For the second summer in a row, a unique sand sculpture installation designed exclusively for Mohegan Sun in honor of Mohegan culture and heritage is on display in the center of The Shops at Mohegan Sun. Guests can experience the piece through late summer, and to view a timelapse video of the sculpture being designed, visit Mohegan Sun’s Instagram page.
A Tribute to Mohegan Heritage and Dr. Gladys Tantaquidgeon
“Enlisting renowned artists Abe Waterman and Greg J. Grady to again craft such an impressive, dual-sided sand sculpture has resulted in quite the statement in The Shops at Mohegan Sun,” -said Jeff Hamilton, President of Mohegan Sun. “Dr. Gladys Tantaquidgeon is such an important and beloved Mohegan leader, and her likeness and presence shine through with this piece — we’re really excited for guests to discover this artistry at the center of Mohegan Sun!”
Weighing an estimated 10 tons, this sculpture was crafted entirely from sand by the award-winning team at Professional Sculptors, LLC, featuring celebrated artists Abe Waterman and Greg J. Grady, also known professionally as “G2.” This year, the sculpture prominently features the late Dr. Gladys Tantaquidgeon, a revered Mohegan Medicine Woman, co-founder of the Tantaquidgeon Museum, and Native American advocate and educator. The installation honors her enduring legacy and brings to life Mohegan symbols and stories, providing guests with a memorable cultural experience.
The intricate Mohegan Sun Hot Summer Fun Sand Sculpture is the work of two highly acclaimed sand sculptors.
Abe Waterman, from Prince Edward Island, Canada, is recognized for his imaginative approach to ephemeral art. Transitioning to sand sculpting in 2007, his accolades include:
First Place at the 2025 Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition
European Champion at the International Sand Sculpture Europe Championship in Belgium (2021)
World Champion in the Doubles category with Dmitry Klimenko at the Virginia Beach Neptune Championship Sand Sculpting (2018)
Greg J. Grady, a New Hampshire native and second-generation sand sculptor, has transformed a childhood passion into a global career. With over 15 years of experience, Grady travels internationally creating intricate sand masterpieces and organizes premier sand sculpting festivals. His recent achievements include:
Texas SandFest Master Duo Sculptor First Place (with Abe Waterman) (2025 & 2026)
Siesta Key Crystal Classic, People’s Choice Award (2025)
Sugar Sand Festival, People’s Choice Award (2024-2025)
This installation offers a unique opportunity for guests to appreciate art, engage with Mohegan culture, and capture a memorable summer moment. The opposite side of the piece showcases an intricate Roulette wheel design under a Hot Summer Fun banner, which is Mohegan Sun’s long-running summer marketing campaign filled with exciting promos, can’t-miss festivals, great entertainment and more.
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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
Limited time Summer Pop‑up Experience Featuring Island-inspired Drinks like the Mai Tai, Painkiller and Frozen Piña Colada
UNCASVILLE, CT (June 18, 2026) – Mohegan Sun invites guests to escape to the islands this summer with the return of the Tiki Bar, a tropical-themed seasonal pop‑up located in the Sky Tower Lobby. Opening tomorrow on Friday, June 19th, Mohegan Sun’s Tiki Bar offers a laid‑back yet energetic setting where craft cocktails, island‑inspired beats and a welcoming atmosphere come together. Guests are invited to cool off, settle in, and stay a little longer than planned while enjoying summer nights at the resort. This summertime pop-up bar will be open through September 6th.
Operating hours for the Tiki Bar are:
Sunday – Thursday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 3:00pm – Midnight
The cocktail menu features a flavorful lineup of tropical favorites, including classics like the Mai Tai, Painkiller and Bahama Mama, as well as refreshing options like the Island Margarita and Tiki Mule. Guests can also enjoy frozen selections such as the Piña Colada, Frozen Mai Tai and Lava Flow, alongside a creative mocktail, the Island Blush – delivering a refreshing summer escape that blends tropical flavors, upbeat energy and a relaxed island atmosphere.
“The Tiki Bar pop-up experience at Mohegan Sun was a huge hit last summer and we’re really thrilled to bring it back, starting Friday, June 19th at 4:00pm!” -said Kim Noto, Chief Marketing Officer at Mohegan Sun. “It’s a convenient and festive stop for hotel guests and everyone else visiting our beautiful casino and resort. The Tiki Bar in Sky Tower lobby offers a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the summertime vibes at 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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
Three-Day Celebration Brings Unlimited Pickle Sampling, 40+ Vendors, Live Entertainment, and Family-Friendly Fun to the Earth Expo & Convention Center
UNCASVILLE, CT (June 16, 2026) – The highly anticipated Connecticut Pickle Festival returns to Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center for an even bigger, brinier and more dill-icious celebration from Friday, August 21st through Sunday, August 23rd. One of New England’s most popular annual festivals, this three-day event will transform the Earth Expo & Convention Center into the ultimate destination for pickle lovers, foodies and families seeking a weekend packed with fun. Guests can purchase tickets now and secure their spot, HERE.
Attendees can explore more than 40 vendors and food trucks, enjoy unlimited pickle sampling throughout the famous Pickle Patch, and indulge in a creative lineup of pickle-inspired foods and beverages. From fried pickles and pickle pizza to pickle-topped ice cream, dill pickle kettle corn and more, endless flavors are in store.
The Connecticut Pickle Festival will also feature live country, pop and rock music all weekend long, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing, dining and celebrating. Fan-favorite attractions return as well, including the legendary Pickle Eating Contest and the hilariously messy Pickle Juice Challenge, along with Pickle Olympics, Pickle Wrestling, viral photo opportunities and appearances by the festival’s beloved mascot, Pickle Pablo.
New for 2026, guests can join the all-new Pickle Hoedown, a high-energy country-style dance party where pickle enthusiasts can line dance, two-step and celebrate alongside Pickle Pablo. The newest addition promises plenty of laughs, lively entertainment, and memorable moments throughout the weekend.
For guests 21 and older, the festival will feature custom pickle cocktails, pickle martinis, pickle shots and pickle-infused liquor, along with a variety of traditional beverage offerings.
In addition to endless pickle-themed entertainment, attendees can elevate their experience with a VIP ticket upgrade, offering exclusive perks, including a swag bag valued at more than $150, access to a private VIP lounge, private cash bar, private restrooms and early access to samples, vendors and food trucks before general admission crowds arrive.
With unlimited pickle sampling, exciting competitions, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and more vendors than ever before, the Connecticut Pickle Festival is set to deliver its biggest and most flavorful event yet.
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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
Guests Can Also Enjoy Blackjack, Roulette and More Within Two Popular Hybrid Stadium Gaming Sections at Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun is enhancing the gaming floor with the debut of Interblock’s Crapless Craps in Casino of the Sky. This innovative take on a classic table game offers a fun experience designed to appeal to both seasoned players and those new to Craps.
Incorporating 2, 3, 11 and 12 as point numbers for added excitement, Crapless Craps is designed for ease of play, featuring a high-definition, touch-responsive interface and a mechanical dice generator that sits at the top of the game. With $5 minimum bets, the player experience is interactive, intuitive and fully self-paced, allowing guests to control the action while enjoying the anticipation of every roll. This personalized gameplay also provides an approachable entry point for those new to Craps. The “cropless” aspect of the game is due to an alteration in the come-out math that eliminates instant losses on the Pass Line.
“Our goal is to ensure every guest feels comfortable jumping into the excitement of table games,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “Crapless Craps, along with our Hybrid Stadium Gaming areas, are two fun and easy ways to achieve this—giving our guests a seamless and flexible way to learn popular twists on classic table games, all with low minimum bet options.”
Located in Casino of the Sky—just beyond the high-energy live Craps tables, past Johnny Rockets—the new offering complements another popular and innovative Mohegan Sun offering, Hybrid Stadium Gaming, which features a live-dealer, multi-table experience from a single player station. Guests can seamlessly switch between and wager on multiple games at once via a user-friendly touchscreen, with options including Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker and more. Minimum bets always start at just $5. Learn more at mohegansun.com/playing
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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
Back-To-Back Shows at Mohegan Sun Arena November 13th & 14th
UNCASVILLE, CT (June 1, 2026) ––Goose has announced full details of their upcoming fall headline tour. Dates begin November 3rd at Kansas City, MO’s The Midland Theatre and continue through the entire month, stopping at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th. The shows will begin at 7:00pm.
Tickets to see the Wilton Connecticut based band at Mohegan Sun will go on sale Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 10:00am via Ticketmaster. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, June 6th. $1 from every ticket sold on Goose’s 2026 Summer Tour will benefit Western Sun Foundation (WSF), a volunteer-run 501(c)3 supporting grassroots nonprofits in the cities the band visits. For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.goosetheband.com/tour.
The new dates mark the impending arrival of their sixth studio album, BIG MODERN!, out June 12th on No Coincidence Records. A fully immersive world of sound that ingeniously captures what it feels like to move through today’s overstimulated, hyperconnected society, it includes such evocative new singles as “Torero” and the rapturous “Good2B,” both available everywhere now. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “groovy and discombobulated…a vintage Goose gem,” “Good2B” followed an array of cryptic teases from the band, including a hilarious video posted to social media starring Emmy Award-nominated actor Jake Lacy (The White Lotus, The Office, Girls), who then accompanied the band as they sat courtside at the New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls game at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. Lacy sat between the four members of Goose, each of whom wore bright yellow hoodies spelling out “FACE” – a key lyrical component of their fan favorite song, “Big Modern!” The teaser video and MSG appearance capped off two weeks of speculation inspired by guerrilla marketing in major US cities featuring the words “BIG MODERN!” along with a BIGMODERN.com website displaying Morse code for mysterious phrases and interactive messaging based on Goose fans’ thoughts across social media.
“As I see it, all these ideas we’ve been playing with are an absurdist reflection of the confusion of existing in today’s world,” Goose singer-guitarist Rick Mitarotonda told Rolling Stone. “Over-stated guerrilla marketing campaign with zero context or direct connection to anything, video of a five-minute rant from an unhinged executive, showing up at an NBA game in ridiculous sweatsuits…The album is a dispatch from interesting times, without judgment or superiority. We’re all in it the same – the exhilarating, disorienting experience of constantly being so ‘connected’. The overstimulating, high-resolution world of content streaming directly into your brain, in real time, all the time. Synthetic, prepackaged human emotion on demand for your entertainment. The nightly doomscroll bliss. The relentless worship of the projection of an image of self to the world. Identity as a brand. Your FACE… on your FACE. Somehow, more becomes less. Something is lost, but we’re not totally sure what it is. It’s awesome, and it’s terrifying.”
Goose will continue introducing the world of BIG MODERN! to fans around the globe on an epic 2026 tour schedule, as they continue on their Europe and United Kingdom tour this week. Highlights of the tour thus far included sold-out two-night stands at London’s Electric Brixton (May 22nd & 23rd) and Amsterdam, NL’s Melkweg (May 27th & 28th). Coming up next is a headline show at Paris, FR’s historic Élysée-Montmartre (June 1st), and a top-billed festival performance at Aarhus, DK’s NorthSide 2026 (June 5th).
From there, Goose return to North America for their annual summer headline tour, this year featuring some of the most ambitious routing of their career thus far, reinforcing the band’s steady ascent into premier venues across the continent. 2026 Summer Tour dates begin June 13 at Toronto, ON’s RBC Amphitheatre and then continue through late August. Highlights include a two-night return to New York City’s Madison Square Garden (June 19th & 20th), along with two-night stands at Virginia Beach, VA’s The Dome (June 15th & 16th), Charleston, SC’s Firefly Distillery (June 23rd & 24th), Raleigh, NC’s Red Hat Amphitheater (June 26th & 27th), Boston, MA’s sold-out Leader Bank Pavilion (June 30th & July 1st), Saratoga Springs, NY’s SPAC (July 3rd & 4th), Bend, OR’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater (August 21st & 22nd), and Morrison, CO’s sold-out Red Rocks Amphitheatre (August 27th & 28th), as well as one-night-only shows at such famed venues as Columbia, MD’s Merriweather Post Pavilion (June 28th) and Los Angeles, CA’s The Greek Theatre (August 14th). Select dates will see Goose joined by a diverse lineup of special guests, including Julian Lage (June 13th), The Disco Biscuits (July 3rd), moe. (July 4th), Greensky Bluegrass (August 19th-21st), Buffalo Traffic Jam (August 22nd), and Theoretical Blonde (August 29th).
In addition, the seemingly indefatigable Goose – who earlier this year visited San José del Cabo, Mexico for the second edition of their Viva El Gonzo destination festival experience – will head south of the border once again in early 2027 for two top-billed sets at Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds: 10 Years on the Beach, set for January 20-23, 2027 at Riviera Maya, MX’s famed Moon Palace.
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for “Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America.” In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size from both Pollstar and VenuesNow. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been named the “World’s Best Casino Venue,” by Hartford Magazine, and is an eight-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and one from G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit the Mohegan Sun website. Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards in 2026. For this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is available in three convenient garages.
Recent Jackpots Highlight the Thrill and variety of Progressive Side Bets at Mohegan Sun
UNCASVILLE, CT (June 4, 2026) – In an incredible one-week span in May, two lucky guests at Mohegan Sun each struck table gamejackpots exceeding $450,000. Both jackpots were won by players taking advantage of side bets – one on a Blackjack game through the Super 4 Progressive side bet and the other on a Four Card Poker game where the Mega Jackpot was struck from a side bet.
The first of the two jackpots came on Sunday, May 10th, on a Blackjack table in Casino of the Sky when a visitor won $458,952 landing a 4-card royal flush while having $5 on the Super 4 Progressive side bet. Just one week later, on Sunday, May 17th, in Casino of the Earth, another lucky guest followed suit with a $481,892 jackpot after placing a side bet in a Four Card Poker game and landing a royal flush in hearts. These payouts were the two largest table game jackpot wins for the month of May, totaling $940,844 combined. Across Mohegan Sun’s 300+ table games, various side bet action is possible – though always optional.
“These big wins in May at the Blackjack table as well as Four Card Poker spotlight the excitement guests can experience every day at Mohegan Sun,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “We’re home to such a wide array of progressive offerings throughout our casinos, both on slots and table games, and love seeing these moments where a simple side bet can turn into life-changing wins for guests.”
Super 4 Progressive Blackjack
The Super 4 Progressive side bet option on Blackjack allows players to combine their cards with the dealer to form four-card poker hands. The top payouts are awarded for rare top-tier hands like a 4-card royal flush or 4-card straight flush. A required $5 side bet is needed for players looking to land these high hands, and thus taking home progressive jackpot wins that can range from hundreds to well over $1 million at Mohegan Sun. An additional side bet option on Blackjack at Mohegan Sun include “Lucky Ladies,” where players can score1,000-to-1 odds by getting two queen of hearts while the dealer flips over blackjack.
Beyond Blackjack, Mohegan Sun offers a wide range of progressive jackpot opportunities on table games throughout Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky. Guests can play their hand on favorites like Fortune Pai Gow Progressive, Caribbean Stud, Texas Hold’em Bonus, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud and Four Card Poker—each featuring linked progressive meters that build toward Major and Mega payouts. The Four Card Poker jackpot that awarded a lucky guest $481,892 on May 17th was won by placing a $5 side bet and hitting on the highest tier outcome in the game, the royal flush Mega Jackpot. Four Card Poker uses a standard 52-card deck and allows a player to wager against the dealer, to wager only on the value of his own hand against a pay table, or to wager both against the dealer and on the value of his own hand.
Mohegan Sun is also home to the massive Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook in Casino of the Earth and the 33-table Mohegan Sun Poker Room! To explore the full range of gaming options and learn more about progressive jackpots, visit mohegansun.com/playing
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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
