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Free Events

The Sandler Center hosts a variety of free events throughout the year. Join us all year round to enjoy free live local music and interactive art programs. 

Ynot Wednesdays

Ynot Wednesdays, presented by Southern Auto Group, returns for its seventeenth season in 2026. This outdoor summer concert series takes place annually on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza every Wednesday from 5pm - 9pm. 

2026 EVENT SCHEDULE:

June 10: BrassWind

June 17: Buck Shot

June 24: The Michael Clark Band

July 1: Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos

July 8: Radio 80s

July 15: Roberta Lea

July 22: Request Station

July 29: The Intangible Cats

August 5: The Hookz

August 12: WonderLand

August 19: Tidewater Drive

August 26: The Steals

 

Over twelve weeks, visitors will enjoy a musical panorama of live local bands showcasing a diversity of genres from pop, country, big brass, Motown, rock, and more. Alongside free music, guests purchased food, water, and soft drinks from title sponsor Ynot Italian, offering delicious pizza, sandwiches, and gelato all season long. Beer, wine, and craft cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Interact with our many sponsors and vendors, including Sinclair Communications, Southern Auto Group, Cycle World Powersports, Cannability Consulting, and more!

Feeling the summer heat? Venture inside the Sandler Center to cool off, visit the restrooms, or take a gallery stroll through the public art displayed on the second and third-floor lobbies. The Kids Craft Corner in the Miller Studio will also be open for families to enjoy make-and-take art projects and activities*.

The Ynot Wednesday concert series has been a long-standing summer favorite of Hampton Roads residents and visitors.

*Kids Craft Corner dates are subject to the availability of the Miller Studio.

  • NEW! Cashless Operations

    Spend less time in line and more time enjoying the performance with the Sandler Center’s new cashless operations. Beginning June 1, 2026, debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will be the only accepted forms of payment for the box office and concessions*. Gratuities may be added during checkout on card purchases; cash tips are still welcome at Ynot Wednesday.
    *Independent event vendors may accept cash at their discretion.

  • Full Season VIP Tables

    To purchase a season-long VIP table, please contact David Semon at dsemon@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2530. Full-season reservations will be available at a discounted rate through Monday, May 18, 2026.

    Full-Season VIP Table Info

  • Weekly VIP Tables

    Beginning May 18, 2026, VIP tables (4-top or 8-top) will be available for individual shows. To reserve your table, contact the Sandler Center box office at bosupervisor@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2542.

    Weekly VIP Table Info

  • Vendor & Promotional Tables Available

    Feature your business on the plaza during Ynot Wednesdays and interact with our patrons with a promotional table or tent space - now available for the 2026 season. Fill out the application below or contact David Semon at dsemon@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2530 for more information.

    Promotional Table Application

    *Due to a pre-existing sponsorship agreement, we cannot accept vendors selling prepared foods, baked goods, or desserts.

  • Sponsorship Opportunities Available

    Would you like to hear your company name advertised onstage? On the radio? See your logo on a banner? Have a VIP table for your employees or clients? Ynot Wednesdays draws 2,000+ patrons to the Sandler Center every week - let us customize a sponsorship package that gets your message to our audience!

Ynot Wednesdays? FAQs

What food and drinks are available?

Title sponsor Ynot Italian will be serving up delicious pizza, sandwiches, and gelato all season long. Water, soda, wine, beer, and craft cocktails will also be available - drink vouchers for alcohol will be available for purchase at the front entrance and the box office inside the building. 

Where should I park?

Town Center has over 3,000 free parking spots in Town Center. For a map of the parking garages, visit the Directions & Parking page. Please note: Bank Street will be closed.

Where do I buy alcoholic drinks?

Beer, wine, and craft cocktails can be purchased inside the Sandler Center lobby or on the plaza at the bar.

Where do I buy non-alcoholic drinks?

Non-alcoholic drinks like water and soda may be purchased at the Ynot Italian tents. Non-alcoholic beer can be purchased at the bars.

Can I bring a water bottle?

One sealed water bottle per person is permitted. Empty bottles are allowed and may be filled at the water fountains inside the venue. Refillable bottles containing liquid and/or open single-use bottles are prohibited.

Where are the bathrooms located?

The bathrooms are located inside the Sandler Center lobby.

Can I bring a chair?

Chairs are permitted on the grass only. These spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How do I know if the event has been cancelled?

In case of inclement weather, please check SandlerCenter.org or our social media (facebook.com/sandlercenter) for cancellation information.

Are kids welcome?

Yes! Ynot Wednesday is kid-friendly. Be sure to check out the Kids Craft Corner in the Miller Studio inside the Sandler Center.

Do I need a ticket to attend?

All Ynot Wednesday concerts are free to attend! No ticket required.

Out of the Box

Emerging Artist Series

"Out of the Box" is an expression to describe creative and nonconformist thinking. This is exactly what you will discover with the 8 unique local talents that perform with the Out of the Box series at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Curated by WHRO's Paul Shugrue, this great after-work event is held in the Miller Studio Theatre and is free and open to the public. The standing-room-only concert series is traditionally held on Thursday nights from January to March, and celebrated its twelfth year in 2026.

More Info