Comedy, Music, Barn's 300th Anniversary: Upcoming Barns At Wolf Trap Season

VIENNA, VA — While Wolf Trap's main summer concert season is still underway, preparations are happening for shows in the colder months. On Tuesday, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced the first shows for the 2025-2026 Barns at Wolf Trap season.

The Barns at Wolf Trap, which host live music in a pair of 18th century barns, will host live performances in a number of genres as well as comedy shows. One highlight will be a 300th anniversary celebration for the German Barn, one of Wolf Trap's historic barns. The venue will host 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 season will kick off in October with Noel Paul Stookey Peter, Paul, and Mary on Oct. 16, followed by indie folk storyteller Hiss Golden Messenger on Oct. 17, Virginia’s own Pat McGee Band on Oct. 18 and Chandrika Tandon on Oct. 19. Other October shows will include country soul fusion duo The War and Treaty on Oct. 23, instrumentalists The Autumn Defense with John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco on Oct. 24, funky soul group The Dirty Dozen Brass Band on Oct. 25; and two nights of The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook tribute with Newmyer Flyer on Oct. 29 and 30.

November and December bring the return of holiday hits with Jim Brickman on Nov. 5 and 6, indie folk and blues singers The Barr Brothers on Nov. 7, juke joint country rockers North Mississippi Allstars on Nov. 8, singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant on Nov. 20, a celebration of Creole legend Clifton Chenier by C.J. Chenier and Marcia Ball on Nov. 22, Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas on Dec. 4, and a holiday show with JOHNNYSWIM on Dec. 6.

After the holiday season, the new year brings five nights of The Del McCoury Band on Jan. 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21. February ushers in the return of local sensations DC Anthem Singers Shine with Bob McDonald, Caleb Green and D.C. Washington on Feb. 1, Broadway great John Lloyd Young with classic hits on Feb. 4, a new generation of country stars in three nights of Nashville Emerging Artists Night on Feb 5, 6 and 7, jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band on Feb. 19 and 20, a mix of jazz, swing, hip hop, and R&B in a night of Christian McBride & Ursa Major on Feb. 21, and comedy with improvisational troupe The Second City on Feb. 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.

Spring will kick off with International Guitar Night on March 11 and 12), masked marvels Los Straitjackets on March 13, and two evenings of stand-up comedy with the 37th Evening of Comedy on April 10 and 11.

Chamber Music at The Barns will also return to The Barns at Wolf Trap. This season, internationally acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope will become the new artistic advisor at Wolf Trap succeeding pianist Wu Han. Announced shows will run from October to April.

Tickets for newly announced Barns at Wolf Trap shows will go on sale on Aug. 22. Wolf Trap members can buy tickets ahead of the public sale. Tickets and schedules are available at wolftrap.org.