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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 sixteenth season! This outdoor summer concert series will take place on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza every Wednesday from 5pm - 9pm.

2024 will feature an exciting line-up of local bands, with the return of popular groups like The Deloreans, BrassWind, and Party Fins, and two concerts from Ynot Wednesday favorite Buck Shot.

EVENT SCHEDULE

June 12 BrassWind
June 19 Hotcakes
June 26  The Deloreans
July 3 Buck Shot
July 10  Radio 80s
July 17 Better by Tuesday
July 31 The River Boyz
August 14 WonderLand
August 21 Buck Shot
August 28 Party Fins
September 4 The Detonators
September 11 Ready Steady Go!

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 can 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 may also interact with Ynot Wednesday's many sponsors and vendors, including Sinclair Communications, Southern Auto Group, Armada Hoffler, APEX Entertainment, High Noon, and more.

Feeling the summer heat? Visitors may venture inside the Sandler Center to cool off, visit the restrooms and bars, or take a stroll through the public art gallery 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 Todd McKeating at tmckeating@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2528 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 2024 season. Fill out the application below or contact Todd McKeating at tmckeating@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2528 for more information.

    Promotional Table Application

  • Ynot Wednesday Night Markets

    The Ynot Wednesday Night Markets will also return to the Sandler Center lobby on June 12, July 10, and August 14 with vending opportunities for artists, craftspeople, and retail sales. Fill out the application below or contact Todd McKeating at tmckeating@sandlercenter.org or 757.385.2528 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.

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 celebrates its tenth year in 2024, and is traditionally held every Thursday night from January to March.

Learn more about 2024's bands on the Out of the Box event page.

More Info