Philadelphia Ballet
Philadelphia Ballet presents “Stars and Stripes Forever!”, a celebration of American ballet and Broadway dance at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. The program brings together works by Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, and Eliot Feld, performed to music by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Charles Ives, and John Philip Sousa. The performance is part of Wolf Trap’s America250 series, honoring the music and artists that have shaped the nation’s cultural history.
The evening features the Philadelphia Ballet’s precise, energetic interpretations of works ranging from playful and jazzy to openly patriotic, including Balanchine’s iconic “Stars and Stripes.”
When: Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Showtime: The performance begins at 8 p.m.
Venue: Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182.
Repertoire: The program includes Jerome Robbins’ “Fancy Free,” George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” in concert version, Eliot Feld’s “Variations on ‘America,’” and George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes.”
Music: The works are set to music by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Charles Ives, and John Philip Sousa.
Pre-performance discussion: A discussion begins at 7 p.m. on the Farmhouse Lawn, to the left of the main gate. Participants are Jane Raleigh, founder of DC Dance Network; Angel Corella, artistic director of Philadelphia Ballet; and Charles Askegard, rehearsal director at Philadelphia Ballet.
Performers: Philadelphia Ballet.
Gates: The gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Price not available.
Groups: Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more.
Family information: Wolf Trap provides information about how children can attend this performance for free; the page does not give further eligibility or reservation details.
Parking and transportation: Parking is free but limited, and carpooling is encouraged. Park rangers direct guests to ADA parking upon arrival. A Wolf Trap shuttle runs from McLean Metro station for $5 roundtrip. Drivers should be aware that Exit 15 on the Dulles Toll Road frequently has heavy traffic, so Route 7 may be an alternative.
Food and drinks: Guests may bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol, for picnicking in the park or on the Filene Center Lawn. Guests with in-house seats may not bring food to their seats, though they may pick up a spill-safe, reusable Wolf Trap cup at concessions for drinks. Chairs are permitted only at the top of the lawn. On-site options include picnic areas, the Ovations al fresco gourmet buffet, Plaza and Meadow Commons concessions, snacks, meals, soft drinks, and cocktails.
Accessibility: Sign-language interpretation can be arranged by emailing [email protected] with at least one week’s advance notice. CART captioning services require a request at least three weeks before the performance. FM Loop amplification headsets are available at no charge for most performances; guests should ask an usher for assistance.