tattoo will host the Third Annual Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship on Scope Plaza in Norfolk, Virginia. The competition, which coincides with the Tattoo performance weekend,