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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. In collaboration with 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 concert series celebrated its tenth year in 2023, and is traditionally held every Thursday night from January to March.

Learn more about 2023's bands on the Out of the Box event page.

More Info

Ynot Wednesdays

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has presented Ynot Italian’s Ynot Wednesdays sponsored by Southern Auto Group for fourteen seasons! The outdoor summer concert series typically takes place on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza every Wednesday, June - August from 5pm - 9pm.

Visitors enjoy a musical panorama of live, local bands showcasing a diversity of genres from pop, country, big brass, Motown, rock, jazz, and more. Alongside free music, guests are able to purchase food, water, and soft drinks from title sponsor Ynot Italian, who serve up delicious pizza, sandwiches, and gelato all season long. Beer, wine, and hard seltzers are also available for purchase.

Guests have the opportunity to interact with our many sponsors and vendors, including Sinclair Communications, Southern Auto Group, 360 IT, White Claw, APEX, and many more. They will also be treated to a variety of additional activities on select weeks - past events have included a farmer’s market, the eco-friendly Ynot WINDSday, and a “last day of summer” field day event, The Ynot Pizza-lympics! Be sure to check back for more information on upcoming events as they are added!

Feeling the summer heat? Visitors may venture inside the Sandler Center to cool off, take a free educational tour of the building, 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 is also open for families to enjoy make-and-take art projects and activities.

The Ynot Wednesday concert series has become a summer favorite of Hampton Roads residents and visitors.

  • 2023 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 hard seltzers will also be available - drink vouchers for alcohol will be available for purchase at the front entrance and the box office inside the building. Please be sure to get a wristband from security before attempting to purchase. Souvenir cups can also be purchased alongside drink vouchers.

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.

What do I need to do to buy an alcoholic drink?

To purchase alcohol at Ynot Wednesdays, please first get a wristband from a security staff member (wearing white) by showing them a valid ID. Drink vouchers can then be purchased at the tent entrance or inside at the Sandler Center box office. 

Where do I buy alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic drinks can be purchased inside the Sandler Center lobby or outside at the Bank Street tent.

Where do I buy non-alcoholic drinks?

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

Where are the bathrooms located?

The bathrooms are located inside the Sandler Center lobby.

Can I bring a chair?

Chairs are permitted but 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!