The Chocolate Expo Brings the Magic of Willy Wonka to Mohegan Sun 

The Chocolate Expo Brings the Magic of Willy Wonka to Mohegan Sun 

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 The Crafty 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: 

TheChocolateExpo.com 

About The Chocolate Expo 

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. 

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The Chocolate Expo to Celebrate Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’s 55th Anniversary at Mohegan Sun

The Chocolate Expo to Celebrate Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’s 55th Anniversary at Mohegan Sun

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.

More details are also available at mohegansun.com

Associated press imagery is also available HERE.

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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

Media Contact: Marvin Baum / (845) 358-8213

Alt Contact: Barbara Cohen / (845) 709-0975

Email: [email protected]

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