Four weeks, one grand prize winner, and a chance to earn $5,000 and a headlining performance at the
Wolf Den
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 21, 2026) – Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications are excited to announce the return of the 12th Annual Locals Live Music Competition, running on select Wednesdays from November 11th through December 9th inside the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun. The popular four-week competition will feature some of the region’s most talented local bands and solo artists as they compete for a chance to win the ultimate grand prize.
The winning act will receive a $5,000 grand prize and a future headlining performance in the Wolf Den, while the runner-up will be awarded $1,000. Over the years, the competition has helped spotlight emerging talent and provided artists with an opportunity to perform on one of Connecticut’s premier live entertainment stages, joining the likes of Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch, Chris Stapleton, and last year’s winner, Sister Funk.
Musicians interested in competing can submit a demo video beginning Monday, September 21st through 11:59pm on Sunday, October 18th via the WCTY website. Open to bands, solo artists, and singer-songwriters, the competition is available to performers ages 21 and older who reside in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or New York.
Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications will select 12 performers, along with alternates, to compete in the 2026 edition of Locals Live. Four acts will take the Wolf Den stage each Wednesday from 8:00pm to 10:00pm beginning November 11th and continuing through December 9th, excluding Thanksgiving week. Following each night’s performances, audience members will vote for their favorite acts to advance. The competition culminates on December 9th when the finalists return to the Wolf Den, where they will perform before a panel of industry judges for a chance at the ultimate prize and the Locals Live championship title.
Admission to Locals Live is free. Guests may begin lining up no earlier than three hours before showtime. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One guest may hold up to four places in line; however, seating will only be provided to guests who are present when doors open. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Wolf Den.
For the purposes of this competition, talent is defined as musicians, bands, or singer-songwriters. All talent must be 21 years of age or older and from CT, RI, MA or NY. Performers must adhere to all Mohegan Sun rules and sign a guidelines contract prior to performance. Talent must be able to be set up by 5:00pm on the date of performance for sound check. All rules subject to change/management interpretation.
For additional information about the Wolf Den and Locals Live, visit mohegansun.com.
Key Dates
- Call for Entries: Monday, September 21st through Sunday, October 18th
- Submission Deadline: 11:59pm on Sunday, October 18th
- Selection Period: Week of October 19th
- Competition Dates: Wednesdays, November 11th through December 9th (excluding Thanksgiving week)
- Finale: Wednesday, December 9th, 2026
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
###