Derek Hough Announces 2026 Symphony of Dance: Encore Dates

Derek Hough Announces 2026 Symphony of Dance: Encore Dates

Live from Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, July 26th

UNCASVILLE, CT (November 11, 2025) – Following the sold-out successes of Derek Hough Symphony of Dance, Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays, and Derek Hough Live: The Tour, Derek Hough returns to Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, July 26th with an innovative and exciting dance experience for 2026 – Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore. The show is set to begin at 7:00pm, promising an unforgettable evening of dance and artistry.

From the EMMY® award winning mind of Derek Hough, the live dance show features new high-energy choreography, stunning stage production, astounding versatility and, as always, Derek’s unrivaled stage presence.  Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music, as Derek explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop and everything in between.  Creative team and two-time EMMY® winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez’s ‘All I Have’ Residency; Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour; GRAMMYs® creative direction), will co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.

Presales start Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 10:00am local time with general on sale for the July Mohegan Sun date beginning Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 10:00am via Ticketmaster. Tickets will be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office on Saturday, November 15th. VIP packages will be available HERE, giving fans the chance to purchase premium tickets, including pre-show parties and meet and greet opportunities with Derek.

Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore is produced by Greg Young of Mojave Ghost, a Tony Award & Drama Desk-Award nominated producer. He’s produced award-winning Broadway shows (Bob Fosse’s Dancin’, The Illusionists, Little Women, Wait Until Dark), Las Vegas Residencies (Derek Hough No-Limit! Residency, Donny Osmond Residency).

ABOUT DEREK HOUGH

Emmy Award winning, New York Times Best-Selling author and host of the long-running entertainment news program Extra, Derek Hough started dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City, UT, at age 11. As a four-time Emmy Award winner and 13-time nominee, Hough is the most nominated choreographer in Television Academy history.  Hough has also appeared in film, television and stage projects as an actor.  He made his feature film debut in Make Your Move. On TV he starred alongside Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande and Martin Short in NBC’s Hairspray Live and appeared on the ABC series Nashville.  His stage performances include Radio City Music Hall’s Spring Spectacular co-starring alongside the Tony Award winning Laura Benanti and the critically acclaimed West End production of Footloose. In 2020, Hough joined the hit ABC series Dancing with the Stars as part of the judging panel having previously performed on the show as a pro-dancer and six-time champion.  In addition, Hough starred with Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo at the judges table for the NBC series World of Dance for four seasons.  His memoir Taking the Lead; Lessons from a Life in Motion hit stands in August of 2014 and rapidly was named to the prestigious New York Times Best-Seller list during two non-consecutive time periods, a rare feat.  In 2021, Hough launched his solo residency Derek Hough: No Limit in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. 

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.

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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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Mohegan Sun’s Fall Showdown Tournament Returns with $100,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool

Mohegan Sun’s Fall Showdown Tournament Returns with $100,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool

$600 No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament to take place November 19th – 22nd

UNCASVILLE, CT (October 29, 2025) – Stakes are high as the action heats up for Mohegan Sun’s annual Fall Showdown Tournament – taking place from Wednesday, November 19th through Saturday, November 22nd. This no limit Texas Hold’em poker tournament has a $100,000 guarantee with a pay structure that awards the top 12%. Entry fee for players is $600 and participants will begin with 30,000 in tournament chips with an option to purchase a 5,000 chip dealer add-on for $10. On-site registration will take place in the Mohegan Sun Poker Room one hour before the start of each flight and will remain open until the beginning of level nine.

Fall Showdown Satellite Tournaments, which provide players with a shot at winning a seat at the Fall Showdown main event, are also taking place on Mondays, November 3rd, 10th, and 17th at 6:00pm and Wednesdays, November 5th and 12th at 11:00am. Entry for these satellite tournaments is $155. Players will begin with 15,000 in tournament chips and play will continue until all winners are declared. Players will have a one in five chance in these special tournaments to advance to Mohegan Sun’s Fall Showdown Tournament!

Beyond the Fall Showdown Tournament, Mohegan Sun Poker Room regularly offers daily “No Limit Texas Hold’em” and “Bounty” tournaments. A full tournament schedule can be found on the Mohegan Sun website. Those not looking to play in tournaments can check out Mohegan Sun Poker Room’s daily cash game offerings including 7 Card Stud, Texas Hold’em, No Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Badugi and 2-7 Triple Draw.

For more information about Mohegan Sun’s Fall Showdown Tournament and all other Poker offerings, visit mohegansun.com/poker.

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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39th Annual New England Christmas Festival Returns to Mohegan Sun

39th Annual New England Christmas Festival Returns to Mohegan Sun

Three-day Festival kicks off Friday November 7th; Tickets on sale now

WHAT: Celebrate the season at the 39th Annual New England Christmas Festival, returning to Mohegan Sun just in time for the holidays. Guests are invited to jumpstart their holiday shopping at this once-a-year event! From special handcrafted gifts and specialty foods to the most memorable seasonal decor, guests can immerse themselves in holiday cheer at New England’s premier Christmas festival.

WHEN: Friday, November 7th – Sunday, November 9th

  • Friday, November 7th – 9:00am – 6:00pm
  • Saturday, November 8th – 9:00am – 6:00pm
  • Sunday, November 9th – 9:00am – 5:00pm

WHERE: Earth Expo & Convention Center

IN DETAIL: The 39th Annual New England Christmas Festival is returning to Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center and is set to offer more than 400 pop-up boutiques showcasing handcrafted items in every price range from America’s premier artisans and craftsmen. Since 1982, this multi-award-winning festival has been guests’ one-stop holiday shopping solution. The largest arts and crafts festival in New England will feature aisles chock full of seasonal decor, distinctive home accessories, fashion, fine jewelry, specialty foods, adorable kids’ clothing & toys, spa products, and so much more.

For three days only, guests can experience a fun and memorable shopping destination while seeking something special for their loved ones (including your 4-legged friends) this gift-giving season. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on the New England Christmas Festival 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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Mohegan Sun’s Annual Tree Lighting to Feature Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey & Ralph Johnson on December 7th

Mohegan Sun’s Annual Tree Lighting to Feature Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey & Ralph Johnson on December 7th

Festivities this Holiday Season also include a special SantaCon event at Mohegan Sun on Friday, December 12th

UNCASVILLE, CT (October 23, 2025) – Mohegan Sun is welcoming in the holiday season with the 3rd Annual Sun Patio Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 7th. From 3:00pm – 6:00pm, guests of all ages can experience the magic of the season as Mohegan Sun lights up the Sun Patio, featuring a special appearance by music legends Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire. Mohegan Sun is also thrilled to host a SantaCon event on Friday, December 12th across popular nightlife stops like Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock, Avalon Nightclub and more.

At the annual family-fun Sun Patio Tree Lighting at Mohegan Sun, guests can enjoy a curated Holiday Market featuring the perfect seasonal finds and handcrafted gifts from well-known local vendors. Sip from a hot chocolate bar, enjoy festive cocktails at the Sun Patio are also on the docket, as are carolers filling the air with classic holiday tunes. Families will also have the opportunity to snap a photo with Santa to capture the holiday spirit. This event is free and will take place rain or shine. The main event will occur around 5:00pm when legendary musicians Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson join Mohegan Sun’s Chief Marketing Officer Kim Noto to light up the tree!

Following their appearance at the Tree Lighting, Bailey and Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire will take the stage returning to Mohegan Sun Arena. The performance is set to feature some of the band’s most iconic hits, including “September,” “Let’s Groove,” and “Shining Star.” With over five decades of legendary music, Earth, Wind & Fire continues to bring generations together through their timeless sound and dynamic live shows.

Tickets for Earth, Wind & Fire at Mohegan Sun Arena are available now via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

Adding to the holiday excitement, Mohegan Sun will host its first ever SantaCon celebration on Friday, December 12th, turning the property into a winter wonderland of cheer from 6:00pm until participating locations close. Guests are encouraged to sport their best Santa attire and gather for the group photo at 9:00pm beneath the glowing Sun Patio tree.

Guests can join in the property-wide bar crawl and evening of specials, with tickets available starting Thursday, October 23rd at 10:00am via Ticketmaster. Early purchase is encouraged, as ticket prices will increase on the day of the event. Each ticket includes a festive Santa hat, access to exclusive SantaCon menus and specials at participating venues, and one complimentary Sam Adams Winter White Ale on the Sun Patio between 8:00pm and 10:00pm.

In the spirit of giving, $5 from every ticket sold will benefit the Tommy Toy Fund of United Way, spreading holiday joy to children across the region.

Mohegan Sun’s SantaCon will feature a variety of drink specials across participating venues. Avalon Nightclub will offer a free cover for SantaCon guests and a $10 Jingle Juice made with Truly Wildberry Vodka, soda water, and a splash of cranberry juice. Chocolux will have a buy-one-get-one-free offer on its liquor bars.  The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House will serve a $12 Mistletoe Sour with whiskey, sour mix, cranberry juice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig. Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock will offer a $12 Santa’s Spritz, made with Prosecco, Aperol, and cranberry juice.

 Drink specials at Comix Roadhouse, MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill, Sol Toro, and more will be available day of the event.

Space and seating at each participating location is first-come, first-served; for closing times, hours at 24-hour locations, the full schedule, and additional information about SantaCon, please visit our 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 the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena and the legendary Wolf Den . 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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