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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David “Big Papi” Ortiz to host Special Event as part of Mohegan Sun’s 22nd Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest

David “Big Papi” Ortiz to host Special Event as part of Mohegan Sun’s 22nd Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest

The Boston legend will host “Toast with the Host” inside novelle at Mohegan Sun, on Friday January 23rd; Celebrity Chef After Party and Brunch in the Shed also added to Sun Wine Food Fest 2026

UNCASVILLE, CT (November 10, 2025) – Mohegan Sun is excited to announce three new events have been added to the 22nd Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest lineup! For the first time, world-champion David Ortiz will host his very own Sun Wine & Food Festival event when Toast with the Host featuring Big Papi arrives on the night of Friday, January 23rd – celebrating Ozama Rum and mingling with fans! Following a full slate of world-class events on Saturday, January 24th, a special Celebrity Chef After Party will start at 10:30pm that evening! And finally, Brunch In The Shed will take place from 10:00am -2:00pm to close out an incredible weekend of food & wine. Exclusive Sun Wine & Food Festival events like the Celebrity Chef Dine Around, Suntory Global Spirits Presents: Asian Market and Sun Patio Ice Bar Experience and many more are already on-sale via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.

From 8:00pm – 9:30pm on Friday, January 23rd, guests are invited to raise a glass in style at novelle, as Mohegan Sun presents Toast with the Host Featuring David “Big Papi” Ortiz. Baseball legend and founder of Ozama Rum, David “Big Papi” Ortiz, invites guests to begin their night with a pour and watch it unfold into something unforgettable. At this exclusive event, guests will step into a sleek, lounge-like setting, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, experience an exceptional tasting of Ozama Rum, and connect with the personality behind the pour, David Ortiz.

On Saturday, January 24th, guests can head to Avalon Nightclub and wrap up the night in unforgettable style at the Celebrity Chef After Party. From 10:30pm – 2:00am, DJ James Kennedy will have guests dancing all night long while they sip on delicious cocktails featuring Patrón! With signature cocktails flowing and the energy rising, guests can expect a vibrant mix of music, mixology, and moments they won’t find anywhere else.

On Sunday, January 25th, guests can kick off day four of Sun Wine & Food Fest 2026 with the best kind of indulgence – Brunch In The Shed, where every dish is made from scratch, the vibes are impeccable, and the mimosas keep flowing. From 10:00am – 2:00pm, The Shed Restaurant will be featuring favorites like flaky Buttermilk Biscuits with house-made berry jam, the signature Shegg Sandwich loaded with bacon, cheddar and onion jam, and the famous crispy Chicken & Waffles drizzled with spicy habanero honey. Each ticket includes one appetizer, one entrée, and two beverages from The Shed’s special Sun Wine & Food Fest menu, featuring hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, wines, and mocktails. 

For the full list of Sun Wine & Food Fest events, visit the Mohegan Sun website.

Media coverage opportunities at Sun Wine & Food Fest are available. For more information, please contact Senior PR Specialist Jack Graham at [email protected].

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.

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Matunuck Oyster Bar Added to Savor New England Lineup

Matunuck Oyster Bar Added to Savor New England Lineup

Inaugural festival to take place on the Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, June 7th

WHAT: Mohegan Sun is excited announce that Matunuck Oyster Bar, one of USA Today’s best places to eat in the United States, has been added as a vendor at Mohegan Sun’s inaugural Savor New England on Saturday, June 7th!

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, June 7th

2:00pm – 6:00pm

Sun Patio

IN DETAIL: Matunuck Oyster Bar, the renowned seafood restaurant in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, is slated to be a vendor at Mohegan Sun’s brand-new festival, Savor New England! From 2:00pm – 6:00pm, guests can enjoy all of their Matunuck Oyster Bar favorites along with other fresh, seafood flavors and local bites from well-known New England restaurants. Guests can also taste and vote for their favorite at the clam chowder competition, enjoy $5 samples of delectable dishes, and explore special offerings from regional vendors. Additionally, attendees can unwind to live performances by Will Evans and Jazz band, Roomful of Blues. Whether guests are sampling local fare or soaking up the electrifying Sun Patio atmosphere, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via ticketmaster.com or the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. Ticket includes event entry only. Food and beverage options will be available at event for purchase.

Guests looking to elevate their experience at Savor New England can do so with Sip & Savor, an upgraded ticket that offers unlimited samples from local breweries and wineries from 4:00pm – 6:00pm plus entry to the Savor New England event. While Savor New England is open to guests of all ages, guests must be 21 years of age or older to access Sip & Savor.

For inquires, please contact Jack Graham at [email protected].

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

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Opa! Mohegan Sun Introduces Taste of the Mediterranean

Opa! Mohegan Sun Introduces Taste of the Mediterranean

A brand-new festival set to Feature Coastal Cuisine, Entertainment, Cultural flair, and more arrives on the Sun Patio this August

UNCASVILLE, CT (May 29, 2025) – Mohegan Sun is excited to announce  another brand-new festival, Taste of the Mediterranean, slated for the revamped Sun Patio on Saturday, August 23rd! From 2:00pm – 6:00pm, guests can let the flavors of the Mediterranean transport them – no plane ticket required. From artisan charcuterie spreads to hand-filled cannoli, Taste of the Mediterranean at Mohegan Sun brings together regional favorites for a one-day celebration of coastal cuisine, entertainment, and cultural flair. Additionally, attendees can take in the sights and sounds of the Med with a live DJ and dance performances celebrating the cultural traditions of the coast.

Tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased via ticketmaster.com or the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. Ticket includes event entry only. Food and beverage options will be available at the event for purchase. Taste of the Mediterranean is open to all ages.

At Taste of the Mediterranean, guests can stroll through a vibrant open-air culinary experience, where local restaurants and vendors offer authentic signature bites and $5 tapas alongside full-size options, sip craft cocktails from the Sun Patio Bar while discovering new favorites as they vote for the best bite in the People’s Choice competition, and indulge in the “Charcuterie Corner”, where they’ll be able to fill their own charcuterie cup with cured meats, cheeses, and Mediterranean accompaniments. Additionally, Taste of the Mediterranean guests are invited to “Shoot Your Shot” with Mohegan Sun Online Casino for some great prizes, including up to $500 cash! To play, download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app and place a $10 wager on any game for three chances to land a lemon into an oversized shot glass and win up to $250 cash or “Shoot Your Shot” from a longer distance for up to $500 cash. Guests should also keep an eye out for Mohegan Sun Online Casino’s Strolling Cannoli Maker where they’ll be able to enjoy a free hand-filled cannoli!

Guests looking to elevate their evening can purchase the 21+ VIP Add-On Experience which includes a welcome glass of champagne, unlimited drink samples from select brands, one voucher for a hand-crafted charcuterie cup, and a swag bag with gifts from featured sponsors all in the comfort of a relaxed lounge area designed for VIP guests.

For additional information on Taste of the Mediterranean, 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.

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Savor New England Coming to Mohegan Sun This June

Savor New England Coming to Mohegan Sun This June

Inaugural festival to feature delicious seafood, refreshing drinks, can’t-miss live entertainment, and more on the Sun Patio

UNCASVILLE, CT (March 27, 2025) – Mohegan Sun is gearing up for a brand-new festival, Savor New England, taking over the Sun Patio on Saturday, June 7th! From 2:00pm – 6:00pm, guests can savor fresh, seafood flavors and other local bites from well-known New England restaurants, taste and vote for their favorite at the clam chowder competition, enjoy $5 samples of delectable dishes, and explore special offerings from regional vendors. Additionally, attendees can unwind to live performances by Will Evans and Jazz band, Roomful of Blues. Whether guests are sampling local fare or soaking up the electrifying Sun Patio atmosphere, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via ticketmaster.com or the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability. Ticket includes event entry only. Food and beverage options will be available at event for purchase.

“We’re really excited for the first-ever Savor New England festival at Mohegan Sun as it builds on an already robust lineup of signature festivals on the Sun Patio and throughout our amazing property,” said Lauren Willard, Director of Special Events at Mohegan Sun. “We wanted to create an event and outdoor atmosphere that showcases the best of New England and thought there was no better way to do so than by bringing delicious regional seafood vendors together in one location.”

Guests looking to elevate their experience at Savor New England can do so with Sip & Savor, an upgraded ticket that offers unlimited samples from local breweries and wineries from 4:00pm – 6:00pm plus entry to the Savor New England event. While Savor New England is open to guests of all ages, guests must be 21 years of age or older to access Sip & Savor.

Roomful of Blues, the world-renowned, horn-powered, house rocking blues band, that has been delighting audiences for over 55 years is set to take the Sun Patio stage from 2:00pm – 3:30pm. On record and on stage, Roomful of Blues—led by master guitarist Chris Vachon for the past 25 years—continues to deliver its bone-shaking mix of original songs and carefully chosen covers ranging from jump, swing and proto rock ‘n’ roll to funky, contemporary blues. Performing from 4:00pm 6:00pm is the Rhode Island-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Will Evans. Through quotable folk-inspired lyrics, breezy grooves, and roots energy, it’s as if he’s giving you permission to be that pure self you can’t always be at work or even at home. He puts his words into action via his “Kind Folk” fan community, activating small acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill in tandem with performances nationwide.

For additional information on Savor New England, 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.

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