Coastal Favorites, Charcuterie Creations and Live Music Highlight This Year’s Outdoor Festival on September 26th
UNCASVILLE, CT (July 21, 2026) – Mohegan Sun invites guests to embark on a flavorful journey during Taste of the Mediterranean, returning to the Sun Patio on Saturday, September 26th from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. Celebrating the vibrant flavors, culinary traditions and lively atmosphere of the Mediterranean region, this all-ages outdoor festival offers something for everyone from delicious food and craft cocktails to live music and interactive experiences. Friends, families and food lovers alike are invited to gather on the Sun Patio for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating one of the world’s most beloved food cultures.
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Admission includes entry to the event, with a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase during the festival.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Guests can explore an array of offerings from local restaurants and specialty vendors serving authentic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Throughout the event, vendors will offer $5 small plates, allowing attendees to sample an assortment of flavorful bites while discovering new favorites. Full-size menu options will also be available for purchase.
From hand-filled cannoli to freshly prepared regional specialties, Taste of the Mediterranean brings together the bold ingredients and welcoming spirit that define Mediterranean dining.
Live Music & Outdoor Entertainment
Adding to the festive atmosphere, guests will enjoy a live performance by Vittorio Di Carlo, along with additional musical entertainment throughout the afternoon. Set against the backdrop of the open-air Sun Patio, the event provides the perfect setting to stroll with a craft cocktail in hand, enjoy great food and soak in the final days of summer.
Charcuterie Corner Returns
A guest favorite, the Charcuterie Corner returns for 2026, giving attendees the opportunity to build and purchase their own custom charcuterie cups filled with cured meats, cheeses and accompaniments.
Elevate the Experience with VIP Access
Guests ages 21 and over can upgrade to the VIP Experience, which includes:
Event admission
Unlimited alcohol samples from select participating brands
One voucher for a handcrafted charcuterie cup
The VIP Experience provides a premium way to enjoy the event while sampling a variety of featured beverages and elevating your Taste of the Mediterranean experience.
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.
Mohegan Sun is set to host the 2nd annual Savor New England, an all ages festival set for Saturday, June 20th at the Sun Patio from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. Savor New England is a celebration of New England tradition featuring coastal inspired bites, live entertainment and a Chowder Competition – where festival goers can cast their votes for a 2026 champ!
Tickets for Savor New England are available for purchase starting 10:00am on Tuesday, April 14th, HERE. Special Savor New England themed hotel packages are also offered at mohegansun.com!
Live performances on the Sun Patio Music Stage at Savor New England will be Juice Box from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and Souls on Fire from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. Connecticut’s premier Top 40 band, Juice Box brings high‑energy crowd favorites, followed by Souls on Fire— a talented 10‑piece Connecticut band delivering iconic ’70s hits from Chicago, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Motown, and beyond.
Sip & Savor
Guests 21+ can elevate their experience with Sip & Savor as part of Savor New England. This exclusive VIP section is designed for those who want to explore more, and unlock unlimited samples from local breweries and wineries like Two Roads Brewing Company and Downeast Cider.
Mohegan Sun’s all-new Reel Catch Food Truck, which debuts soon on the Sun Patio, will also serve as one of the signature food trucks at Savor New England 2026. Reel Catch specializes in fresh, coastal-inspired favorites such as Narragansett Fresh Catch Fish & Chips; fresh Maine hot and cold lobster rolls; lobster corn dogs; lobster grilled chees and classic New England clam chowder. Reel Catch will remain a permanent addition to the Sun Patio throughout the summer, giving guests a new go-to offering for seasonal seafood.
Savor New England Chowder Competition
The Clam Chowder Competition makes its flavorful comeback for Savor NE 2026 —where guests can sample each contender’s signature recipe and cast your vote for this year’s champion. Local vendors often have unique twists on their offering and Mohegan Sun’s Reel Catch Food Truck will be competing!
Savor New England is supported by numerous partners, including Patrón, Jim Beam, Sun Cruiser, Drive Sober, Mini Melts Ice Cream, Downeast Cider, High Noon, Modelo, and Two Roads Brewing.
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.
Mohegan Sun’s All-New Reel Catch Food Truck Also Debuts
Summer once again starts early at Mohegan Sun as on Saturday, May 30th, the annual Summer Kick-Off event returns to the Sun Patio with live music, family-friendly fun and the official debut of Reel Catch, Mohegan Sun’s all-new seafood food truck. For this year’s festival, the first 250 guests will also receive a complimentary Six Flags ticket, courtesy of Coca-Cola, while the first 100 guests 21+ will also enjoy a free cocktail at the Sun Patio Bar.
The Summer Kick-Off at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio is free and scheduled for Saturday, May 30th, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The Summer Kick-off at Mohegan Sun welcomes all ages to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine, food, and music. Live entertainment will be provided by Rhode Island’s Madhatter Band.
Reel Catch Food Truck by Mohegan Sun
New to the annual Summer Kick-Off is the debut of Reel Catch, Mohegan Sun’s new seafood food truck, serving up fresh, coastal-inspired favorites. The menu highlights include Narragansett Fresh Catch Fish & Chips; fresh Maine hot and cold lobster rolls; lobster corn dogs; lobster grilled cheese; and classic New England clam chowder. Reel Catch will remain a permanent addition to the Sun Patio throughout the summer, giving guests a new go-to destination for seasonal seafood.
The event will also feature a lineup of other food trucks, ensuring a diverse range of options for attendees:
Yummy Wagon: Providing a selection of popular dishes.
Rubino’s Full Scoop: Serving frozen treats and desserts.
Guests can also take advantage of promotions during the annual Summer Kick-Off on the Sun Patio. The first 250 guests will receive a complimentary ticket to any Six Flags Parks location, courtesy of Coca-Cola (limit one per person). Additionally, the first 100 guests 21+ at the Sun Patio Bar will enjoy a complimentary cocktail, courtesy of Red Bull (Limit one per person). Seating by the fire pits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, enhancing the outdoor party experience.
Located near Casino of the Earth, the Sun Patio is a large open air space, equipped with a new state-of-the-art music stage, allowing guests to soak in the warmer weather. Sun Patio Bar will officially open at the Summer Kick-off event and then standard hours are Fridays from 3:00pm – midnight, Saturdays from Noon – midnight and on Sunday, Noon – 8:00pm. Sundays throughout summer at the Sun Patio Bar are also set to feature live acoustic music. Private events are also possible on the Sun Patio, and more information can be found by inquiring to: [email protected]
In addition to Summer Kick-off, Mohegan Sun guests can also enjoy phenomenal tribute acts throughout the summer every Friday evening beginning June 19th as part of the Party on the Sun Patio series. The annual Sun Tequila Tasting is also slated for Friday, May 8th starting at 8:00pm on the Sun Patio. For more information, visit mohegansun.com/sunpatio.
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.
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.
