Acclaimed musicians representing a range of genres, from rock and country to jazz and classical music, are coming to The Barns at Wolf Trap to celebrate the venue’s 300th anniversary.
The Barns are rebuilt and renovated iterations of a pair of barns at the site, built in the 18th century. The larger German barn was built in 1725 and features a “unique” swing beam design that enabled horses to maneuver in the building’s original hayloft, according to the venue’s website.
Earlier this week, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced the first shows in The Barns at Wolf Trap’s 2025-2026 season, which will kick off this fall after the summer season at Wolf Trap National Park’s Filene Center ends.
“This season we are delighted to present a lineup that offers a deep connection between artists and audiences,” Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO Arvind Manocha said. “Whether it is an established master or a thrilling new voice, the unique features of The Barns at Wolf Trap allow the memories of the music, laughter, and stories to last a lifetime.”
Individual tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 22, but Wolf Trap members can make purchases now in advance of the public sale.
More from a press release on the initially announced shows:
The 2025–2026 season starts in October with Noel Paul Stookey (Oct 16) of Peter, Paul, and Mary; a solo performance by melodic indie folk storyteller Hiss Golden Messenger (Oct 17); Virginia’s own Pat McGee Band (Oct 18); Chandrika Tandon (Oct 19) with her joyful and divine sounds; country soul fusion duo The War and Treaty (Oct 23); instrumentalists The Autumn Defense (Oct 24) featuring John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco; the funky soulful sounds of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Oct 25); and two nights of tribute with Newmyer Flyer Presents The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook (Oct 29 + 30).
November and December see the return of Jim Brickman (Nov 5 + 6) with a night of holiday hits; indie folk and blues crooners The Barr Brothers (Nov 7); juke joint country rockers North Mississippi Allstars (Nov 8); one night only with singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant (Nov 20); a celebration of Creole legend Clifton Chenier by C.J. Chenier and Marcia Ball (Nov 22); Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas (Dec 4); and a holiday show with JOHNNYSWIM (Dec 6).
The new year will open with five nights of The Del McCoury Band (Jan 16, 17, 18, 20, 21). February features the return of local sensations DC Anthem Singers Shine (Feb 1) with Bob McDonald, Caleb Green, and D.C. Washington; Broadway great John Lloyd Young (Feb 4) with his classic hits; the next great country stars in three nights of Nashville Emerging Artists Night (Feb 5-7); jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band (Feb 19 + 20); jazz meets swing, Hip Hop, and R&B in a night of Christian McBride & Ursa Major (Feb 21); and the legendary improvisational troupe The Second City brings the laughs (Feb 25-29).
Spring kicks off with two performances by global strummers International Guitar Night (March 11 + 12); a rocking night of masked marvels Los Straitjackets (March 13); and two evenings of stand-up with the 37th Evening of Comedy (April 10 + 11).
Wolf Trap Foundation also unveiled a full lineup yesterday (Wednesday) for the upcoming Chamber Music at The Barns season, which will be overseen by violinist and new Artistic Advisor Daniel Hope.
“The intimacy of The Barns offers a unique setting for chamber music, where the distance between the performer and listener disappears,” Hope said in a release. “I look forward to sharing this magic with Wolf Trap’s chamber community and crafting seasons filled with inspiration, discovery, and joy.”
Highlights include:
- Oct. 9: An All-Schubert program featuring mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter and pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout
- Nov. 16: Viola Celebration with music from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
- Dec. 2: a concert with violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Akira Eguchi celebrating the 300th anniversary of Wolf Trap’s historic German Barn
- Jan. 30: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns with a celebration of Boccherini, Beethoven and more
- Feb. 8: An international program featuring Grammy Award winning band Imani Winds
- March 1: Windfest, a musical ensemble featuring a wind quaintet
- March 8: Hope will take the stage himself with former Artistic Advisor Wu Han and cellist David Finckel in a showcase of musical trios
- March 27: The Aznavoorian Sisters perform a collection of Armenian songs as well as other cello and piano pieces
- April 24: The final show will highlight quintet instrumentation
