Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

The Feline Center is the main theater at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. The theater holds 7,000 people, and tickets are either for reserved covered seating (in-house) or general admission lawn seating.

In-house seating on the lower level of the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Shows are typically held from mid-May through mid-September. I attended a concert in early June and had in-house seats at the very back of the lower level on the far left side (Rear Orchestra Left). However, the seats aren’t all that far from center, and I never felt distracted when viewing the show from an angle. The sound was good, though I felt that it was not mixed properly—I couldn’t hear the voices that well. I faced a wall of sound that was balanced between my left and right ears even though I was obviously left of the performers. Based on having what I would consider to be the least desirable seats on the lower level, I was highly satisfied and got the feeling that there are no bad seats in the house, though admittedly, I did not venture to the upper level.

View for the back of the In-house seating on the lower level of the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Food cannot be brought into the covered seating area of the Filene Center. You are welcome to eat at the Ovations Restaurant or picnic before the show and return your cooler and other picnic supplies to your car. There is a concession stand open during the performances, but you must finish eating any food you purchase prior to returning to your seat. The concession stand opens 90 minutes prior to the show.

You can bring beverages into the covered seating area, both your own and what you purchase at the concession stand. However, beverages other than water must be in Wolf Trap Pavilion Cups with the lid on. These are reusable cups that are sold in the gift shop and concession stand.

Lawn seating is general admission. The theater lets lawn seat ticket holders in 90 minutes before the show, and many people arrive even earlier so they are some of the first to get in. Once the gates open, everyone makes a mad dash—known as the lawn rush—for the best spots. The lawn seating does have its own sound system, and for certain shows large-screen monitors are strategically placed so everyone has a good view, though even from the back of the lawn you can still see the stage.

Lawn seating at the Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

The benefit of lawn seats is that you are welcome to bring your own food and drink, including alcoholic beverages in bottles or cans (no kegs), and can picnic during the performance. Cooler size is limited to 18” x 16” x 12” or smaller (48-quart capacity or less). Bags and backpacks are limited to 14″ x 13″ x 10″ or smaller, the size of a standard reusable grocery bag.

All closed containers and bags will be inspected. There is an Express Lane for those with a purse, fanny pack, blanket, or nothing. If you purchased lawn seats, have one of your group members enter with nothing more than a picnic blanket so he/she can get in quickly and get a good spot.

The downside to lawn seating is that shows are held even if it rains. Ticket holders are welcome to upgrade to covered seating if any are available, otherwise the options are to stick it out in the rain or return home and miss the show. No refunds are given unless the show is cancelled in its entirety.

Chairs are allowed at the back section of the lawn. Those who want the best lawn seats must sit on a blanket / grass or on a seat cushion with back support. Guests can also rent seat cushions with back supports at the Wolf Trap gift shop.

Chair section at the back of the lawn of the Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Ticket holders are welcome to take photos prior to the show with cell phone and point-and-shoot cameras. No “professional” cameras with detachable lenses are allowed unless approved by Wolf Trap or the artist. In most cases, taking photos once the show starts is not allowed, though the decision is up to the performers. Ask an usher what the policy is for the show you attend.

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