Wolf Trap: A July Staycation in Your Backyard

Jun 30, 2025

July is fast approaching, and your summer needs a soundtrack! If the beaches are too busy for your taste, or you’re craving an extraordinary way to spend the start of summer, Wolf Trap’s Filene Center has a show for every vacation and celebration this season. Plus, take your pick of delicious dining and Concessions options to pair with each occasion.  

Summer Serenade

Are you looking for an excuse to get fancy, wine and dine, and listen to some fine tunes? Make a reservation at the on-site Ovations Restaurant, stroll over to the venue to swoon to the tunes of James Arthur, The Swell Season, or Diana Krall, and be serenaded by artists best known for their romantic ballads.

James Arthur

Chief among them is James Arthur, who performs at the Filene Center on July 2. His hit “Say You Won’t Let Go,” a soulful and raw acoustic number, is one of the most-streamed singles of all time. Arthur himself sings from a place of emotional vulnerability, inspired by his experiences as a father, a partner, and a friend, with human connection at the core of his heart-wrenching discography. His versatile voice makes tracks ranging from pop and R&B to soul, rock, and even rap devastatingly beautiful.

Check out Arthur’s acoustic performance of fan-favorite “Train Wreck”:

Diana Krall

On July 3, jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall takes the stage. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. Although she often returns to iconic songs written in the first half of the 20^th century, Krall expands the definition of the American Songbook to encompass bossa nova and rock, occasionally exploring forgotten sectors of classic pop and jazz. She is a natural entertainer, and her masterful skills on the keys cannot be overstated.

See her perform a scorching cover of “L-O-V-E”:

The Swell Season

The Swell Season, performing on July 11, is a dreamy songwriting duo with a penchant for vocal harmonies and acoustic-based songcraft who created an amorous legacy after starring in the film Once. The duo received an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the film’s hit single, “Falling Slowly,” and The Swell Season’s popularity rightfully surged as a result. Over the course of the last decade, Once, in all its iterations, has become a modern classic and a cultural touchstone, being referenced in everything from The Simpsons to Ted Lasso, thanks to the harmony and musical chemistry of the pair.

The Swell Season still performs “Falling Slowly” with as much passion as when it was first released:

“Sing to the Sky”

When you’re committed to a high-energy, DIY party with all your loved ones, prepare your picnic and your pipes for a spirited singalong! Savor Rick Springfield’s classic ’80s hits and Straight No Chaser’s a cappella ’90s power ballads on the spacious lawn.     

Rick Springfield

On July 6, enjoy having “An Affair of the Heart” with legend Rick Springfield. A rocker with a flair for a hardened pop hook, Springfield became an overnight sensation with 1981’s “Jessie’s Girl.” Over the past four decades, Springfield has worn many hats as an entertainer and performer and is the creator of some of the finest power-pop of the ’80s, including “Speak to the Sky,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” and “Love Somebody.” He’s also backed by a stellar lineup of other stars: new wave trendsetters Wang Chung, pop/rock powerhouse Paul Young, and celebrated rockstar John Waite.

Watch Springfield’s 40^th anniversary reprise of “Jessie’s Girl”:

Straight No Chaser

You’re guaranteed to know most songs from these performers, and you’re encouraged to sing along! Straight No Chaser will perform the most iconic ’90s tunes in concert on July 9. The all-star a cappella group is neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but they aren’t vaudeville-style kitsch either. They are the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense…and with a sense of humor.

Here’s a sneak peek of their ’90s repertoire in medley form: 

Jamband Jubilee

If you’re craving to sit back, relax, and enjoy a show, grab a canned or craft cocktail from Plaza Concessions or Meadow Commons and jam along to masterful Americana mainstays. Get loose to groovy DISPATCH or experience The Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon’s stimulating music with the freedom to grab a snack without missing the set.

DISPATCH

DISPATCH has forged their own path outside the mainstream music industry as one of the most successful artists in the roots rock scene. With a slew of acclaimed studio and live albums and countless tours and festivals, the band has become one of the biggest success stories in independent music history. On July 5, their folk rock and reggae/funk-inflected grooves will be on display, joined by a curated group of talented friends and collaborators: John Butler, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Donavon Frankenreiter.

Give their live performance of “Flying Horses” a twirl:

The Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon

The Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon are co-headlining one incredible night on July 10.

Known for their energetic live shows, virtuosic musicianship, and improvisational prowess, The Infamous Stringdusters continue to push the boundaries of bluegrass while honoring their roots, captivating audiences across the country and around the world with their twangy, boot-stomping beats and instrumental aptitudes.

See them perform “Down the Road,” an homage to early bluegrass legends:

Leftover Salmon has never stood still for 30 years; they are constantly changing, evolving, and inspiring. The group’s string-led mix of bluegrass, rock, Cajun, and other American roots traditions—the foundations of what has become known as Jamgrass— has helped to create a landscape where bands schooled in the traditional rules of bluegrass can break free of those bonds through nontraditional instrumentation.

Hear their song “Gulf of Mexico”:

You don’t have to travel far to make the most of your summer, so skip the road trip and visit Wolf Trap for a special staycation filled with song. Check out the rest of the season’s amazing acts and secure your tickets at wolftrap.org/calendar!