Summer 2017 Kicks Off this Month at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Pack your picnic, grab your friends, and get ready for stunning shows on star-filled summer nights! Summer officially begins in two weeks for Washington-area music lovers, when Wolf Trap opens the Summer 2017 season on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Opening weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 25 with the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" Mary J. Blige, who returns to Wolf Trap for the first time in 17 years, and on Sunday, May 28 the annual free Summer Blast-Off! returns, featuring "The President's Own" United States Marine Corps Band and a fireworks display. The first full month of summer features performances from Wilco (June 9), St. Paul & The BroKen Bones and Shovels & Rope (June 16), Fleetwood Mac bandmates Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie (June 26), and more. Wolf Trap is also taking performances outside the Park with Philip Glass' The Fall of the House of Usher (June 17) in partnership with Halcyon Stage as part of UNTRAPPED, a new initiative that brings the thrill of live vocal music to new places and unexpected spaces.

Talented performers from a variety of genres allow for everyone to come to a show they love and experience the beauty, excitement, and fun of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. The season features several debut acts as well as returning favorites - including Joe Jackson (June 10), Sheryl Crow (June 21), Elvis Costello & The Imposters (June 22), Lionel Richie (June 27), John Mellencamp (July 3), Neil Gaiman (July 9), PJ Harvey (July 21), Regina Spektor and Ben Folds (July 26), Aretha Franklin (July 29), Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly (August 18), Sting (September 5, 6 + 7), Gustavo Dudamel and the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela (September 9), 2Cellos (September 12), The Gipsy Kings (September 16), and more. View the full calendar here.

The National Symphony Orchestra returns for its summer residency, welcoming the NSO's new music director, Gianandrea Noseda, in his first weekend at the helm of the Orchestra with Orff's Carmina Burana (July 28), and programs featuring music from several movies - including two nights of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone- in Concert (July 7 + 8) and Academy Award winner La La Land in Concert (August 4).

There are several new features to enhance the patron experience - including digital signage to provide real-time messaging and assist patrons with wayfinding; mobile ticketing to speed access through the Filene Center gates; and reusable Wolf Trap Pavilion Cups that allow patrons to bring beer, wine, mixed and soft drinks to in-house seats. Also new this summer, Wolf Trap is partnering with local vendors to offer new, sustainable concessions menu items, including expanded gluten free and vegan options.

In addition to the Filene Center season, Wolf Trap hosts performances at The Barns at Wolf Trap by Wolf Trap Opera, one of the most highly acclaimed artist training programs in the nation. Wolf Trap Opera's schedule features five fully staged productions, including two operas by composer Philip Glass in celebration of his 80th birthday year. Wolf Trap also presents performances for children and families at Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods. The seven week season, June 20 through August 5, showcases the best of children's music, dance, theater and more.

The Summer 2017 season will conclude September 23 with the Wolf Trap Ball, Wolf Trap's signature black-tie event in support of its award-winning arts, education, and community programs. Held on stage at the Filene Center, this year's unique charitable event will be hosted in partnership with the Embassy of Monaco and co-chaired by Nancy Laben and Jon Feiger, and Karen and Fred Schaufeld.

Venue Information

• The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is located at 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA.
• Getting to Wolf Trap has never been easier: Wolf Trap is accessible by car, bus, and Metro. Parking is free. Visit www.wolftrap.org/directions for complete details.
• Patrons are welcomed and encouraged to bring their own food and drink, including alcoholic beverages. Wolf Trap's OVATIONS restaurant and concessions are also available onsite. Visit www.wolftrap.org/dining.

• Tickets are on sale now. Pricing varies by performance and seat location. See wolftrap.org for complete details. Tickets may be purchased:
  • Online at wolftrap.org
  • By phone at 877.WOLFTRAP
  • In-person at the Filene Center Box Office, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA

Wolf Trap's 2017 season is made possible by generous support from the following
Wolf Trap Foundation Official Sponsors and Partners:

Dan and Gayle D'Aniello, Wolf Trap 2017 Season Underwriters

The PNC Foundation, Premier Sponsor, 2017 Summer Season
The Boeing Company, Major Sponsor, Rock Legends Series
American Airlines, Official Airline
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, Official Hotel
Steinway, Official Pianos