From relocating animals to helping children earn their Junior Ranger badges, no day is ever the same for Will Rifenbark, park ranger at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts For the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods crowd, Park Ranger Will Rifenbark is a familiar face–even if you don’t know his name. He’s the bearded guy in a hat whom you see driving patrons to the theater...
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Our partners at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts have been busy planning, coordinating, and investing in deferred maintenance projects to improve the Park experience. Some of these changes are less visible to visitors than others, but all are important to keeping the treasured Park operating safely. Among the major projects underway are the installation of new electrical infrastructure and new stage rigging...
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Before Wolf Trap was the only National Park for the Performing Arts, before legendary artists took the stage at the Filene Center, before The Barns opened its doors, the land we enjoy today was once a farm of over 150 acres owned by Catherine Filene Shouse. “Kay,” as she was known to family and friends, hosted decades of lively gatherings at her country home. With...
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In times like these, getting outdoors can help you to feel inspired, to find solace, and to connect with the world around you. Outdoor spaces at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts including the Wolf Trap Trail and the Meadow remain accessible to the public. However, it remains important for all visitors to adhere to CDC and local public health guidelines regarding social...
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Established by an act of Congress, Wolf Trap is the only National Park dedicated to presenting the performing arts in the U.S. The Filene Center contains one of the largest stages in the country. The first performance at the Filene Center was on July 1, 1971, which featured Julius Rudel conducting the National Symphony Orchestra with pianist Van Cliburn and New York City Opera star...
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Goodbye, 2018. Hello, 2019! Now that it’s 2019, it’s time to kick start your New Year’s Resolutions! Here are some tips to help you stick to your goals: Get healthy Be more active. Lose a few pounds. Get more fresh air. There are tons of reasons why these are regular New Year’s resolutions —but we know, the struggle is real. For a jolt of...
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There are more memories and good feelings to experience beyond the music.
Part of the Wolf Trap experience comes from memorable moments and good feelings before, during, and after a performance—but did you know it also goes beyond the stage?
A benefit of being America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts are the 117 acres of pristine parkland that is included, having the National Park Service as a partner.
Winding through the woods and over Wolf Trap Run, the trails are a great way to explore the outdoors. Here are a few tips for getting off on the right foot and your next adventure....
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Need a break between holiday cooking and shopping? Whether you’d prefer to cozy up inside or to get outside for fresh air and scenery , treat yourself to some of these end-of-year activities at Wolf Trap. Oh, and feel free to bring your friends and family along!...
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Next time you drive down Trap Road, take a look around, and you might notice something a little different near the Filene Center’s West Parking Lot. On October 18, Wolf Trap founder Catherine Filene Shouse’s legacy and generosity were honored with the unveiling of a brand new Virginia Historical Highway Marker. To celebrate, local community leaders, friends of Wolf Trap, staff, and members of the...
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Happy 100th birthday, National Park Service! On this day in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created the agency that would be responsible for preserving our nation’s inheritance. Today, it cares for the over 400 unique natural, cultural, and historical national park units across the country. As the only National Park for the performing arts, Wolf Trap is honored to celebrate #NPS100!
