Plan Like A Park Ranger - Top 10 Tips For Visiting Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

While this summer may look and feel different than years past, visiting the only national park for the performing arts will still be a special experience! Here are our tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a positive park experience.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

1. Download the free NPS Mobile App

Whether you’re attending a performance at the Filene Center or hitting the trails, the app has an up-to-date park map, restroom locations, as well as details of notable places throughout the park.

2. Stay Up to Date with Park Operating Status

Get the most up-to-date Alerts and Conditions for the park and plan your visit. The CDC has reated a new measure called the COVID-19 Community Level (community level), which uses three data sets: new COVID-19 cases, new COVID-19 hospital admissions, and percent of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is located in Fairfax County, Virginia.

3. Avoid the crowds and the heat; hike in the morning

If you want to spend some serene time in nature, the morning hours will be your best bet to enjoy cooler temperatures and beat the crowds attending Filene Center shows. Hike smart: pack water and sunscreen and wear proper shoes.
*Park closes to non-ticket holders two hours prior to the start of performances.

4. Help your dog be a B.A.R.K. Ranger

With increased visitation expected this summer, following the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles while exploring the park with your furry companion is more important than ever! Be sure to always keep your pet on a leash and bag their waste.

5. Consider your transportation plans

The Wolf Trap Express Shuttle operated by Fairfax Connector offers roundtrip service from the McLean Metro Station (Silver Line) to all Filene Center* summer performances. Double check what time the bus leaves for return service, as it can vary.

If you choose to take a car, parking spaces can fill up quickly so carpooling and ridesharing to the park is recommended. If you have a condition that impacts your mobility, accessibility shuttles will be available to help transport you from the parking lots to the entrance of the Filene Center. This free service is available to anyone who requires the service plus one other person in their party.

6. Share a picnic with family and friends

Pack a basket with your favorite foods and beverages to enjoy at any picnic table around the park or on the Lawn during Filene Center performances. We have over 150 picnic tables throughout the park -- take your pick!

7. Bring only the essentials

There are new security screening procedures in place this summer. To expedite your entry into the Filene Center, try to pack light.
If you do bring larger items, be prepared! Open your bags, coolers, and purses. Empty your pockets of keys, wallets, and phones. Have your tickets pulled up or out and ready as you approach the gates. We’ll be scanning your tickets immediately afterward the security screening process.
Visitors are allowed two items per person (not including small bags or purses). Wagons and carts are now prohibited inside of the Filene Center. New cooler size restrictions: 18"W x 16"H x 12"D.

8. Plan ahead

If you have are interested in participating in the "Lawn Rush," plan to arrive earlier than the gate opening. Security procedures can slow down the traditional "Lawn Rush" when gates open 90 minutes prior to shows. The House (covered seating inside of the Filene Center) opens 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance.

9. Pack it in AND pack it out

Having a picnic before a show, or bringing some snacks onto the lawn? Help our staff and pack all of your trash out with you when you leave the park. The use of glass in the park is strongly discouraged and should be deposited in the trash as it is not accepted by the recycling stream at this time.

10. Know before you go!

Don't forget to check out all of the up-to-date Summer Policies and Guidelines for performances at the Filene Center from our partner organization, Wolf Trap Foundation.

Thinking about traveling to other national parks this summer? Check out more insider Ranger Tips from National Park Service units across the country, and #PlanLikeAParkRanger!