Home/Events & Tickets/Free Events

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

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the return of Ynot Italian’s Ynot Wednesdays sponsored by Southern Auto Group for its fourteenth season! The outdoor summer concert series will take place on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza from June 1 - August 31, every Wednesday from 5pm - 9pm. The 2022 series kicks off on June 1 with high-energy party band Vinyl Headlights marking the 150th free live concert of the series!

Over fourteen 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. Wine, beer, and cocktails will also be available to purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Sandler Center Foundation (sandlercenterfoundation.org).

Guests will 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, including a farmer’s market on June 1, the return of eco-friendly Ynot WINDSday on June 15, and a “last day of summer” field day event, The Ynot Pizza-lympics, on August 31. Be sure to check back here 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 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 visit the links below!

2022 EVENT SCHEDULE:

June 1 Vinyl Headlights
June 8 Tidewater Drive Band
June 15 Brasswind
June 22 TFC Band
June 29 Celeste Kellogg
July 6 Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos
July 13 Good Shot Judy
July 20 The Gentlemen & Their Lady
July 27 BJ Griffin Band
August 3 Guava Jam
August 10 The Deloreans
August 17 The Fuzz Band
August 24 Buckshot
August 31 Party Fins















 

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 mixed drinks 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. Patrons must also purchase a Ynot Wednesday Drink Cup if ordering mixed drinks. Cups can be purchased alongside drink vouchers. Bring back the cup each week to reuse!

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 buy an alcoholic drink at Ynot Wednesdays, you must first get a wristband from a security staff member (wearing white) by showing them a valid ID. Then you can purchase a drink voucher at the tent entrance or at the Sandler Center Box Office. If you plan on having a liquor drink, you must also purchase a Ynot Wednesdays Drink Cup when purchasing your drink vouchers.

Where do I buy alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic drinks can be purchased from 1 of 3 locations: inside the Sandler Center Lobby, on Bank Street, and on the left of the stage near Commerce Street. Please note: the location near Commerce Street only sells canned beer.

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!

Can I bring the Ynot Wednesdays Drink Cup back ?

Cups are good all season long – and even for future seasons! We recommend you keep your cup and bring it back each week so you don’t need to purchase another and help to reduce waste!

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 ninth year in 2022, and is traditionally held every Thursday night from January to March.

Learn more about 2022's bands on the Out of the Box event page.

More Info