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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 Italian’s Ynot Wednesday, sponsored by Southern Auto Group, returns for the fifteenth season! This outdoor summer concert series will take place on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza from June 14 - August 30, 2023, every Wednesday from 5pm - 9pm.

EVENT SCHEDULE

June 14	Brasswind
June 28	WOAH! 90s Band
July 5	Allen Hudson and The Halfmoons
July 12	The Nashville Nights Band
July 26	The English Channel
August 2	Buckshot
August 9	Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos
August 16	The Fuzz Band
August 23	Lucky 757
September 6	The Gentlemen & Their Lady *NEW DATE!
September 13	The Groove Motive *NEW DATE!
September 27	The Party Fins *NEW DATE!

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, jazz, and more. Alongside free music, guests will be able to purchase food, water, and soft drinks from title sponsor Ynot Italian, who will be serving up delicious pizza, sandwiches, and gelato all season long. Beer, wine, and craft cocktails will also be available to purchase.

Guests will have the opportunity to interact with our many sponsors and vendors, including Sinclair Communications, Southern Auto Group, APEX, and more!

Feeling the summer heat? Visitors may 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*.

The Ynot Wednesday concert series has become a summer favorite of Hampton Roads residents and visitors. For more information, to purchase a VIP or café table, or to become a vendor or sponsor, please contact Nadine Paniccia at npaniccia@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2528.

*Kid's Craft Corner dates may be subject to the availability of the Miller Studio.

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!
2023 Night Market Application
The Night Market will return to the Sandler Center lobby on June 21, July 12, and August 2 with vending opportunities for artists, craftspeople, and retail vendors. Fill out the application below or contact Nadine Paniccia at npaniccia@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2544 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. 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 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!

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