Q. How long is the Tattoo?

A. The Tattoo runs 2.5 hours with a 20-minute intermission.

Q. What are the dates of the Tattoo?
A. The 2025 Tattoo runs from June 27^th to July 1^st, one show per day.

Q. What time is the show?

A. Matinees begin at 2:00 pm; evening shows begin at 7:00 pm.

Q. Is it the same show every time?
A. Yes, the show remains unchanged throughout the run.

Q. How early should I arrive?

A. The doors open an hour before show time, so please allow yourself time to show your ticket, stop at our merch booths, get refreshments, and find your seats before the show begins.

Q. What do I need to know about the Scotiabank Centre?
A. You can find all the information you need here.

Q. If I missed the matinee, can I still get tickets for that evening’s show?

A. There is only one show each day.

Q. Who’s in the show?

A. We’ll have more details soon on cast for the 2025 Tattoo!

Q. Is the show loud?

A. The host will let you know before the show begins if you should anticipate any loud noises. We advise that you bring earplugs or headphones for small children as there are loud cannon and gun blasts periodically.

Q. Should I dress up?

A. That’s entirely up to you as there is no formal dress code. Though most audience members are dressed casually, there are those who wear kilts or tartan to honour their heritage; and those who wear suits/dresses, or military uniforms to show their respect to those serving.

Q. I know someone attending the Tattoo who’ll be celebrating their birthday/anniversary/other special event that day. How do I get a shoutout from the Tattoo host?

A. Unfortunately, we’re unable to share shoutouts during the show, but we’re so happy that you’re celebrating your special moments with us.

However, if you’re attending with someone who has a significant military/first responder story—say, they were involved in the D-Day Landings for example—then we’d want to know. You can email [email protected] for these requests.

Q. Why are there people with cameras on the floor?

A. They’re our camera crew! We film our show for archival and promotional purposes, and though we try to capture the bulk of this during dress rehearsals or our first show, from time to time there may be additional shooting required. If this is the case, we’ll announce on our website which days the crew will be filming.

Q. Can I watch the Tattoo on television?

A. Stay tuned for updates on how to watch the Tattoo!

Q. Can I watch the Tattoo online?

A. Past editions of the show are available to stream (or will be very soon)! Click here to see a full list of what’s available.

Q. Can I volunteer with the Tattoo?

A. Of course! We’re always looking for fresh volunteers to help out in areas from production to costuming to props and transportation and office support and beyond! Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and to fill out a volunteer application.

Q. What other fun things do you do during Tattoo Week?

A. We have the Tattoo Festival and the Canada Day Parade! We’ll have more details on both in the spring of 2025!

Q. What’s the Tattoo Club?
A. The Tattoo Club is our exclusive loyalty program for our most passionate Tattoo audience members. For only $25 (or $20 if you’re an active/retired servicemember, veteran or first responder), you’ll have access to exclusive discounts, promotions, offers and invites from the Tattoo and from local partners.

To learn more about the Tattoo Club and to join, click here.

Q. I want to bring my baby to the show, am I allowed?

A. You are – the Scotiabank Centre policy is that children under the age of 2 are permitted free entry and don’t require a ticket.

Q. We stopped for fast food on our way in – are we allowed to bring it inside?

A. The Scotiabank Centre does not allow outside food, but there are plenty of delicious foods at the kiosks inside!

Q. I want to snap some photos of the show – can I bring my camera?

A. Professional cameras are a no-go, but if you do snap pictures on your phone, we ask that you don’t use flash as it could be distracting and dangerous to the performers. And please do not block the view of patrons around you.

The Scotiabank Centre security will ultimately make the decision if they see you entering with a professional camera, and you may be turned away. Best practices would be to leave your camera at home to avoid delays. We have a professional photographer on hand to shoot the show and we constantly share pictures on our social media channels, you can see photographs there!

Q. Is there parking at the Scotiabank Centre?

A. There isn’t, but there are several options for parking nearby, including metered street parking and parking garages.

Our friends at the Downtown Halifax Business Commission have this handy page about Parking Smart in Downtown Halifax, so be sure to check it out and plan ahead!

But if you’d rather not worry about parking or don’t have a car, Halifax Transit has you covered. Several buses stop at the Scotia Square terminal just down the hill from us – check out their routes and schedules by clicking the link.

Q. I require an accessible entrance to the Scotiabank Centre. Can you point me in the right direction?

A. Absolutely! Click here to view a map of entrances to the Scotiabank Centre, with accessible entrances noted.

Q. I’m not good with stairs. Can you advise me on how best to get to my seat?

A. All lower bowl sections now offer handrails to help patrons up and down the stairs, except for Sections 6-10 and 20-24 in rows A-J. If you require further assistance, ushers are placed at the top of every section and will be able to further assist you.

Q. I require accessible seating. How do I find accessible seats?

A. In Ticketmaster, once you’ve selected the show date you had in mind, click ‘FILTERS’ on the right-hand side of the screen. At the bottom, you’ll see the option to toggle on ‘Show Accessible Seats.’ It will ask you to confirm that you mean wheelchair seating, so click ‘Apply Filters.’ The screen will update to show you where the accessible seating is and the prices will be reflected on the right-hand side of the page.

Q. The Tattoo sounds like fun! Where do I buy my tickets?

A. You can buy your Tattoo tickets online through Ticketmaster. Click here to go to our 2024 Tattoo Tickets page.

Q. Ticketmaster is so confusing, can you help me buy tickets?

A. Absolutely! We’ve built a web page that will guide you through purchasing tickets, which you can find here. If you still need help, we’re here to make your Tattoo experience a smooth one, so give us a call at 1-902-420-1114.

Q. Do you offer any discounts?

A. We do! There are discounts for families (kids 18 and under get in free with the purchase of a matching adult/senior ticket), groups, veterans and active military, first responders, CAA customers and more! Find the full list of discounts here.

Q. What’s the Pipers Experience Package?

A. We’re glad you asked! The Pipers Experience Package is the ultimate VIP experience at the Tattoo. For $170, you get perks like a backstage tour, access to the Tattoo VIP Lounge pre- and post-show, a complimentary drink ticket, the chance to meet cast in the Tattoo VIP Lounge after the show, and, the best part, you’ll be piped to your seats in Section 15 by a member of the Tattoo Massed Pipes & Drums!

Q. I’d really like to buy tickets for a friend but I don’t know which day they can attend, can you help?

A. You’re in luck because we offer gift certificates! If you want to buy tickets for someone, you can choose the show date, the seating level and how many tickets you need—or you can let your giftee choose which date to attend—and we’ll make sure they get their gift certificate.

From there, they’ll need to contact us to actually book their seats, but it’s that easy! Click here to buy a Tattoo Gift Certificate.

Q. I bought tickets but I can’t attend anymore. Can I get a refund?

A. All ticket purchases are final.

Q. Can I buy tickets in person at the box office?

A. The box office is open on the Tattoo days this year (June 27-July 1) during show times and 90 minutes before the show starts, so if you need to purchase in person, you can do so then. All tickets will be provided in a digital format. We will provide an update if this changes.

Q. Will I get a refund if the show is cancelled?

A. The show must go on, so unless public health requires that the Tattoo is cancelled, we will be live in the Scotiabank Centre. If the show is cancelled because of this, you will receive a full refund.

Q. I saw Tattoo tickets on another event website. Are they valid?

A. Ticketmaster is the only authorized ticket agent of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, so please ensure that you purchase your tickets through them.

Q. What seating would you recommend for Tattoo tickets?

A. The nature of the Tattoo is that it’s always moving around the floor, so every seat is a good seat!

Q. I want to be in the show! How can I make this happen?

A. Awesome! Please send links to your official website, any performance videos, and other relevant information to [email protected]. We’re always scouting for new acts and will ensure that your information is passed along to the production team!

Q. I know a group you should get for a future Tattoo! How can I make this happen?

A. We’re always scouting for new acts, so if you have suggestions please send us their information, same as above, and we’ll ensure that it’s passed along to the production team!

Q. How is the Canadian Armed Forces involved?

A. The Tattoo is presented by the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society with great input from the Canadian Armed Forces. Simply put, the CAF is our largest supporter. They have been with us every step of the way and provide crucial support to the production both on stage and behind the scenes.

Q. I’m interested in a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Can you point me in the right direction?

A. You can find more information about a military career by visiting their official website.

Q. I need to find a hotel… should I start looking now?

A. We’ve got a handy resource for you to find hotels in the downtown core and within the wider Halifax Regional Municipality. We’ve even listed how far away each hotel is from the Scotiabank Centre, to help with your planning.

Click here to see Halifax Hotels and to find a great discount from The Hollis Halifax!

Q. What else can I do in while I’m in Halifax?

A. There is so much to do and see in Halifax – and in Nova Scotia! We recommend checking out the following links:

• Discover Halifax for all things local
• Tourism Nova Scotia for all things provincial, and
• Downtown Halifax Business Commission for all things downtown Halifax

Q. I’m a tour operator and I’m interested in learning more about the Tattoo. Do you have group rates?

A. We offer group rates for groups of 10-24 people and groups of 25+. You can learn more about this by visiting our Group Rates page. We’re currently booking group tours for this year and our pre-booking system is open for tours through to 2027!

Q. I’d like to donate to the Tattoo, how can I do that?

A. We’re so thankful for your generosity. You can donate by clicking here.

Q. I’m looking to get a tattoo. Can I schedule an appointment with you?

A. If we had a dollar every time someone called us with this question… Keep searching on Google, you’ll find what you’re looking for!