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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. 

Out of the Box

Emerging Artist Series

"Out of the Box" is an expression to describe creative and nonconformal 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 celebrates its twelfth year in 2026, and is held on Thursday nights from January to March.

More Info

Ynot Wednesdays

Ynot Wednesdays, presented by Southern Auto Group, closed out the seventeenth season in 2025. This outdoor summer concert series takes place annually on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza every Wednesday from 5pm - 9pm. 

2025 EVENT SCHEDULE:

June 11: Buck Shot

June 18: Brasswind

June 25: Celeste Kellogg

July 9: Wonderland

July 16: Request Station

July 23: Michael Christopher Band

July 30: Radio 80s

August 6: TFC Band

August 13: Can U Dig It

August 27: Mashup & Cozy Condition
September 3: Better By Tuesday
September 17: The Tiki Bar Band

Over twelve weeks, visitors enjoyed 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, who offered delicious pizza, sandwiches, and gelato all season long. Beer, wine, and craft cocktails were also available for purchase.

Guests interacted with our many sponsors and vendors, including Sinclair Communications, Southern Auto Group, APEX Entertainment, Tidewater Community College, and more!

Feeling the summer heat? Venture inside the Sandler Center to cool off, visit the restrooms and bars, 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*.

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

  • Weekly VIP and Cafe Tables

    Looking to upgrade your plaza experience? 8-top VIP and 4-top café tables for Ynot Wednesday are available to purchase, reserving seats for your favorite shows. To purchase a table, or to become a vendor or sponsor, please contact David Semon at dsemon@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2530 for more information.

    VIP Table Info

  • 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!

  • 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 2025 season. Fill out the application below or contact David Semon at dsemon@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2530 for more information.

    Promotional Table Application

  • Ynot Wednesday Night Markets

    The Ynot Wednesday Night Markets will also return to the Sandler Center with vending opportunities for artists, craftspeople, and retail sales. Fill out the application below or contact David Semon at dsemon@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2530 for more information.

    Night Market Application

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

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.

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.