Downtown Norfolk
73rd Annual Parade of Nations
Saturday 10:00 AM
April 18, 2026
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026 10:00 AM
Location
Downtown Norfolk
Price
Free and open to the public
Run Time
90 minutes
The only parade in the U.S. to honor NATO features over 100 parade units including U.S. and international bands, military units, community groups and floats representing ever NATO Member Nation!
The Parade is free and open to the public, but reserved seating is available for purchase.
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
- Special celebrity Grand Marshal
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 !
For more information, please contact Mike at 1-800-USA-FEST or visit www.usafest.org.
The Norfolk NATO Festival’s Parade of Nations is presented in cooperation with the Virginia International Tattoo.
TAKE TRANSIT!
Let Hampton Roads Transit get you to the show without the worry of traffic and parking. The Tide light rail stops at Monticello Station, just a short walk to the Scope Arena and Scope Plaza. Park for free at three HRT park-and-ride lots at Newtown Road Station, Military Highway Station and Ballentine/Broad Creek Station. Then hop on board for just $2 each way. Kids ride free with a paying adult. Plan your trip for hassle-free travel to the Virginia International Tattoo!