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Music Moves Inside: DC’s Favorite Cozy Venue
Just minutes from Tysons Corner and the Beltway, The Barns at Wolf Trap offers a unique blend of history and top-tier entertainment. This intimate 382-seat theater, crafted from two restored 18th-century barns, is a beloved destination for music lovers in the greater Washington, DC area. Renowned for its superb acoustics, The Barns hosts icons and emerging artists across a diverse array of genres, creating unforgettable experiences in a cozy setting. Whether you're looking for a lively rock concert, a serene evening of jazz, exceptional chamber music, spirited bluegrass, family-friendly entertainment, or a night of laugh-out-loud comedy, The Barns at Wolf Trap has it all. It's the perfect place to plan an outing with friends, colleagues, or community organizations. Learn more and inquire today about bringing your group of 10 or more to The Barns.
Arrive early to enjoy The Barns' Scottish Barn and atrium. Patrons can savor specialty drinks, artisanal starters, handcrafted flatbreads, main plates, desserts, and more—all designed to elevate the perfect night out!
Select performances also feature exclusive pre-show discussions for the audience to enjoy. Recent updates to The Barns include an enclosed atrium, enhanced bar, accessible backstage elevator, expanded kitchen, and improved artist and public amenities.
Take a 3D tour of The Barns
THE BARNS SEATING CHART
A Year-Round Destination for Live Music
From October to May, The Barns at Wolf Trap comes alive with over 80 performances, offering an eclectic mix of talent that includes chamber musicians, rock legends, country stars, Broadway icons, and more. Each season offers returning favorites and the chance to discover up-and-coming artists, catering to all music enthusiasts.
Wolf Trap's Chamber Music at The Barns series—presented in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center—brings world-class ensembles and soloists to this rustic venue, providing a unique and immersive experience for classical music lovers. In the summer, The Barns transforms into the home of Wolf Trap Opera, hosting innovative productions and the best in emerging opera talent.
Creating The Barns
Inspired by a concert in a traditional barn in Maine, Wolf Trap founder Catherine Filene Shouse sought to replicate the experience at Wolf Trap. In 1980, she worked with craftsmen and historians to identify two 18th-century barns in upstate New York. After purchasing and relocating them to Virginia in 1981, they were rebuilt using traditional methods, with hand-hewn beams and reversed exterior walls showcasing over 200 years of patina.
A Theater and Gathering Space
The larger German barn, built around 1780, features a unique "swing beam" design, allowing horses to turn around in the original hayloft. The smaller Scottish barn, built in 1791, functions as a dining/reception area with a kitchen offering artisanal food and drinks.
Owned and operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation, The Barns at Wolf Trap reflects a commitment to curating an artistic lineup as diverse and discerning as the audiences it attracts. This dedication to excellence ensures that every visit to The Barns is a memorable experience, no matter the season.
