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On Wednesday, July 29, Wolf Trap serves up two completely different shows on two distinct stages—a morning safari and an evening of virtuosic blues rock.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has a way of surprising you. One morning, you are watching a life-sized velociraptor teach your kids about fossils. That same evening, you are watching one of the greatest guitarists of his generation trade licks with a jam-band legend.
Here is what is coming up.
Morning Magic: Dinosaur Hunter Safari!
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, | 10:30 AM | Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods
Dinosaur Hunter Safari! features David Engel as the wacky Professor Livingpebble, a science comedian who balances hilarious hijinks with fun facts and participatory learning. He is joined by his life-sized pet velociraptor Mary—the world's only vegan velociraptor.
What families need to know:
- Tickets are $12 (including fees); free for children under 2.
- Gates open at 10:00 AM.
- Suggested ages are 4–12.
- Parking is free on "Gil's Hill," with a short walk down a paved path to the theater.
- Food is not allowed at the seats, but you can head to the tree stumps next to the seating area for snacks.
- After the show, children can join a Park Ranger for an outdoor adventure and earn a Junior Ranger Badge or explore the trails and play in the Meadow with free games and toys.
Evening Heavyweights: Joe Bonamassa & Gov't Mule
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, | 7:30 PM | Filene Center
Joe Bonamassa is hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, with over 50 albums to date. B.B. King himself praised him as "one of a kind."
Gov't Mule, led by Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes, has galvanized a global fan base with a daring blues rock sound and improvisational virtuosity. Their 2023 album Peace…Like a River was ranked as the group's "most moving effort yet."
What concertgoers need to know:
- Gates open at 6:00 PM.
- Tickets start at $64.50 (including fees).
- Picnics are allowed on the lawn but not in the covered seating.
- Cooler and bag limits: Maximum cooler size is 18" x 16" x 12"; maximum bag size is 14" x 13" x 10". No more than two items per person.
- Prohibited items include weapons, wagons, pets (except service animals), grills, beer kegs, tents, and umbrellas over six feet in diameter.
- Lawn seating is general admission. A section in the back is designated for patrons using lawn chairs.
Visitor Guide
Wolf Trap is located at 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182. Parking is free and available on-site. Arrive early for good spots, especially for popular shows. The Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods is outdoors and susceptible to weather; cancellation decisions are made by 9:30 AM on the day of the performance. For the most accurate directions and real-time parking updates, download the Wolf Trap app.
The Bottom Line
Two shows. One day. Dinosaur comedy for the kids. Blues-rock legends for the grown-ups. Wolf Trap reminds us that summer is not just about one kind of experience—it is about the full range of what live performance can be.
#WolfTrap #DinosaurHunterSafari #JoeBonamassa #GovtMule #DMVSummer
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