Celebrate the Magic of Music, Nature, and Pride at Wolf Trap’s Out & About Festival
Experience two days, three stages, and 11 artists, all in one unforgettable weekend
Before the Grammy Awards, sold-out arenas, and Billboard Top 100 hits, a rising star came to Wolf Trap for the first time in 2008 as the opening act for the Indigo Girls. In the 15 years since, she has become not only a musical icon, but an outspoken LGBTQ+ artist, advocate, and philanthropist—and as her career grew, she returned to Wolf Trap’s Filene Center five times as a headlining artist. This summer, Brandi Carlile returns to America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts to lead the Out & About Festival, a celebration of music, nature, community, and LGBTQ+ Pride on June 24 and 25.
As Pride month draws to a close, the two-day Festival keeps the energy alive, welcoming music and nature lovers of all ages to Wolf Trap in an unparalleled musical experience under the open sky. Surrounded by 117 acres of rolling hills, attendees will enjoy an eclectic range of genres, including folk, soul, piano rock, punk, and R&B from LGBTQ+ artists and allies who showcase their talents with inspiring messages of love and acceptance.
All three of the Park’s outdoor stages will thrive with live performances. Out & About’s mainstage is the recently refreshed Filene Center, which boasts a newly enhanced sound system and fully renovated backstage spaces to welcome top-tier artists like Carlile, Yola, Lucius, Rufus Wainwright, and Celisse. The lush lawn of the Meadow Stage is the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and bask in sun while enjoying music from artists like Jake Wesley Rogers, Brandy Clark, Oh He Dead, and Bad Moves. And, for younger audiences, the rustic amphitheater of Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods hosts the Alphabet Rockers and Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards in energetic performances each morning for the whole family to enjoy.
As the unifying force behind the Out & About Festival, Carlile ties together a diverse group of performers and partners, each adding their own unique sound to the Festival’s rich tapestry of music. “Carlile’s commitment to using music for positive change aligns with Wolf Trap’s mission to enrich people’s lives through the arts,” explains Sara Beesley, Wolf Trap Foundation’s Vice President of Program and Production. “With Carlile at the helm, we’re excited to transform the entire Park into a vibrant and joyful hub of shared music experiences, featuring community partners, local food trucks, exciting surprises, and more.”
Out & About is fueled by the energy of dedicated partners who work to bring people together and uplift the community day by day through empowering programming. Throughout the weekend, community partner SMYAL adds a touch of enchantment to the festival for young attendees in the Unicorn Play Space, where families can play games and get creative with collaborative art projects following performances at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. Minority Vets adds to the festivities with a scavenger hunt activity, while Equality Virginia invites all attendees to visit the Story Lounge to share their story in the “Notes of Support” community project. Many more community partners including Virginia Pride, PFLAG DC Metro, Capital Pride Alliance, and VA Tourism show their support with giveaways, informational booths, and more.
“As a DC-based youth organization, it means so much to us to be a part of this historic and local festival where we can share in the joy of Pride season with our own community,” shares Hancie Stokes, Director of Communications at SMYAL. “The whole lineup for the event is fabulous and we're excited to be a part of this incredible weekend of LGBTQ+ representation.”
As the first event of its kind at Wolf Trap, the Out & About Festival has been a monumental undertaking made possible by the generosity of festival sponsor, Deloitte, a global leader in the professional services industry. Deloitte’s involvement in Out & About is a remarkable feat, marking the first time the company has sponsored a music festival. Deloitte employees have gone above and beyond to ensure the event’s success, even helping spruce up stages during a volunteer social impact day and offering a photo booth on the Plaza. Their dedication and commitment to the community are evident, and Wolf Trap is grateful for their support.
Complete with soul-stirring music, thrilling activities, and opportunities to reconnect with nature, the weekend is full of unforgettable moments. Take in the picturesque beauty of the National Park while having a relaxing picnic at the new Meadow Overlook, play games on the lawn with friends at Starr Hill Brewery’s tent, or enjoy a garden tour led by Park Rangers. For a fun photo op, snap some pictures along Disco Lane or with the rainbow LOVE letters brought by Virginia Tourism. Fuel your Pride-filled day with fresh snacks, meals, and drinks from a variety of food trucks, concessions, and The Fermented Pig at Ovations. And keep an eye out for pop-up artists including Batalá, Small Town Strings, and an eclectic lineup of DJs throughout the weekend.
Out & About is more than a music festival, it’s an opportunity for diverse individuals to come together, connect, and create meaningful memories. As you wander the Park, you’ll notice people of all ages, races, and identities sharing the joy of live music and love of the arts. With passionate performers and friendly staff, every aspect of the weekend radiates a spirit of inclusivity and acceptance. So come lounge on the lawn, celebrate Pride, dance with friends, strike up conversations with fellow attendees, and experience the magical moments.
Purchase tickets today for Out & About Festival
