Celebration of Iconic Movie’s 55th Anniversary to Feature Original Cast Members, 165+ Vendor Booths, International Chocolatiers, Interactive Experiences & Thousands of Chocolate Lovers
UNCASVILLE, CT (May 19, 2026) – The Chocolate Expo, one of America’s largest chocolate festivals, will make its debut at Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo Center for a two-day celebration of all things chocolate and all things Wonka, featuring stars of the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. The event will take place Saturday, May 30th, and Sunday, May 31st, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with VIP early admission beginning at 9:00am.
The Chocolate Lover’s Dream Becomes an International Showcase
The Chocolate Expo will feature tastings & sales from 165+ vendor booths, highlighting an extraordinary selection of artisan chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, and other gourmet creations. With participating vendors from across the U.S., plus Canada, Switzerland, France, Germany, Sweden, Lebanon, and Ecuador, this truly international culinary experience has something for everyone.
Guests 21+ can enjoy specially curated chocolate cocktails and drink offerings at Mohegan Sun’s “Chocolate Bar,” along with chocolate‑inspired desserts and drinks available at select restaurants throughout the property. Highlights include chocolate cannoli and cookies at Todd English’s Tuscany, a decadent chocolate cake and chocolate peanut butter martini at dinner, a chocolate flourless fudge torte and mint chocolate martini at novelle, and a rich chocolate fudge cupcake from TheCrafty Stir Café. Together, these offerings create an all‑around experience no chocolate lover will want to miss.
Celebrity Guests & Wonka Magic
Stars from the iconic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory appearing at The Chocolate Expo include:
• Peter Ostrum – “Charlie Bucket” • Julie Dawn Cole – “Veruca Salt” • Paris Themmen – “Mike Teevee” • Oompa Loompa Rusty Goffe
A Panel Discussion followed by audience Q&A with the stars will take place each day at 1:00pm and is included with admission. In addition, the actors will be available throughout the day to sign autographs and take selfies with fans for an additional fee set by the actors (see website for details). VIP ticket holders will have first access for autographs and selfies beginning at 9:00am and will receive a VIP souvenir lanyard upon entry.
An Immersive, Interactive Experience for All Ages
Adding to the magic of the weekend, guests can explore an immersive Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory-inspired balloon sculpture display, featuring iconic scenes brought to life by renowned balloon artist Robbie Furman. The Kidz Zone will delight younger visitors with face painters and balloon artists, with a special balloon‑popping finale at 5:00pm on Sunday.
Chocolate-themed presentations will take place throughout the event, offering interactive fun for all ages. Guests are also encouraged to join in the theme by dressing in Wonka-inspired costumes, with daily costume contests held at Noon and 3:00pm for prizes and bragging rights.
Tickets & Event Information
VIP, General Admission, and Late-Day Special tickets are available online at:
The Chocolate Expo is a Baum Image Group event. Prior productions include The Official Woodstock 35th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 under license from Woodstock Ventures, creators of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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.
Celebrity Interview Opportunities
A very limited number of advance interviews with the cast of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory are available. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Additional IGT titles like Super Cash Link Bon Voyage™ also recently debuted at Mohegan Sun
UNCASVILLE, CT (May 7, 2026) – Mohegan Sun is thrilled to bring new slot games to Casino of the Sky highlighted by IGT Wheel of Fortune Cash On Reels™ Slots. To celebrate the arrival of this popular new title that came out earlier this year, Mohegan Sun will host a special launch event on May 28th, starting at 1:00pm. The first 200 Momentum members who register at the Arena Club on Thursday, May 28th, will be able to cash in on five complimentary spins on the new games in Casino of the Sky.
“The iconic IGT Wheel of Fortune Slots is still spinning out hits, especially with the new Cash on Reels title, offering Mohegan Sun guests the chance to hit grand progressive jackpots, and plenty more,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “The launch event on May 28th is a great way to celebrate the occasion, providing guests with a chance to win big for free.”
“The coast-to-coast rollout of IGT Wheel of Fortune Cash on Reels™ Slots is a pillar of our Wheel of Fortune Slots 30th anniversary celebration, and we are thrilled that Mohegan Sun commemorating the game’s arrival with a free slot play promotion and lively player event,” said Dan Farnon, IGT SVP Sales, USA. “For three decades, IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Slots has set the industry standard for licensed slots innovation and earned a reputation as the go-to theme for massive jackpots.”
IGT Wheel of Fortune Cash on Reels™ Slots delivers fast thrills through its dynamic Cash on Reels™ mechanic. If gong symbols land next to each other, guests immediately win the values shown on the screen, making it a true “what you see is what you get” game. Post‑spin arrows can also boost values even further, keeping the base game highly active and accessible for both casual and seasoned players. Iconic Wheel of Fortune symbols trigger the signature wheel, spinning simultaneously on the topper and main screen, awarding credit prizes, major and grand progressive jackpots, or Boost wedges that enhance Cash on Reels™ with arrows and multipliers.
The game features two unique bonuses: the Rise Bonus – an 8×5 reel set that spins up connected coins to reveal credits, boost arrows, and wheel spins – and the Respin Bonus, a 3×5 lock-and-respin style bonus, also known as a hold & spin bonus. Within the Respin Bonus, players get three spins to add more coins to the screen, also revealing credits, boost arrows, and wheel spins. These two bonuses can combine into one super bonus, the Rise-and-Respin Bonus, where players can experience both bonus features together for incredible wins.
Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky also recently added other popular IGT games, and they include: Eternal Link™ Warriors Empire; Eternal Link™ Princess Empire; Coyote Moon Desert Nights™; Wheel of Fortune Super Cash Link™ Bon Voyage; Wheel of Fortune Super Cash Link™ Lucky in London; Wheel of Fortune 2X Wild Deluxe™; Stink Link Hawaii™ and Stink Link Wild West™.
Mohegan Sun’s award-winning Momentum loyalty rewards program is free to sign up for guests 21+ and allows for Momentum Dollars and perks to be earned every time members play with their card, including online! Join today at one of Mohegan Sun’s Player’s Club booths or Momentum enrollment kiosks throughout the resort.
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.
Mohegan Sun is set to host a vibrant Pride Weekend, inviting guests to celebrate community, bold expression and lively entertainment. A two-day celebration is in store, where guests can enjoy a series of exciting events, live performances, and social gatherings – including the return of Pride on the Sun Patio on Saturday, June 6th, featuring music by Sister Funk, drag entertainment and bites from the food trucks Reel Catch and Hungry Lion. For full details on the weekend’s lineup please visit mohegansun.com/pride
“Our free, all-ages and always electric Pride on the Sun Patio is home to a special drag showcase and sensational live music by way of Mohegan Sun’s Locals Live 2025 winners, Sister Funk. it’s all complemented with delicious food and a good time for all.” said Kim Noto, CMO of Mohegan Sun “We can’t wait to celebrate Pride Weekend this June across Mohegan Sun.
Taking place from 2:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, June 6th, Pride on the Sun Patio is an annual outdoor celebration featuring food trucks, local vendors, drink specials at the Sun Patio Bar and much more.
The full schedule for Pride on the Sun Patio includes drag performances beginning at 2:30pm, hosted by Mia E. Z’Lay and featuring talented entertainers Ambrosia Black, Dom Parinyon, Enigma Jones, Midnight, and Felicity V. Lay. Then, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Sister Funk, takes the stage. This all-female band won Mohegan Sun’s 2025 Locals Live competition in the Wolf Den, and they’re known for playing hits across pop and alternative rock.
A Weekend of Celebrations
Beyond the Sun Patio, Mohegan Sun will host several additional events across its venues, ensuring a full weekend of Pride celebrations:
Summer Orlando’s Drag Bingo: Friday, June 5th, at 10:00pm at Comix Roadhouse. A fun-filled evening of Pride-inspired bingo is planned at Comix Roadhouse, with more details available HERE.
Lipstick, Lashes & Lies: Saturday, June 6th, at 10:00pm at Comix Roadhouse. Mia E. Z’Lay will present a variety drag show with a rotating cast, offering comedic sets, live singers, celebrity impersonations, dancing, and audience participation.
Pride @ Night: Saturday, June 6th, from 9:00pm to 2:00am at Avalon Nightclub. Guests cankeep the party going with beats by DJ Castaneda’s all inside one of the most legendary nightclub scenes in the northeast. Also, guests who show their Pride on the Sun Patio wristband will receive free cover charge to Pride @ Night inside Avalon Nightclub. More info HERE.
Mohegan Sun’s Pride Weekend, taking place Friday, June 5th, and Saturday, June 6th, across Comix Roadhouse, the Sun Patio, and Avalon Nightclub, is an invitation for guests to come together, celebrate and socialize. The WNBA’s Connecticut Sun will also host their Pride Night on Friday, June 26th where inclusion, community and the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community take center stage. The Connecticut Sun take on the Washington Mystics at 7:30pm. The evening will include the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus performing the national anthem. Special moments of recognition and high-energy fan experiences are planned. For tickets, visit sun.wnba.com/tickets
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.
WHAT: Mohegan Sun is thrilled to again welcome one of the most influential casino gaming content creators in the world, Brian Christopher, for a special Meet & Greet event inside novelle.
WHEN/WHERE: Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 7:00pm | novelle at Mohegan Sun
IN DETAIL: Tickets are $10 for this 21+ event, and are available HERE by way of Ticketspice.com.
As one of the earliest casino streamers, Brian Christopher, has helped redefine slot play entertainment through his popular digital platforms, amassing more than 2 million followers across social media. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Christopher in person, enjoy photo opps, and engage with the superstar Influencer inside novelle — Mohegan Sun’s ultimate lounge experience that blends gaming, perfectly crafted cocktails, delicious shareable plates and more all in an upscale nightlife setting. Whether guests might be meeting Brian Christopher’s for the first time, or might be longtime fans and followers of the BCSlots community, guests can expect an engaging evening with one of the industry’s most celebrated personalities.
For more details on the Brian Christopher Meet & Greet at Mohegan Sun, please visit: mohegansun.com or click HERE.
Mohegan Sun, home to two unique casinos, is home to nearly 4,000 slot machines and the most Dragon Link games in Connecticut. Guests 21+ can regularly unlock exclusive rewards with Momentum, Mohegan Sun’s award-winning loyalty program. Earlier this year, Mohegan Sun also became the first casino entertainment destination in the country to debut the all-new Spooky Link Grand™ slot games by Aristocrat Gaming. Major jackpots recently won at Mohegan Sun also include $140,039 won on April 13th, $317,364 won on March 28th and two winners of $1.7 million earlier in the year!
Celebrated chef to lead Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on May 21st in Celebration of National Burger Month as Refreshed Concept Debuts Updated Design, Menu and Service Model
Mohegan Sun will officially unveil its all new Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay with a special re-opening event and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by renowned chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay on Thursday, May 21st at 1:00pm in celebration of National Burger Month. The restaurant has already begun welcoming guests today as part of a soft opening.
Flay will be joined by Mohegan Sun President & General Manager Jeff Hamilton and Mohegan Tribal Officials to commemorate the next chapter of Bobby’s Burgers, which introduces an updated design, streamlined service model and refreshed guest experience. Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to sample the updated menu and enjoy a limited giveaway, available while supplies last.
“This refreshed Bobby’s Burgers concept reflects everything I love about great dining: bold flavors, high-quality ingredients and an experience that’s both approachable and exciting,” said Bobby Flay. “Mohegan Sun has been an incredible partner, and I’m excited to celebrate this next evolution together.”
The newly redesigned Bobby’s Burgers at Mohegan Sun is one of the brand’s largest locations in the United States and one of the only restaurants to feature an adjacent full-service bar, which has also been updated as part of the renovation. The space showcases enhanced design elements consistent with the brand’s presence in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and many more locations, while introducing a more efficient counter-service model that allows for faster ordering and pickup.
The menu highlights Flay’s signature approach to classic American fare, featuring favorites like the Crunchburger®, the Bobby Blue + Bacon Burger and the Palace Classic Burger, alongside a rotating selection of limited-time burgers and shakes. Each burger is made with Certified Angus Beef™, grilled medium or well done, and served on a brioche bun, with options for grilled chicken or a vegetarian patty available across the menu.
As part of the re-opening celebration, Flay will step behind the counter to work alongside his kitchen team, preparing orders and engaging directly with guests.
Chef Bobby Flay has spent decades shaping some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants and culinary concepts. The first chef to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Flay is a 16-time cookbook author and five-time Daytime Emmy Award winner. Bobby’s Burgers represents a natural extension of his culinary philosophy, bringing bold, accessible flavors to a fast-casual format.
Standard hours at the new Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay at Mohegan Sun are:
Sunday: 8:00am – Midnight
Monday – Thursday: 11:00am – Midnight
Friday: 11:00am – 3:00am
Saturday: 8:00am – 3:00am
Breakfast hours are Saturday and Sundays: 8:00am – Noon
For more information, visit mohegansun.com. To view the full menu, visit mohegansun.com or click HERE
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, 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, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
Mohegan is excited to announce the appointment of Joe Soper as VP of Sports & Entertainment, where he will oversee strategy and programming for Mohegan Sun’s entertainment as well working collaboratively across Mohegan’s overall portfolio, which includes Mohegan Pennsylvania in Northeast Pennsylvania as well as Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara In Niagara Falls, Ontario, CA. Mohegan Sun is home to more than 120 concerts and sporting events annually inside the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena alone, which just recently announced two special 25th Anniversary shows with the legendary rock band, Metallica.
Joe Soper returns to Mohegan following his service on the Mohegan Tribal Council, where he has held the role of Corresponding Secretary since 2019. In this role, Soper was responsible for all correspondence issued by The Tribal Council, and for communicating all appropriate information from the Council to members of the Mohegan Tribe. Prior to his years on the Mohegan Tribal Council, Soper built a 15-year career at Mohegan Sun, first as a Senior Financial Analyst followed by serving as Director of Sports & Entertainment. In his leadership role as Director, Soper was a key asset in helping to grow Mohegan Sun Arena into one of the world’s busiest and most decorated live entertainment venues in the world, while also supporting booking, programming and development initiatives across Mohegan’s broader portfolio.
“Joe Soper is a proven leader with invaluable insight and expertise not only as it applies to Mohegan Sun’s Sports & Entertainment, but as it applies throughout our entire enterprise and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to lead one of the most dynamic areas of our business,” -said David Martinelli, CMO of Mohegan. “His dedication and experience will prove integral to the continued momentum in elevating the future of live entertainment at Mohegan Sun.”
As VP of Sports & Entertainment, Soper will not only oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day programming of Mohegan Sun’s robust entertainment but will also play a key role in cultivating and strengthening high-impact industry partnerships. This includes working closely with leading promoters like Live Nation, top music agencies such as CAA and WME, as well as major sports and entertainment organizations including WWE, to attract premier talent, secure first-to-market performances, and continue elevating Mohegan Sun’s position as a top-tier destination for live entertainment.
Soper attended Western New England University and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance.
ABOUT MOHEGAN
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.
