Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

About

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a one-of-a-kind destination, the only national park in the United States dedicated entirely to the performing arts. Located in Vienna, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., this 117-acre park blends the beauty of a wooded natural setting with a vibrant schedule of concerts, dance, opera, theater, and more.

The centerpiece is the Filene Center, a stunning open-air amphitheater that seats about 7,000 people, with roughly half the audience on covered seats and the rest spread across a sweeping lawn under the stars. From major symphony orchestras and pop acts to ballet and musical theater, the summer performance season draws visitors of all ages and tastes. There's something magical about watching a live show as fireflies blink in the surrounding trees.

Beyond the Filene Center, the park is home to The Barns at Wolf Trap, an intimate indoor venue housed in two 18th-century barns that were relocated and reconstructed on site. The Barns host performances during the fall, winter, and spring, keeping the arts alive year-round. For families, Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods offers engaging performances designed especially for young audiences in a charming outdoor setting.

The park also features woodland trails, meadows, and picnic areas, making it a great spot to arrive early and enjoy the outdoors before a show. The Wolf Trap Trail and TRACK Trail wind through the woods, though they do include steep sections and uneven terrain. The open meadow in front of the Filene Center is a popular gathering spot for pre-show picnics.

Whether you're a lifelong arts lover or just looking for a memorable evening out, Wolf Trap offers something rare: world-class performances in a setting that feels a world away from the city, even though it's right next door.

Accessibility

Wolf Trap provides a range of accessibility accommodations to help all visitors enjoy performances and the park grounds. The Filene Center amphitheater was rebuilt with improved access for people with disabilities, including designated wheelchair-accessible seating areas within the venue.

Accessible parking is available close to the ticket entrance. Visitors should display their accessible parking placard, and parking attendants will direct wheelchair users to the nearest accessible spots at the front of the lot. This makes getting from your vehicle to the venue as smooth as possible.

It's important to note that the park's nature trails, including the Wolf Trap TRACK Trail and the Wolf Trap Trail, are not wheelchair accessible. Both trails have steep inclines and rugged terrain, so they may not be suitable for visitors with mobility limitations. The open meadow area near the Filene Center is on more level ground and may be easier to access.

All attendees, regardless of age, need a ticket for performances at the Filene Center and The Barns at Wolf Trap. Children under 2 are admitted free to Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods but still require a ticket.

For specific questions about assistive listening devices, sign language interpretation, sensory accommodations, or other accessibility needs, contact Wolf Trap directly before your visit. Staff can provide the most current information about available services and help you plan a comfortable experience. You can reach them through the official Wolf Trap website at wolftrap.org.

More accessible places in Virginia

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond)
• Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (Fredericksburg)
• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Appomattox)
• Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (Arlington)
• Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park (Middletown)
• Colonial National Historical Park (Yorktown)

Photo credits

• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts - va-wolf-trap-national-park-for-the-performing-arts-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts - va-wolf-trap-national-park-for-the-performing-arts-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts - va-wolf-trap-national-park-for-the-performing-arts-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)