Actors Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) & Oompa Loompa Rusty Goffe to Headline this Sweet Event!
The Chocolate Expo, one of America’s largest chocolate festivals, makes its debut at Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo Center for a two-day celebration of all things chocolate and all things “Wonka” with the stars of that classic 1971 movie on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 10:00am – 6:00pm, with VIP Early Entry beginning at 9:00am.
A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
The Chocolate Expo will feature tastings & sales from more than 100 vendors offering an extraordinary array of artisan chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, chocolate-themed craft beverages and a variety of other delicious treats.
Celebrity guests from the iconic Willy Wonka movie include:
• Peter Ostrum – “Charlie Bucket”
• Julie Dawn Cole – “Veruca Salt”
• Rusty Goffe – The Most Recognizable of the Oompa Loompas
A special Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Anniversary Panel Discussion with the stars, followed by audience Q&A, will take place each day at 2:00pm and is included with admission. Additionally, the famous 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 & selfies beginning at 9 AM and will receive a VIP souvenir lanyard upon entry.
Contributing to the Wonka magic of the weekend will be a mind-blowing display of balloon sculptures depicting characters and scenes from the movie by internationally-renown balloon artist Robbie Furman. Fans of the movie are especially welcome to come dressed in Wonka-themed costumes, T-shirts and sweaters to add to the festivities.
Educational showcases and delicious demonstrations will be scheduled throughout the event, adding fun, flavor and interaction. Children of all ages can also take advantage of face painting and balloon twisting activities in The Chocolate Expo’s poplar “Kidz Zone.”
Additional event announcements are expected in Spring 2026. General Admission, VIP and Late-Day Special tickets are available online at TheChocolateExpo.com with prices starting at just $10/person for the Late-Day Special tickets.
Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online in advance due to the expected high demand, as only ticket holders can be guaranteed admission to this event.
ABOUT THE CHOCOLATE EXPO: The Chocolate Expo is a Baum Image Group event. Prior creations include The Official Woodstock35th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 under license from Woodstock Ventures, creators of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
A limited number of advance interviews with the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars– Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole and Rusty Goffe – are available upon request.
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.
The Connecticut International Auto Show comes to the Earth Expo and Convention Center at Mohegan Sun on November 15-16. From the hottest new cars, tricked-out custom rides, sleek EVs, and jaw-dropping classics, this show has it all. See new cars, custom rides, EVs, and classics, talk to experts, and test drive vehicles—all in one hands-on event.
Guests can compare hybrids, plug-in hybrids, EVs, and traditional gas engines to discover what best suits their lifestyle. Attendees can get an up-close look at must-see new model vehicles from Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Ineos Grenadier, Infinity, Jaguar, Kia, Lotus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo. New this year, Ineos Grenadier will join the lineup of featured brands.
“It’s all about choices this year,” said Kelley Blue Book Executive Editor Brian Moody. “Consumers can pick from fast, powerful gas vehicles like the Nissan Armada and Subaru Forester, or explore hybrids that are growing in popularity, including the Kia Carnival, Toyota Camry, and new Jeep Cherokee Hybrid, the brand’s first pure hybrid in North America. The Connecticut Auto Show offers a pressure-free environment to gather information, compare options and test drive vehicles available today.”
Guests can also get behind the wheel and take some of the latest Chevrolet vehicles for a test drive around the center, courtesy of the Chevrolet dealers of Connecticut. The EV Showcase is a great place to check out some of the latest all-electric vehicles from a variety of brands—Cadillac, Chevrolet, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, and more. Also, don’t miss furry friends from Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticutlooking for forever homes in the Subaru Loves Pets display.
Additional special features at the auto show include:
Luxury Vehicle Display – Over-the-top luxury vehicles from Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and more.
401 Jeep Wave – Custom tricked-out off-road vehicles from local enthusiasts.
New England Supercar Club – See a collection of privately owned tricked-out exotics.
Valenti’s Classics — Classic cars from the Valenti family of dealerships private collection.
Enter to Win a New Bike – All attendees are invited to enter to win a n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team ebike on site at the show ($3,250 value), courtesy of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association.
The Connecticut International Auto Show is owned by the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association and produced by Steve Freeman Events. The show will be open to the public Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun. (1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382.) Plenty of free parking is available onsite in the Winger Garage, adjacent to the Expo Center.Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, and $6 for children 6-12. Children 6 and under are admitted free. Purchase tickets here. Members of the military are free with ID. For more information visit ctautoshow.com and follow Facebook.
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.
Audiences will experience this season’s breathless excitement
and glamour up-close, and personal
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 8, 2025) – Dancing with the Stars is hotter than ever – and now it’s hitting the road with a 74-date tour across North America! After a sold-out tour earlier this year, DWTS returns in 2026 with a brand-new live show, including a stop at Mohegan Sun Arena on January 30th and 31st for back-to-back 8:00pm performances.
Tickets go on sale at 10:00am on Friday, October 10th via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Saturday, October 11th, subject to availability. For Friday tickets, click HERE and for Saturday, click HERE.
With more than 35 million votes cast weekly by viewers, Dancing with the Stars: Live! jumps from screen to stage with an all-star cast of professional dancers: Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart and Hailey Bills. Under the direction of Emmy Award- winning choreographer Mandy Moore (La La Land, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour), these fan favorites bring the artistry and athleticism of the ballroom to life in an unforgettable live experience.
The momentum comes at a high point for the franchise: the Season 34 premiere ranked as the #1 most mentioned show on social media across all broadcast and cable and generated more than double the number of audience votes compared to the Season 33 premiere. That passion now extends beyond the ballroom, offering audiences nationwide the rare opportunity to experience the energy, excitement, and star power of Dancing with the Stars live on stage.
“We cannot wait for all the fans of DWTS to come out and enjoy the show we have dreamed up for this year’s tour. These dancers are simply the best in the world at what they do, and we hope that everyone is as thrilled as we are to enjoy this one-of-a kind all-new show that brings the tv show we all love to life LIVE in venues across North America.” – Jared Paul, Faculty Inc
Dancing with the Stars: Live! is produced by Faculty Productions in association with BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions and is promoted by Live Nation and NS2.
Dancing with the Stars airs live Tuesday nights (8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT) on ABC, Disney+ and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
ABOUT FACULTY PRODUCTIONS
Faculty, formed by veteran manager and producer Jared Paul in partnership with Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, produces and creates world-class live branded entertainment and concerts. Faculty is responsible for some of the most successful global touring productions including the Faculty-managed New Kids on the Block recently completed 46-city Magic Summer 2024 Tour, which sold over 500,000 tickets, and the upcoming multi-year Las Vegas Residency: The Right Stuff, set to open in June 2025; and the Big Time Rush 2023 Can’t Get Enough Tour and 2024’s sold-out EU/UK and Australia/Asia Tours. Big Time Rush returned in 2022 after 9 years with sold out shows in the US and Mexico including stops at legendary venues such as Madison Square Garden. In 2022, Faculty produced the first-ever CHEER LIVEtour with stars from the Netflix series, are the long-time producers of the Dancing with the Stars: Live! Tour, and producers of Move Live on Tour (Derek Hough and Julianne Hough), Glee Live! In Concert!, America’s Got Talent Live!, American Idol Live!, and So You Think You Can DanceLive Tour. In 2017, Faculty and Paul created the acclaimed immersive pop-up art exhibit HAPPY PLACE, which started in Los Angeles before moving to locations across the US and Canada and most recently to Sydney, Australia and New Zealand. In 2023-2024, Faculty produced COCOMELON PARTY TIME an all-new, first-of-its-kind, kid-centric event centering on JJ, Cody & friends from the hugely popular children’s program CoComelon, the #2 most subscribed YouTube channel in the world with over 400 million views per month. Party Time has visited 28 cities thus far across the US and Canada entertaining thousands of families.
ABOUT BBC STUDIOS
The main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd, BBC Studios generated revenues in the last year of £1.8 billion and a third consecutive year of profits of over £200 million. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including bbc.com and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programs last year for a wide selection of public service and commercial broadcasters and platforms, both in the UK and across the globe. Its content is internationally recognized across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.
In the U.S, BBC Studios operates both a distribution business and one of its major production units. The production unit, based in Los Angeles, creates and produces adaptations of UK programs, as well as all new original programs, for linear and digital platforms in the U.S. This production unit is responsible for the phenomenally successful, Emmy®-winning Dancing with the Stars, the multi-award-winning Life Below Zero franchise, the popular reboot of the classic quiz show Weakest Link, the US version of the global sensation The 1% Club, the revved up Top Gear America, and the survival competition series Outlast. In scripted, the team has achieved success adapting British hits, including Ghosts, Call Me Kat (based on the UK format Miranda) and Welcome to Flatch (This Country in the UK) for top U.S. broadcast networks.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
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.” Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. 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. 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.
Four weeks, 12 artists, and one grand prize winner will win $5,000 and a headline show in the Wolf Den
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 6, 2025) ––Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications are proud to announce the return of the 11th Annual Locals Live music competition, kicking off Wednesday, November 12th in the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun. Over the course of four weeks, 12 of the region’s most dynamic bands and solo performers will compete for audience votes and a place in the grand finale on December 10th. The competition offers a $5,000 grand prize and a future headlining slot in the Wolf Den joining the likes of Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, and last year’s winner Chaser Eight. An additional $1,000 will be awarded to the runner-up. Locals Live once again shines a spotlight on rising talent and unforgettable live performances. Bands and solo acts interested in taking the stage can submit their entries now starting today, through 11:59pm on Sunday, October 26th via the WCTY website for a chance to be part of this year’s Locals Live lineup.
Admission to attend Locals Live is free. Guests may line up no sooner than three hours before the show. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One guest can hold four spots in line, but seats will only be given to those present at the time of seating. All guests must be 21 or older to enter the Wolf Den.
For the purposes of this competition, talent is defined as musicians, bands, or singer-songwriters only. 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 set up by 5:00pm on date of performance for sound check. All rules subject to change/management interpretation.
For additional information regarding the Wolf Den, visit the Mohegan Sun website.
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.
The artist presale will begin on Tuesday, September 30th at 10:00am. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale kicking off on Friday, October 3rd at 10:00am via Ticketmaster. Rock fans can purchase tickets at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, October 4th.
The SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR has featured the live debut of songs from SKELETÁ, GHOST’s sixth psalm and first to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. Released April 25th via Loma Vista Recordings, SKELETÁ’s #1 debut marked the first time a Hard Rock album topped the US album chart since 2020 — and also saw #1 debuts in the GRAMMY-winning Theatrical Rock outfit’s native Sweden as well as Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Finland. The coming of SKELETÁ was heralded by three singles/videos that trended Top 10 on YouTube, as GHOST garnered #1 spots on TikTok’s #NewMusic, iTunes and Amazon’s Best Sellers. First up was “Satanized”—dubbed a “catchy Goth-Rock epic” by VICE, followed by the “Lachryma”—a fixture on Spotify’s Viral Charts, both globally and in key territories like the US, UK, Germany, and more deemed “economical, vicious, and contemporary, but tinged by ‘80s rhapsody” by PASTE and “phantasmagoric” by REVOLVER, and “Peacefield,” the monolithic anthem opening both the new record and GHOST’s massive 2025 live rituals.
Having sold half a million tickets and counting, the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR continues a North American swing that included GHOST’s historic first-ever sold-out headlining show at New York’s Madison Square Garden on July 22nd. With GHOST and its melodramatic and surreal ritual experience in higher demand than ever, the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2026 will further expand the GRAMMY-winning Swedish Theatrical Rock icons’ community to attract their largest and most diverse audiences to date. From lifelong disciples to the curious uninitiated first-timers to the outcasts and others who find solace in it, all are welcome to escape the travails of daily life and to become one with the enthralling GHOST ritual.
Continuing a tradition that “demonstrated just how simple, and wonderful, a screenless concert can be” (BOSTON GLOBE), SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2026 will be a phone-free experience. Phones will be secured in Yondr pouches. Guests maintain possession of their phones at all times.
GHOST also recently unveiled an enthralling new limited edition version of the chart-topping SKELETÁ, available at Target. This unholy relic is pressed on special Violet Mist vinyl, and housed in a silver-foiled SKELETÁ box that includes an exclusive GHOST T-shirt design, and features a collectible Papa V overlay. Pre-Order now or pick a copy up starting on Halloween.
The use of phones, smart watches, and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space.
Upon arrival at Mohegan Sun Arena, all phones, smart watches, and electronic accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the Arena. All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space.
Anyone seen using a device (phone, smart watch or accessories) during the performance will be escorted out of the venue.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
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.” Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. 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. 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.
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 29, 2025) – On Friday, September 26th, Mohegan Sun honored Adam Sandler as the 43rd inductee into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame, ahead of the second of two consecutive sold-out shows. The award-winning comedian, actor, and producer was presented with the Walk of Fame star by Tom Cantone, President of Sports and Entertainment at Mohegan, and Joe Soper of the Mohegan Tribal Council, during a special ceremony outside the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
“It is a true honor to welcome Adam Sandler into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame,” Cantone said before introducing Sandler amongst an outburst of cheers and applause.
Adam Sandler accepted the award in front of Mohegan Sun Arena where his star will be enshrined among other chart-topping performers such as Taylor Swift, Ringo Starr, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and more.
“I always have a blast performing at Mohegan Sun Arena,” Adam Sandler told the crowd after accepting the award. “As a comedian, stepping into a venue like this truly feels like home. Whenever I see Mohegan Sun on our tour schedule, I know it’s going to be a great couple of days.”
The Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame has honored artists like Matt Rife, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Luke Combs, Shinedown, Ringo Starr, and other long-time, sell-out acts that are enshrined outside of the Mohegan Sun Box Office forecourt. The Walk of Fame award seeks to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the success of Mohegan Sun Arena as the Northeast’s premier entertainment destination. All the inductees into the Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Fame have their name engraved on a plaque that will be permanently placed at the entrance to Mohegan Sun Arena.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
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.” Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. 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. 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.
