I enjoyed the concert I saw at Wolf Trap and the venue is certainly unique, but they have got to do something about the organization of the parking lots. It took us 50 minutes just to get out of the parking lot! That's ridiculous!!! I've parked at arens and stadiums where there are 60,00+ people in attendance and it didn't take that long to get on the road. Their biggest problem is the way they've decided to allow certain lots to feed into others. This creates MAJOR backups and there are NO parking attendants on hand to help with the confusion or to direct traffic. There were three police officers standing on the street at the main exits directing traffic, but that clearly was not enough. The parking situation definitely put a damper on the night and I will not go back very frequently because of the headache you endure trying to leave. Disappointing.
Review Source:I'm a big nerd.
I've been to Wolf Trap many times throughout my life but as of the last few years I've been going much more often. Â The last show I saw was this past weekend for Video Games Live! with the NSO playing. Â I've also seen the 25th Anniversary show of The Legend of Zelda and the Final Fantasy tour as well (both shows performed by the NSO.) Â Each show has been amazing! Â The acoustics, even sitting on the lawn, is amazing. Â For these big shows, they have a few projector screens to go along with the music. Â You can also bring your own food and alcohol if you have lawn seats! Â For certain shows I'd sit in the amphitheater but for the most part, the lawn is the most enjoyable. Â As for the summer heat and humidity, you can't escape it. Â Just dress comfortably and make sure to bring enough water and alcohol if necessary! Â And make sure you buy your tickets early as for some shows such as VGO Live sell out fast.
sure, the concerts aren't as "modern" as many of us might like them to be, but we just saw camera obscura and she & him, so even if we only get one show like that per year, we'll be happy. aside from whichever band may be on the docket, the venue is worth a visit alone. be sure to get there a little early so you can tour the grounds (it's a national park, after all).
we sat in the box seats, and for those curious about mosquitos/bugs, we didn't really notice any to speak of. we were deet-ed up, of course, and we'd recommend doing the same to be on the safe side, but we were pleasantly surprised to see so few buggies.
one note: box seating is fairly close-quarters, so taller folks might want to consider other options.
While I am very familiar with Wolf Trap but have not been in years. Went to see the Doobie Brothers, OK so I am abit old now, lol. Â But it was fantastic, most of the people there were my age, plus a mixture of ages young and old, good to see people bringing their kids. Â I enjoyed the Doobies very much, even though I know their songs by heart, they got kinda down right funky at times. Things I learned, bring a backpack cooler instead of the cooler, cant pull that thing up the hill anymore. Â Too old, didnt even eat the food we brought. Â Good to see the relaxed atmosphere of the 60's and early 70's still got a significant following. Â Never felt any hostility and lets hear it for the Wolf Trap Staff, really, really kool people, security also excellent. Â Plus I got the tickets on the cheep so I had enough for Wendys afterwards, lol. Considering we were five people, this was a good thing!
Review Source:When it's a clear summer night with a slight breeze this is a magical place to see a concert. It's very similar to other venues of its type (Ravinia in Chicago comes to mind) with covered seating for one price and a spot in the grass under the stars for a lower price. It can get really hot and humid in the summer so a little mini portable fan comes in handy here (wish there were fans in the ceiling) and the seats are this super hard plastic that can get uncomfortable for long concerts (I bring a seat cushion). Food and drinks allowed on the lawn but not in the seats. Unlike Jiffy Lube Live, the seats on the edge do not get rained on, but you might feel a light mist. Easy and free parking. Great place to see a show!
Review Source:I really love shows at Wolftrap but the two reasons that I don't come more often is (1) the humid summer DC weather (2) the horrible parking situation.  We ventured out this early summer because my father-in-law loves the ladies!  That's the "Celtic Woman" ladies.....  We had been to one of their shows last year and this was our second time seeing them but first time at an outdoor venue.  We splurged on box seats this time.  Since the guest of honor had broken his foot, he was relegated to a wheelchair.  I was nervous we could not get him to those seats.  I did the dutiful thing and phoned ahead to check on the seating situation, and actually got a live person on the phone.  They were very helpful and told us he would only have to walk down a few steps and everything else would be ok in a wheelchair.  Parking was also a breeze because they have special handicap parking right near the entrance, another plus for the night.  Many people were in line prior to opening at 6:30pm( show started at 8:00pm).   There was a lot of open space on the back grass area, so we got to enjoy al fresco dining with the  sandwiches that we brought.   The acoustics are great and the weather was perfect on that Friday night.   It was a night visit!
Review Source:I adore Wolf Trap. It's a tradition for my friends and I to pick out a couple summer shows and pack a pic-a-nik basket while the weather is nice. It's such a beautiful and clean venue that's easy to get to and has great parking that I get a little anxiety when I go because it makes me wonder if its too good to be true for much longer. What if they start charging exorbitant prices for parking or stop letting you BYOB???
Thankfully so far, we seem in the clear. See you in August at the Kesha show! I got the glitter.
If i could give them ZERO stars I would!
Do not purchase gift certificates for a friend or loved one! We received a gift certificate/ went on line to redeem it only to find out you MUST fill out a form from website THEN mail in the form with the certs OR drive out to the box office & redeem in person. In the mean time all the primo seats are gone! What a royal pain in the rear! This is customer service?
I will NEVER purchase a gift cert from wolf trap it's just too much hassle. Or as the person who answered the phone at the box office said: " it's not good but its our policy.......sorry
I just purchased tickets online, and although I have loved going to Wolftrap for years, I have to say I am disappointed and livid over their rule to now charge $5 to print your tickets from your home computer or $3 to pick them up at Will Call. Â Really??!! Â What additional charges are they incurring if I print my tickets at home or pick them up at Will Call? Â When I spoke to a supervisor, her only explanation was that when you pick them up, someone has to print them and handle them. Â My response was that that has to happen anyway, whether I pick them up at Will Call or drive to the box office and buy them.
I see this solely as a way to sqeexe more money out of their patrons and I think it's appalling. Â I had intended to purchase tickets for five other concerts this season, but this is the last event I will attend at Wolftrap. Â Besides the inconvenience of having to get there from the city, it's just not worth the extra bother.
Too many extra fees.
Wolf Trap, you should be better than this. Don't be one of those yucky commercial places that charges me more in fees than in my advertized ticket price (seriously happened). And really, there's no free ticket delivery? You are going to charge me $5 / ticket to print at home??? Not cool man.
I'm torn, because while Wolf Trap is an absolutely gorgeous venue (especially in the spring and summer), they only contract a certain kind of performer. The acts they sign on to host are of the older, non chart-topping (at least currently), more sophisticated variety. Now there's nothing wrong with that intrinsically, it's just that the venue could support so much more: bigger acts, and of a broader range.
I wind up going about once a year, and I always enjoy myself there. I only wish that some of my younger, more modern tastes were honored there as much as the other side of the coin. I don't mean to pigeonhole the Wolf Trap audience, but I have to say: Wolf Trap pretty much does that on it's own.
Nevertheless, for what it is, it's great. No matter if you have lawn seats or private box tickets, the experience is wonder
It's almost a case of negligence that I've been to Wolf Trap multiple times for concerts and have even mentioned it in other reviews, but have never actually reviewed the place. Â However, after catching the Gin Blossoms show at the Barns at Wolf Trap, I can finally provide a full review on the Nation's only national park for the performing arts. Â
History aside, Wolf Trap offers two aesthetically impressive venues, the Filene Center and the Barns, that host a wide array of musical and theatrical performances that appeal to most audiences. Â I say most, since while you may be able to hear Gregorian monks doing their thing (if you're into that) you're not at all likely to hear your favorite death metal band playing live. Â
The Filene Center is a medium-sized outdoor amphitheater capable of accommodating around 7000 people, approximately half under a striking all-wood, open-air structure and the other half under the stars on a sloped grass area. Â Many prefer sitting/listening on the grass since patrons are allowed to bring in coolers with food and beverages. Â However, I much prefer sitting in the reserved seating under cover since sightlines to the stage and acoustics are much, much better. Â Plus, I'd rather be nice and dry since rain won't stop the show.
The Barns is a much smaller, indoor venue capable of holding almost 400 people. Â True to its name, the Barns was constructed out of an actual set of barns, which gives it a nice rustic/rural hoedown feel. Â Seating is a little tight, but acoustics in the intimate setting are pretty good without being muddy or too loud. Â
Getting into Wolf Trap for performances at either the Filene Center or the Barns is pretty easy. Â Parking is free and plentiful for both venues. Â Getting out of Wolf Trap after performances at the Filene Center can be a maddening, chaotic affair, so be prepared to wait out the mass automobile exodus out of the parking lots. Â It's not a problem getting out of the lot after a performance at the Barns.
Without a doubt, Wolf Trap has the best and nicest outdoor amphitheater in the Filene Center that I've experienced and I've been to more than a few. Â The Barns is a great small venue although it doesn't tend to attract near as many performers as I'd like to see/hear when compared with the 9:30 Club or the Birchmere. Â In the end, though, Wolf Trap really is a treasure, perhaps not a national treasure, but definitely a local one!
I really liked this venue!
My boyfriend and I recently went to see Lyle Lovett. Â It was an awesome, mid-week date night. Â We sat on the lawn, brought a picnic dinner and wine, and enjoyed a nice evening in (or outside of...) a beautiful venue.
If you see an upcoming act you're into, I'd definitely recommend checking it out. Â Happy thoughts :-)
I don't want Wolf Trap to get anymore crowded than it already is. But if you're going to go, you might as well have a heads up on how to do it right.
- Pack your picnic dinner. McDonalds/Taco Bell or hummus/edamame/paninis - whatever suits you
- Pack your drinks on ice. Grey Goose, lime, mixers, wine, plastic solo cups or real glasses - even beer if you want it. They also have a bar if you didn't bring enough.
- Bring your blanket or low chairs - you can also rent padded comfy chairs there
- Get there early and get a good spot on the grass - or if you paid for a reserved seat then you can tail gate it in the parking lot and show up whenever you damn well please. But you can only take water to those seats. No drinky drinks or food :-(
I love this place because unlike other outdoor venues ( I will never go back to Ntelos Wireless in Norfolk) the crowd is more mature, no one can smoke (thank gawd) and they not only allow outside food and beverages but also glass containers. It's like a social event. It's a gorgeous National Park. I wish the stage were more open and didn't feel like they were performing in a cave so far away but everyone hangs out and has a great time underneath the open sky.
Traffic to leave can be hellacious if you came almost early so you parked on the grass close to the venue but not early enough to park in the lot closest to the exit. Be ready to chill out.
I have loved Wolf Trap for many years. From outdoor concerts at the Filene Center to more intimate shows in the Barns to the world renowned Wolf Trap Opera Company--it's a national treasure. I live in Arlington and it takes me just 20 minutes to get to the venue and once you're there all the stresses of life melt away into the bucolic atmosphere. I love the experience so much--full disclosure-- I started working there a month ago!!
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This place is amazing and such a great venue for any performance!!!
I recently saw the 25th Anniversary of Zelda Symphony (yup I'm nerdy) and it was definitely one of the highlights of my summer. Â For certain shows and depending on who is performing then I would purchase a ticket to be inside the amphitheater. Â Otherwise I say just purchase a lawn ticket and fully enjoy the experience! Â You can bring food, beverages, alcoholic drinks (just don't be that drunk person and ruin it for people), a blanket, just lay out on the grass, and enjoy the performance. Â They usually have a projector screen outside in front of the lawn to catch the performance if you aren't able to see the performer from a distance in the amphitheater. Â I have heard a few people complain about the weather in the summer during shows, but thats Northern Virginia for you in the summer time. Â You can't escape the humidity and heat if you're outdoors no matter what. Â Just make the best of it and have a cold drink while enjoying the show. Â Many great performances yet to come and I would recommend you purchase a ticket online beforehand. Â Tickets usually sell out quick depending on the show and you can never count on them having an extra ticket at the booth.
Venue: Great sound / Spacious
Crowd: Relaxed / Varies on the type of show
Staff: Friendly
I love coming here for concerts, the sound is amazing, the venue is beautiful, there's plenty of space, lots of bathrooms. I've never had to wait in lines here except when I waited to meet the band! Â Don't buy your tickets from scalpers, buy directly from wolf trap and you get a great deal, I definitely recommend sitting in the venue than on the lawn... much better view. :)
The Summerland Tour 2012 here was GREAT!
When it comes to parking... park across the street and definitely leave about 30 minutes before the show is over... you miss the end but don't reget missing the traffic and headaches. Take 267 when you leave... that .75 cents is worth the time you save.
I recently came to Wolf Trap to see Norah Jones perform. Â Unfortunately I was too late to get seating under the pavilion, so opted to buy lawn seats. Â We've visited this venue several times over the past few years, and even volunteered there for a couple of summers. Â Volunteering is definitely fun and gets you a free performance every week. Â The only bad thing about it is that you must wear a certain outfit while on duty, and summers in Virginia can be extremely hot and humid. Â It's not always comfortable standing outside for hours on end in the humidity, wearing black pants and closed-in shoes. Â Nevertheless, free performances every week are a nice trade-off. Â
Getting back to our Norah Jones show, we knew from past experience that chairs are only allowed at the top of the hill to allow others below you to view the show. Â If you are past the point of chair eligibility, you can always rent cushions for sitting at $6 a pop. Â Beats sitting on the hard ground for a few hours. Â Even better, remember to bring your own.
The house was packed, so of course it was difficult to park. Â We ended up in a grassy lot about half-mile away and the walk was uphill, with two lawn chairs and a cooler full of food/drink in tow - ugh. Â Once inside, we managed to set up our chairs on the blacktop just at the edge of the lawn, about as far away as possible. Â So much for seeing the show. Â In order to get a decent viewing location, show up about two hours in advance...honestly. Â They open the gates 90 minutes before show time, and there is always a huge crowd milling around. Â Once those gates open, people literally RUN for a good spot. Â Â
The bonus of lawn seating is being able to bring food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, and have a picnic. Â Thank goodness you can bring your own, because prices at the food stands are ridiculously high. Â (Note that If you are in the pavilion, only bottled water can be consumed at your seat.) Â When the lawn is as crowded as it was during Norah Jones, however, your picnic will be squeezed in by the hoards of folks all around you. There's not much "stretching out" you can do when it's packed to the limits. Â Not exactly a romantic evening.
In the future, I'm pretty sure I will only attend if I can get seats. Â I didn't like fighting to get a view of the stage. Â The sound wasn't great from that distance, either. Â I took a walk down by the pavilion during the opening act and was amazed at how much louder and clearer it was from that vantage point. Â On the plus side, the concert was great and we had wonderful weather that night. Â I was there about a month ago and had seats. Â That night, there were torrential downpours and I felt very sorry for the lawn seat folks! Â A risk you take with lawn seats, and another reason I think I'll stick with the pavilion.
The sound of the Filene Center is truly amazing and it's a great venue to watch a concert. Â Several hints:
1. Parking - park across the street from the venue. Â Go on back roads to the left in order to get back to the interstate.
2. Chair rentals for the grass - $6. They take your ID or keys as a deposit. Â If you want to leave quickly, turn the chairs in around 20 minutes before the show ends.
3. Grass seating - Get there early and run for a spot. Â Seriously. Â People take this stuff seriously.
4. Don't bring an umbrella for the grass.
5. Get ready to get cozy with other people sitting on the grass. Â It can get very crowded, almost annoyingly so.
Wolf trap is a beautiful space with amazing sound, but it is still just a mediocre place to see a concert.
why?
1) Curfew - There is nothing more annoying then seeing your headliner yanked off stage early because of the 11:00 pm curfew.
2) Short sets - This is a biproduct of both the curfew and the type of acts that they book, but the shows are always short. You just don't get a lot of time play when you have openers in between with the change between sets, the openers, the time off stage for encores, etc...
3) Getting there - It is not metro accessible. There is a bus from the metro, and that might be the best way to get here, but there is no getting around that the whole experience is a pain. If you are driving traffic can also be hideous.
4) Parking - if you don't navigate the parking correctly it can be a nightmare getting out. I once sat in traffic getting out of the parking lot for an aretha concert for 30 minutes longer than she was on stage.
5) Atmosphere - There are a ton of people that have subscriptions to wolftrap and so there can be a lot of empty seats down low for acts that they are not into. This can create a dead atmosphere.
I would only go to Wolftrap if I had pavilion tickets. Otherwise you might as well stand around the front and picnic on the law outside the place because you aren't going to see anything either way. I think it is a beautiful space with great sound, but I would always prefer bands that I like play somewhere else.
The Barns? Â The Barns at Wolf Trap? Â I've been living in the Metro DC Area for 11 years now and NOBODY I know EVER refers to this place as THE BARNS at Wolf Trap or even the Filene Center!!! Â This place is referred to as WOLF TRAP so for them to go after a small community cultural center is ree-dick-you-less. Â Ugh. Â I get wanting to protect the name, but seriously - a federal lawsuit and suing for TRIPLE damages? Â
Hence my three stars. Â Based on my experience at WOLF TRAP, I was prepared to give them four stars. Â I've attended two concerts for Hawaiian artists at the Filene Center and absolutely loved both the concert & the venue - although the parking situation can sometimes be annoying.
I've also been lucky enough to perform at the Barns at Wolf Trap with Hawaiian music artists that asked members of our hula halau to dance hula for them. Â It was a fun experience.
Please bring more Hawaiian groups & artists!
Adios Wolfy. Â You know, I've pretty much grown up my entire life here. Â We never called that place "The Barns". Â I've been to lots of shows there and have enjoyed them all. Â I still remember going there as a kid and sledding down the hills. Â I still can't believe this whole lawsuit happened. Â
I know you all will continue to get donations from all over, that is fine. Â I just hope you learn from this. Â Next time something happens, you might not get off that easy. Â Word of mouth and public reaction can be huge.
Saw HMS Pinafore here this summer. Â It's a great space for young and old. The lawn is great if you come with friends who want to picnic (and BYOB) and the seats are good if you want to bring mom and dad.
The acoustics are great and it's a fun little building, but it's really a pain if you don't have a car. Â It might be worth coming from DC or Maryland if you really love a show, but it just takes so long to Metro and wait for the shuttle to and from. Â By all means, come by Metro, but be prepared to for travel time.
My husband, Ryan S., surprised me with tickets to see Prairie Home Companion at Wolf Trap. Â He's no good at keeping secrets because he starts off with, "I got you a little something." Â My reply, "What?" Â Ryan S., "I'm not going to tell you." Â My reply, "Tell me what it is." Â Ryan S., "No, I'm not going to tell you. Â (A minute passes.) Â Ok, do you really want to know what it is?" Â
He would never be good in an interrogation room. Â They'd break him in a minute.
It was such a nice gift thought, no occasion, a just because gift.
This place is beautiful. Â A few miles from where we live, you enter into another world of tall lush trees and green hills.
We had lawn seats which are perfectly fine because you can bring your own picnic, booze included, however, check the weather before going. Â It was a lesson for us West Coasters that when there is a warning issued for thunderstorms, you best take it seriously and people did because once the thunder started rolling, lightning flashed across the sky, and the rain came pouring down, people pulled out their giant sized umbrellas, tarps, and waterproof jackets or ponchos. Â We had nada. Â
The rain came in spurts and finally relented after maybe 45 min. into the show.
The show itself was stellar. Â We had a good time despite the rain snafu and our unpreparedness. Â
Now we know....now we know....
A friend who just moved here asked me to write a top-ten list of must-dos in the DC area before I leave. Ten is a tall order; there's a lot of stuff everyone SHOULD do, but I wanted my list to be unique.
I'd put Wolf Trap at #3, just behind Butts Tubes and Skyline Drive. The venue is small enough that you feel like the band is playing for you and not thousands of strangers. It's surrounded by trees and grass. You're allowed to bring food and any kind of drink, so lawn seats pretty much beg for a picnic with friends. On nice nights when there's a cool breeze and the stars are out, you'll fall in love with the place.
Aside from a stellar atmosphere, Wolf Trap tickets tend to be affordable, and the artists who play there range from jazz, pop, reggae, international ensembles and opera. They also offer musicals, plays and ballets when the weather cools down -- I would suggest getting assigned seats for those, because squinting at the stage throughout Les Miserables is not so much fun.
9:30 Club will always be #1 to me in terms of seeing my favorite artists, but Wolf Trap is something special.
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Don't even bother buying seats here. Get some cheap lawn tickets and bring some friends and a cooler full of food and drink. Awesome times ahead!
Come early to get a parking spot near the exit. The after-concert traffic is pure chaos. Bring a crappy car that says "I'm not afraid of collisions."
I absolutely love Wolf Trap. Â It's such a wonderful place to soak up some culture. Â You can see everything from Riverdance to the Four Tops to the Sound of Music to the Gypsy Kings. Â The variety of offerings is insane -- there is literally something for everyone from any walk of life you could imagine.
You can catch a show at the Barns, a smaller more "upscale" venue, or you can watch performance at the Filene Center, the open-air auditorium with lawn seating behind. Â I prefer the Filene Center and, frankly, sitting on the lawn. Â The ticket prices for the lawn are an absolute steal -- you can see headlining musicians or popular musicals for a song. Â You almost feel guilty...almost. Â The best part about sitting on the lawn is spreading out your blankets, unpacking your picnic (don't forget the alcohol, Wolf Trap allows it!), and kicking back on a summer evening to enjoy good company and great performances. Â The lawn almost becomes a community at Wolf Trap performances, with strangers chatting, sharing food, and coming together over a mutual love of whichever performance they're attending.
We've attended 3-4 performances a season for the past ten years or so, and we have rarely encountered a "miss" here (yeah, I'm lookin' at you, "Camelot"). Â Loved the NSO performing Gershwin, as well as their celebration of John Williams music. Â Have enjoyed a wonderful production of "Chicago," a performance by the Irish Tenors, the ever-amazing Willie Nelson, an enchanting evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter, and a mesmerizing presentation by Pilobolus among countless other gems. Â Everything's better outdoors, under the stars!
I love supporting this fabulous local institution. Â It's always a great time at Wolf Trap.
I appear to be on a roll with music venues this week....and since I went to Wolf Trap recently I thought I'd add my 2 cents about this facility....
Perfectly manicured, clean restrooms, lots of staff to keep you in your "assigned" seats or help you find them....and a decent sound system whether you are under the roof or stretching out on the lawn. Â I went with friends and neighbors to an 80's revival which was a hoot, but unfortunately for WT, not very well attended. Â
What's great about this outdoor music/theatre spot is the fact that you CAN bring in a cooler, chairs and not get sucked into the costly beverages and mass produced snacks that most others force their patrons to consume.  Its very community oriented, meaning whether you know the folks seated next to you on the lawn you can become fast friends and increase your dining options along the way  :)
It certainly is one of my favorites - I remember seeing OAR for the first time there and how I wish they would bring acts like that back again!! Â There is a curfew of sorts since the facility is tucked inside a neighborhood in Vienna, VA. Â Regardless....its a high quality locale and I will be back next month for Carbon Leaf and Great Big Sea - see you there!!
BYOB = automatic bonus star. BYOB at a music venue is always a-ok by me! Wolftrap is my favorite outdoor venues in DMV, particularly on a beautiful summer evening. If there's a show that catches your eye, don't pass up the chance to see it at Wolftrap.
Lawn seats are the way to go--especially if you plan on packing a cooler of drinks or a picnic. The atmosphere is mellow and family-friendly which is a blast. I've seen both Les Miserable and Credence Clearwater Revisited in the lawn. On both occasions, acoustics have been awesome and there's not really a bad seat in the house.
I also caught The Temptations and the Four Tops from box seats. (No food/drinks in the boxes.) This was naturally an awesome view but I almost prefer the lawn. That's where the party is.
I'll most definitely return to Wolftrap! Getting out there, parking, and leaving isn't that much of a hassle as anticipated. The crowd is usually a lot of fun, and the shows have yet to disappoint!
I figured it would be fitting to do review both venues at Wolf Trap at the same time. Â I've been to the Barns for a few concerts over the years, and it is always a fantastic experience.
I called the Filene Center and intimate experience, so I am going to have to do one better for the Barns. Â This place is like lying in bed with the performer. Â With only about 350 seats in a small barn that dates back to the 1700's (1730 to be exact -- no I didn't know that, i looked it up), you really feel like your are in an old place that was built to provide perfect acoustics. Â Obviously it wasn't, but the place is really a fantastic place for a concert. Â
There is a nice reception area which is actually another barn, smaller in nature, that gives you a chance to have a small bite to eat and a drink before the show. Â
I highly recommend checking out a show here, its really a fun time.
The International Children's Festival at Wolf Trap Farm Park is an annual two-day event in September featuring live children performers from around the world. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Fairfax County and in conjunction with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the National Park Service, the festival's proceeds help support the Arts Council's educational programs and services.
My friend and I were walking around the park and he remarked how large it was. My first visit to Wolf Trap Farm Park was for the International Children's Festival so my adult impression is influenced by my childhood experience and everything's bigger when you're smaller. As a child, it seemed to have no boundaries. Arrive early at 10am to try and beat the other families.
The day kicked off with a parade including a Chinese lion or dragon, Finnish singers, martial artists, and clowns. Outside the ticket gates, we watched a boy scared by a clown try to hide behind his mother, and accidentally bump into an ashtray stand. The clown advised the frightened child to apologize to the ashtray stand which only worsened the situation...we weren't looking after the unfortunate child so we enjoyed the clown's antics.
This year's groups came from China, Finland, Ghana, and Jordan. In addition, there were other festival performers keeping Wolf Trap's four stages busy. Children and their families could participate in arts and craft activities at the China, Finland, Ghana, and Jordan Activity Tents. There was also a musical petting zoo where children could try out different musical instruments. The Arts and Technology Pavilion behind the Filene Center, also staffed by volunteers, let festival participants try out claymation and green screen technology. There's so much to choose from and as my friend noted, it's a big place so you might want to prioritize which stops to hit or find yourself stranded far away from bathrooms or refreshments.
The clouds diarrheaed on us.
I don't see how this place is any different from Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia. The lawn is smaller, the tickets are more expensive, though the parking situation is better than the best Merriweather can offer.
I guess it's pretty awesome that you can bring your own food and alcohol to Wolf Trap, which sorta makes up for the price difference. But still, I dunno. I'm not all too impressed.
Saw Les Mis here tonight and the cast and production weren't too impressive. Mics were out for half of Gavroche's intro, though they did as much with the set as they could, I think.
This rating has nothing to do with the fact that cloud excrement is all over my clothes and hair and car.
The first thing I think of when I come to Wolf Trap is, "Man! If we Asians could have our way, we'd do Wolf Trap right!" I've been to Wolf Trap twice and each time, the lawn has been packed with people sitting on blankets, chowing on some crackers and cheese, and sipping wine. Come on now. If we could have our way, you'd better believe we would find the lone outlet and hook up a 100' extension cord and do a hot pot on the lawn. You best recognize that we'd bring out our little butane burners and grill some meats, and cook up some ramen and drop some eggs in there. But alas, this is America, so picnic baskets will have to do.
I've been to Wolf Trap twice, once on the lawn and once inside, and they are completely different experiences.
LAWN (The Corrs):
Call ahead to find out what time they open the gate and get there early. We got there an hour before showtime and the lawn was packed! I guess a lot of ppl in the DMV enjoy the Irish family (Go on, go on...leave me breathless. Did I get it stuck in your head?). As such, our seats were craptacular and I may as well have been listening to them on a CD, but enjoying snacks and sipping cool beverages with the one you love and friends in a remarkable venue was a fantastic way to spend a summer night. If you have lawn seats, don't even try to move inside. Actually, you can't even approach the sidewalk to get a better view. Trust me. Some of the ushers/staff may look old and feeble but they'll send you walking back w/ your tail between your legs.
If you can get there early enough, you can score some awesome seats for $8 for some shows. The lawn is also kid-friendly, as we saw many families there. And there were some teens unabashedly making out, which was unsavory, but I guess w/ the Corrs ballads, you gotta expect it.
INSIDE (Noche Flamenca)
We had seats in Section F, row U and had a great view of the stage and it was a completely different experience from the lawn. If you want to enjoy the show sans binoculars, I'd recommend getting seats inside. The cost is more than double what you would pay for on the lawn and you can't bring in food (but you can bring in water bottles). If you are coming from MD, you'll likely get stuck in traffic so making it early to get a good seat on the lawn is challenging, and if you're a chronic "I'm 5 minutes away!" type of person, I recommend getting seats inside so that you'll be assured a decent view.
So what holds the two vastly different experiences together? DC humidity. No matter where you sit, DC humidity will get ya. I love being outdoors as much as the next guy but I felt lethargic and tired after sitting in humid weather for 2+ hours. As a guy who sweats profusely and enjoys climate controlled venues, I'll give this place 4 enthusiastic stars.
Some helpful tips:
1) Bring water - we forgot ours last night and were parched!
2) No photography allowed during the show
3) Bring something w/ back support if you're going to sit on the lawn - you can rent seats
4) a note on the parking:
When you cross over the Dulles Toll Rd while traveling on Trap Rd, stay in the left lane and turn into the first parking lot on your left. There is limited and reserved parking closer to the Filene Center, but I find this parking lot the easiest as there's almost no line to get in. There's also a tunnel you can take that goes under Trap Rd:
                                        Tunnel  |    ^   |
                                                |    |   |
Exit     __________________________________ |    |   |
                                    _____________|     x
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
|           Parking Lot                |          |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â / Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
|                               You   |          |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â / Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
|_______________________________________|
x: shuttle via carts for elderly and those w/ disabilities
When exiting the lot, stay in the right lane for the Toll Rd and stay on the left to head to 495.
And as if that picture wasn't enough, I've uploaded a few that will give you a better idea of the various views through the Center. Enjoy the show!
The Barns at Wolf Trap is the indoor performing arts/music venue at Wolf Trap - and as such sees most of it's use in the cool and cold weather months. The season kicks off in the Fall.
The interior of the place is extremely cool. It IS a large Barn. and the interior architectural elements are stunning. The way they have managed to use large timbers for the ceiling structure is interesting to look at - and the place retains a somewhat natural and country feel to it.
The acoustics are also excellent. From a sound standpoint, there really aren't any bad seats - both floor and balcony seating is available.
The last performance I attended there was the Celtic Rock band - The Young Dubliners. I can't wait to go back for another concert! I'm waiting for Wolf Trap to start selling tickets for the 2008-2009 Barns at Wolf Trap season - I'm going to score some tix to see Battlefield Band perform at The Barns - a  very groovy and eclectic group from Scotland - they perform at the Barns this coming November!
As I mentioned in my review for the Filene Center - there are several distinct and separate addresses for Wolf Trap - the Barns, Filene Center, and the Center for Education - all have different street addresses - which apparently has caused some confusion for other Yelpers - as reviews for different Wolf Trap venues have been lumped under one address - the addresses are as follows:
Filene Center (1551 Trap Road)
The Barns at Wolf Trap (1635 Trap Road)
Center for Education at Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road)
Heres what i love about wolftrap. Â Â It can be pouring with rain, freezing and you are sitting on the grass.... yet you will still have an amazing time! Â It doesn't matter if you're seeing the amazing Pat McGee or Hootie and The Blowfish or some band that just formed 20 minutes ago... the experience is amazing.
Now one might argue the pros and cons of sitting on the lawn vs in the ampitheater. Â Obviously you can't bring food or drink inside but if you dont sit in the ampitheater.. rain is a distinct possibility. Â But you can always get inside seats and just sit on the lawn :) Its also worth the $5 to rent the little seats... makes your back ache much less the next day
And also wine is like $30 a bottle so make sure you bring extra. Â I reccommend the math equation of 1.5 per each drinker... and then always at least an extra bottle. Â :)
My sister and I went to see Anita Baker in concert (6/13/2008).
This was our first time here and we have both lived in the DC area most  of our lives - I am now on the hunt for a concert to take my hubby to see.
We sat in the pavillion instead of the LAWN - great idea sis. We could see very well from section MM (102 & 103).
Seats arent good for BIG folk - my sister had a huge guy next to her and she was miserable the entire show. I was on the outside row and was not about to switch with her! LOL
We are both TALL and had ample leg room and our booties were comfy too.
We used binoculars but really didnt need to.
Anita was great! The sound was awesome.
We caught the metro, which was my idea (and it was great). They have a shuttle from West Falls Church that will get you there and back for $3 round trip (they give you a transfer to reboard after the show).
Wolf Trap is a wonderful, unique, relatively intimate outdoor venue for the performing arts. Â I've only ever sat in the lawn because the tickets are a great deal usually betweeen $15-20. Â Lawn is first-come, first-serve seating but there are very few obstructed views and you can always find a place to sit. Â You can sprawl out on a blanket with friends, food and alcohol. Â Yes, alcohol. Â That's the best part about Wolf Trap you can enjoy wine and cheese or guzzle beer and eat fried chicken, anything goes. Â That and they get some good performers and shows :)
Parking is free and very organized. Â It can be difficult getting out after a show so be mindful of that. Â The performance schedule can be hit or miss since most of the shows are family-oriented, high brow or for an older demographic but there's always a few bands and musicals that guarantee a good time.
This is one of the best venues in the DC metro area, if not the country. The only national park dedicated to the arts, it allows you to bring in your own food and beverages, including alcohol, offers nice lawn seating, the seating area itself offers great views from any seats, has great acoustics, and has a wide variety of performers each year, ranging from the National Symphony Orchestra to Guster to Elvis Costello to the Wolf Trap Opera Company to Peter Paul and Mary.
I definitely suggest that you check the schedule when it is posted in the Spring and order your seats early. While there are no bad seats, Wolf Trap has many sold out performances, and it is nice being close to the stage if you can swing it.
This is a great venue for shows, concerts, etc. Its pretty easy to get to and parking doesn't seem to be too much of a problem. Â I love that you can bring your own cooler if you sit on the lawn. ---that's not allowed if you purchase a ticket for a seat. Â The area itself is entirely made of wood and appropriately names "the barn"
It really reminds me of a performance stage you'd find at Disney World. Â Love the indoor/outdoor feel of the place, very natural.
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