The Magic of a Wolf Trap Summer

May 29, 2025

There’s a special kind of magic that only happens on a summer night at Wolf Trap. It starts as you walk into the Filene Center—sunlight filters through the trees, the aroma of enticing food wafts on the breeze, and excited fans buzz like bees to find their spots on the lawn. As the crowd settles and the stage lights rise, the atmosphere shifts. Music fills the air, fireflies flicker, and for a few hours, everything else fades away.

Some magical moments unfold before you, like getting full-body chills as Cynthia Erivo soars through “Defying Gravity” or Jacob Collier leads the audience in resonant call and response harmonies. Others linger long after the final bow: a breakout performance launches a Wolf Trap Opera artist’s career, or a child asks to join a dance class after watching their first ballet.

Going to Wolf Trap is more than a night out. For many, it’s a longstanding summer tradition where nature, art, and community come together. Discover all the ways Wolf Trap—and fans like you—create this magic.

Summer Starts Here

For long-time members Mary and Leo Fox, it’s not summer without a visit to Wolf Trap. Their children grew up attending shows at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, and now they reunite for family outings at the Filene Center whenever possible.

“For me and my family, it’s the intersection of two of our favorite things which are national parks and the arts,” says Mary.

The family loves the camaraderie of the lawn and always comes early with their blanket to claim their favorite spot. Some standout moments from past years include passing out multi-colored feather boas to nearby concertgoers at a Diana Ross show and sharing fried chicken and potato salad with folks on the next blanket.

For one particularly memorable show, Mary says, “[My daughters] swore that Willie Nelson sang to me for my birthday!”

Celebrating Collective Joy

Part of the thrill of a live performance is sharing it side-by-side with fellow fans.Each night, spirited patrons filter through the gates. Some sport shirts with the face of their favorite artist, hoping to get noticed from the seats, while others dress up in technicolor outfits ready to boogie on the lawn for shows like A Tribute to ABBA. No matter where you’re sitting, you can feel the excitement in the air as the lights dim and the show begins.

Sharon and Randy Smothers have seen all this from a unique vantage point, having volunteered in the Gift Shop every summer since 1991. They’re known to dance together out on the Plaza if the mood is right and love broadening their musical knowledge by volunteering for a variety of shows. Artists like Buddy Guy, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and movie concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra are a few of their highlights.

Randy describes the volunteer program as “kind of like going to summer camp.” Every year they look forward to the volunteer kick-off event, meeting new “campers,” and reconnecting with returning ones—many of whom have become close friends.

But above all, Randy says the main reason they return every summer is “We just like seeing people having a good time [at Wolf Trap], especially people there for the first time.”

Advice from Wolf Trap member and volunteer Sharon Smothers:

• Visit the Gift Shop for chair rentals to make sitting on the lawn more comfortable—they’re only $12.
• Join as a member and volunteer: “It’s fun and a great way to see a lot of shows!”
  

Choose Your Own Adventure

No two nights at Wolf Trap are the same, and that’s exactly the point. An anniversary celebration, first date, or casual reunion with friends all can be set to a soundtrack under the stars. Arrive early and you might catch a pre-show discussion or meet Wolfie on the Plaza!

What you bring (or don’t bring) to your show is part of the fun. Maybe it’s a lovingly packed picnic with homemade family dishes. Or it’s an al fresco night at Ovations Restaurant with gourmet, farm-to-table fare. Or perhaps you’re keeping it simple with a convenient meal or drink from Meadow Commons or Plaza Concessions like Mediterranean Bowls, Flat Breads, Crab Cake Sandwiches, and refreshing summer cocktails.

Member David Ahart agrees. He’s attended shows at the Filene Center since it first opened in 1971. His advice for concertgoers this summer: “Get there early. Pack light. Don’t worry if you run out of food and drinks, the Concessions are great. Treat yourself to Ovations Restaurant at least once during the season. Relax and enjoy the show!”

Want to discover all the magical dining possibilities? See how you can customize your Filene Center experience!

A Ticket That Means More

Behind every magical night at Wolf Trap is something even more powerful: the knowledge that your ticket purchase contributes to the future of the arts. Each ticket helps support Wolf Trap’s transformative programs that reach far beyond the stage, nurturing talent, inspiring young minds, and expanding access to the performing arts.

When you attend a performance, you help fuel Wolf Trap Opera’s acclaimed training program for early-career opera singers and arts administrators. Alumni like Tamara Wilson and Lawrence Brownlee—and mentorship from icons like Renée Fleming—are a testament to the life-changing impact of this support.

In addition, you help bring the arts to young learners nationwide through Wolf Trap’s Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, which provides classroom residencies, professional development and family workshops, and other support for performing arts educators. Wolf Trap Education has provided more than 150 grants to local performing arts teachers and offers an award-winning internship and apprenticeship program for college students. Plus, Wolf Trap’s Young At Arts initiative makes it possible for children to experience Filene Center performances for free, sparking a lifelong love of the arts.

Did you know? Wolf Trap’s education programs serve more than 100,000 students, teachers, and families every year.

Where Music Meets Memory

That carefree summer feeling doesn’t end with the show. It lingers in the shared energy and chatter of the crowd exiting through the gates, and in the quiet moments after, when the music is still playing in your head.

It’s more than just a performance—it’s a connection to the arts, to the outdoors, and to the joy of the people around you.

That’s the magic of Wolf Trap.