Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is an outdoor amphitheater located in Vienna, Virginia. It features two venues – the Filene Center and The Barns. The Filene Center is the main stage, hosting concerts and performances during Wolf Trap’s summer season. With seating for 7,000 people, one of the most frequently asked questions is if the Filene Center at Wolf Trap has any covered seating options.
Quick Answer
No, the Filene Center at Wolf Trap does not have any covered seating areas. The Filene Center is an open-air amphitheater without any roof or cover above the seats. All seating at the Filene Center is uncovered. However, patrons are permitted to bring personal umbrellas and other rain gear to shield themselves on rainy days.
Overview of Wolf Trap’s Filene Center
The Filene Center is the premier stage at Wolf Trap National Park. It opened in 1971 and was originally known as the Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts. The amphitheater was later renamed in honor of Mrs. Catherine Filene Shouse, whose foundation donated $2 million dollars toward the venue’s construction.
The Filene Center consists of a covered stage area with permanent seating for the National Symphony Orchestra. In front of the stage is a sloped grass lawn that can accommodate up to 6,500 additional audience members who bring or rent lawn chairs or blankets. With the lawn and pavilion combined, the Filene Center can seat nearly 7,000 patrons.
As an outdoor venue, the Filene Center does not have a roof or cover over the seating area. The stage itself has a roof to protect the performers and production equipment from the elements. But the seating area, both the pavilion and the lawn, are uncovered.
Pavilion Seating
The Filene Center has 1,429 seats under cover in the pavilion nearest the stage. These seats are under the roof that covers the stage. The pavilion seats are reserved seating in numbered, cushioned chairs. There are two center orchestra sections, as well as seats to the far left and right of the stage.
Lawn Seating
Beyond the pavilion is the lawn, which slopes away from the stage and pavilion seating area. The lawn can accommodate up to 6,500 attendees who bring their own chairs or blankets. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served general admission.
Reasons for Lack of Covered Seating
There are several reasons why the Filene Center lacks covered seating beyond the pavilion section:
Outdoor Venue Design
The Filene Center was designed first and foremost as an outdoor amphitheater set in a natural park setting. The open-air configuration allows attendees to experience performances alongside the natural environment and under the stars.
Preserve Natural Surroundings
Adding extensive cover or a roof over the lawn seating area would impact the natural aesthetics of the surrounding park environment. The Filene Center was designed to complement and preserve the natural forest and meadows of the park.
Reduced Capacity
Covering or roofing over the lawn section would reduce seating capacity. The ability to accommodate very large crowds on the open lawn allows the Filene Center to maximize audience size.
Prohibitive Cost
Constructing roof cover or an upper deck over 6,500 lawn seats would be extremely cost prohibitive. The open lawn design helps control construction and maintenance costs for the nonprofit National Park.
Maintain Sight Lines
Adding cover over the lawn seating area would obstruct views from the rear lawn sections up towards the stage. The tiered open lawn preserves sight lines for optimum viewing.
Weather Considerations for the Filene Center
Since the Filene Center at Wolf Trap does not offer covered seating, with the exception of the pavilion section, patrons should consider weather conditions when attending performances.
Rain
Rain is always a possibility at the Filene Center, given its outdoor nature. Lawn seating patrons should especially prepare for wet weather. While umbrellas are allowed, large golf umbrellas can negatively impact sight lines. Ponchos, rain coats, small travel umbrellas, and waterproof blankets are ideal for rain protection on the lawn. The Filene Center does not provide rain cover of any kind.
Heat and Sun
Because all lawn seating is exposed, patrons should take particular precautions against heat and sun exposure during daytime performances or hot, summer performances. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and loose, lightweight clothing help manage heat and sun safety. The lawn has no shade cover.
Cold Temperatures
With outdoor concerts happening well into fall, the evenings can turn chilly at the Filene Center. Lawn patrons should bring warm layers, blankets, and even hand or foot warmers for colder late season shows.
Policies on Seating and Cover at the Filene Center
Wolf Trap has some venue policies related to seating and cover that Filene Center patrons should know:
Umbrellas
Personal umbrellas are permitted, but only small, compact umbrellas that don’t block sight lines. Large golf umbrellas are prohibited.
Tents and Canopies
For safety reasons, private tents, canopies, and pop-up shelters are not allowed within the Filene Center seating areas.
Chairs
Lawn seating requires patrons to provide their own seating. Low beach chairs or picnic blankets are recommended. High-backed chairs that could impact viewing are discouraged. Seats cannot be marked or saved with blankets, tarps, etc.
Reserved Seating
Only the pavilion seats are reserved and ticketed. Lawn seating is general admission on a first-come basis, with no saving of space permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the seating and lack of cover at the Filene Center:
Is there any covered seating at the Filene Center?
Only the pavilion seats located immediately adjacent to the stage are covered by the roof over the stage itself. The remaining lawn area has no cover from the elements.
Can I bring an umbrella or other rain gear?
Yes, you may bring compact personal umbrellas, ponchos, small pop-up tents, and other rain protection to use at your seat in case of precipitation. However, oversized golf umbrellas are not permitted.
What kind of seats are allowed on the lawn?
Low beach chairs, blankets, and picnic set-ups are recommended for lawn seating. High-back chairs that might impact sight lines are discouraged. Saving space or roping off areas is not allowed.
Can I save or reserve lawn seats if I arrive early?
No, all lawn seating is general admission first-come, first served. Marking space with blankets, roping off areas, or saving seats is prohibited. Plan to arrive when the lawn opens to secure your preferred spot.
Will the show be canceled due to rain or storms?
Performances continue rain or shine, barring dangerous weather like lightning or high winds. Be prepared with rain gear and check social media for any weather-related updates. Shows are rarely canceled due to rain alone.
Attending a Concert at the Filene Center
Despite the lack of covered seating, people eagerly flock to the Filene Center every summer to enjoy world-class performances against the beautiful backdrop of the National Park. Here are some tips for making the most of a concert experience at Wolf Trap’s uncovered, open-air amphitheater:
Check the Forecast
Monitor weather forecasts closely in the days and hours leading up to your show time. This will allow you to properly prepare with umbrellas, rain coats, warm layers, or shade gear.
Arrive Early for Lawn Seating
To get your preferred spot on the open lawn, plan to arrive when the Filene Center gates open. This could be a few hours before show time if enjoying dining or drinks. Claim your space early.
Pack Provisions and Layers
Especially for long concerts outdoors, bring provisions – including non-alcoholic beverages – and clothing layers to manage comfort under the open skies.
Protect Yourself from the Elements
Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrellas, blankets, fans, and other items will help protect against sun, heat, rain, and chill. Check the forecast and pack accordingly.
Embrace the Outdoor Ambiance
The lack of cover enables you to feel closer to nature and your fellow audience members. Swaying trees, starry skies, and summer breezes all enhance the special experience.
Conclusion
The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park does not offer any covered or roofed seating areas, with the exception of the pavilion directly adjacent to the stage. The uncovered lawn area provides open-air ambiance but requires patrons to come fully prepared with their own provisions for sun, rain, heat, or cold. While some may see the lack of cover as a drawback, most embrace the beautiful natural setting and outdoor options that make the Filene Center such a treasured performing arts space. Proper planning for the elements allows audiences to fully enjoy world-class entertainment under the stars at Wolf Trap.