Season features Grammy-winning artists, genre-spanning performances, and a special chamber music celebration for the 300th anniversary of the German Barn
Vienna, Virginia (August 12, 2025) – Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the initial lineup for The Barns at Wolf Trap’s 2025-2026 season. The season brings an exciting roster of indie folk rockers, jazz greats, nights filled with laughter, and chamber ensembles. To commemorate the 300th anniversary of the German Barn, Wolf Trap is hosting a concert and celebratory dinner with world-renowned violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Akira Egushi.
"This season we are delighted to present a lineup that offers a deep connection between artists and audiences,” said Arvind Manocha, president and CEO of Wolf Trap Foundation. “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.”
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).
Each year Chamber Music at The Barns is presented in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS). This season, internationally acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope joins Wolf Trap as the new Artistic Advisor, succeeding pianist Wu Han. See the full array of world-class artists announced for this season here.
Tickets for the 2025–2026 season at The Barns at Wolf Trap will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 22. Wolf Trap members (donors of $80 and above) may purchase tickets in advance of the public on-sale.
Ticketing and On Sale Information
- Tickets for all announced performances go on sale to the public on Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased online at wolftrap.org.
- Ticket prices vary by performance and location and are subject to change. See individual performance listings online at Wolf Trap’s website calendar.
- Wolf Trap members have access to exclusive presales and may purchase tickets in advance of the general public. For more information on becoming a member, visit wolftrap.org/membership.
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Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, Wolf Trap Season Underwriters
Deborah F. and David A. Winston, 2025–2026 Chamber Music at The Barns Series Sponsor
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About Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues: the outdoor Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. The 7,028-seat Filene Center is operated in partnership with the National Park Service and annually showcases an extensive array of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, and dance from May through September. The Barns at Wolf Trap is operated by Wolf Trap Foundation year-round, and during the summer months is home to the Grammy-nominated Wolf Trap Opera, one of America’s outstanding professional training programs for early career opera singers. Wolf Trap’s education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, a nationally recognized internship program, arts education classes, and grantmaking programs.
Media Information
High-resolution images are available upon request.
Contact (not for publication):
Morgan Elwell, Media Relations Manager, O) 703.255.4096 or morgane@wolftrap.org
Sandra Rodriguez, Director of Communications, M) 202.486.7956 or sandrar@wolftrap.org