Ovations Restaurant at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

DINING

The Ovations restaurant at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is located right next to the Filene Center. It opens 2.5 hours prior to any show. Food is served buffet style. Seating is covered but not indoors. Reservations are accepted. See Wolf Trap’s Dining at Wolf Trap web page for information.

Interior of Ovations at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

There is also a concession stand that operates during the shows at the Feline Center (it opens 90 minutes before show time). Guests can purchase full meals such as hamburgers and fries, hot dogs, and other sandwiches, and snacks such as pretzels and popcorn. Beer, wine, and liquor are also sold. Prices are typical concession stand prices that you’d pay at a ball game or other concert venue, so stuff isn’t cheap. The menu is available at the Filene Center Concessions web page.

Food cannot be brought into the covered seating area of the Filene Center, so you must finish eating any food your purchase prior to returning to your seat. 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.

There are no food and beverage restrictions for those with lawn seats.

PICNICKING

Picnic tables are located at various spots around Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. All tables are taken on a first come, first served basis. There are no grills, and cooking of any kind is prohibited in the park.

Picnic area on Encore Hill near the Ovations restaurant at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Private individuals (no corporate or non-profit organizations) who wish to host an event of less than 25 people that is not related to a performance, such as a birthday party, can do so as long as the park Director is notified and the party does not conflict with any performances at the Filene Center. Despite hosting an event, at no time does the event holder have exclusive use of an area, so other people can come and picnic at tables that are not being used. Call the National Park Service at (703) 255-1822 for more information.

Events with more than 25 people can also be held at the park, but only in conjunction with a performance at the Feline Center (prior to a show for ticket holders). Events can be held at either rental facilities operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation—Associates Deck, The Terrace, Meadow Pavilion—or at the picnic areas. Those who want to reserve a facility through the Wolf Trap Foundation can call (703) 255-1991 or visit the organization’s Facility Rental web page. Those who want to reserve a picnic area must do so through the National Park Service.

Meadow Overlook Picnic Terrace at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

During performances at the Filene Center, those with lawn seats are welcome to bring their own food and drink, including alcoholic beverages in bottles or cans, and can picnic during the performance. Cooler size is limited to 18” x 16” x 12” or smaller (48-quart capacity or less). Bags are limited to 14″ x 13″ x 10″ or smaller, the size of a standard reusable grocery bag. All coolers, bags, and backpacks will be inspected.

Those who purchase tickets for in-house seats (covered, reserved seating) cannot bring coolers or food to their seats. However, you are welcome to eat at the picnic tables prior to the show.

In conjunction with a Filene Center performance, Ovations Restaurant offers catered picnicking services for individuals and groups of any size. Order in advance and your food will be ready when you arrive.

Picnicking from the lawn seats during a concert at the Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

No food or drink, except water, is allowed in the Theatre-in-the-Woods. There are picnic tables near the theater, and guests are welcome to eat before or after the show. Unlike at the Filene Center, there are no food concessions open for Theatre-in-the-Woods performances.

Picnic tables near the Theatre-in-the-Woods

Back to the Top