Deep, deep in Connecticut sits an oasis.
No, we’re not talking about the omnipresent greenery that lines the state’s opulent highways (although the oak, maple, birch, and pine trees on the I-95 North really are something else).
If you travel past Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven, Saybrook and make one final u-turn, you’ll find Uncasville’s Mohegan Sun, an elegant resort, spiffy casino, lively basketball/concert/live events arena and mouth-watering restaurant hub.
That — along with the fact that John Mayer (Oct. 9) and Metallica (Nov. 19 and 21) are going to be there —more than make the long drive from New York City worth the shlep.
All gentle joking aside, it feels like you can exhale here. This is elevated comfort at its very best.
“Since opening, Mohegan Sun has become one of the premier destinations in the United States, bringing together exceptional dining, gaming, live entertainment and hospitality all under one roof,” Mohegan Sun President and General Manager Jeff Hamilton said.
“Whether you’re visiting for a concert, a weekend getaway, or a special celebration, we’re proud to offer experiences that give guests a reason to return, no matter the occasion.”
The multipurpose luxury getaway, founded in 1996 by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, houses approximately 1,600 rooms worth of visitors at any given time while entertaining and feeding countless others.
Plus, there’s shopping. Lots and lots of shopping. Heck, you could buy anything from a Lids Hat to a Le Creuset pan to a Tesla car on the Mohegan Sun grounds.
Yes, really.
We didn’t even mention the arcade or Johnny Rocket’s.
As for me, I stayed at Mohegan Sun on the weekend of July 31 with my wife and four-year-old daughter and documented our experience from traveling from the City by car to checking in to dinner at TAO Asian Fusion to a Blues Traveler/Gin Blossoms/Spin Doctors concert to a dip in the pool to check-out and much, much more.
Now, let’s cross state lines and head northeast to Uncasville.
It’s time to stay with us at the oasis known as Mohegan Sun.
What events are coming to Mohegan Sun Arena?
The exquisite, Pueblo style 10,000-seat arena (that comes complete with a Frank Pepe’s, of course) has a number of exciting games, concerts and shows on the horizon.
To make sure you’re in the loop, a complete Mohegan Sun Arena calendar including all upcoming events, dates and show start times are listed below.
| Mohegan Sun Arena schedule |
|---|
| Phoenix Mercury at Connecticut Sun Friday, Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Billy Idol with Devo Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Atlanta Dream at Connecticut Sun Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. |
| Brandi Carlile Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. |
| New York Liberty at Connecticut Sun Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. |
| Marco Antonio Solis Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. |
| BKFC – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Friday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. |
| Kesha with Chromeo and Erika Jayne Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. |
| Kehlani Sunday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. |
| Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. |
| Golden State Valkyries at Connecticut Sun Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. |
| TLC with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue Friday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Demi Lovato Saturday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. |
| Elvis Spectacular Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Staind Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. |
| Matt Rife Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. |
| Matt Rife Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. |
| Goo Goo Dolls Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Australian Pink Floyd Show Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. |
| Jeff Dunham Friday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. |
| ZZ Top with George Thorogood and The Destroyers Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. |
| Brandon Lake Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Erykah Badu with De La Soul Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. |
| Boyz II Men Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. |
| Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. |
| Toronto Tempo at Connecticut Sun Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. |
| Brantley Gilbert Friday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. |
| Dan and Shay Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. |
| beabadoobee Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. |
| Alanis Morissette Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. |
| Foo Fighters Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. |
| John Mayer Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. |
| Lainey Wilson Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. |
| DJ Cassidys Pass The Mic Live with Busta Rhymes Sunday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. |
| Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Exhibition Monday, Oct. 12 at TBD |
| Basketball Hall Of Fame Men’s Exhibition Tuesday, Oct. 13 at TBD |
| Daughtry Thursday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. |
| Ricky Martin Sunday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. |
| Godsmack Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. |
| Rush Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Rush Sunday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Reality Fighting – A Night of MMA Fights and Grappling Superfights Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. |
| Basketball Hall of Fame Tip Off – Providence Friars vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday, Nov. 7 at TBD |
| Goose – 2 Day Pass Nov. 13-14 |
| Goose Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. |
| Goose Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. |
| Il Volo Sunday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. |
| Metallica – 2 Day Pass Nov. 19 and 21 |
| Metallica with Suicidal Tendencies Thursday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. |
| Metallica with Spiritbox Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. |
| Straight No Chaser Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. |
| Cirque Dreams Holidaze Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Cirque Dreams Holidaze Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Cirque Dreams Holidaze Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. |
| Matt Mathews Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. |
Was the Blues Traveler concert any good?
Yes.
In fact, I would argue the four-hour (!) marathon show not only exceeded my expectations but landed in my top five favorite concerts I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending live.
The co-headliners are a ’90s nostalgia rush and fantastic in their own special ways.
Spin Doctors still have the goods, Gin Blossoms are as powerful as ever but Blues Traveler is operating on a different level.
Frontman John Popper goes hard on the harmonica and his voice is as buttery as ever. The siren is intact!
Yet, what makes their live show so special is the fact that the group is impossible to categorize (but I’ll still try).
After the concert, I texted my friend “they’re like a southern-fried freak psych jam band with a lil funk and a lot of harmonica thrown in.”
That feels right.
If they’re coming to a venue near you, make seeing them live a priority.
What is the drive to Mohegan Sun Arena from New York City like?
Quite long.
Expect a lot of stops and starts on the highway that alternates between two and four lanes for hours. Traffic picks up, slows to a crawl and then speeds right back up.
It’s a bit frustrating but the destination makes the journey well worth it.
Give yourself ample to drive and you’ll be golden.
What is it like inside Mohegan Sun?
Once your drive is over and you’ve parked (or handed your keys off to the valet because you’re fancy like that), you’ll enter a colorful, Native American-inspired lobby.
Look a bit farther past check-in and you’ll likely peep Mohegan Sun’s majestic, cavernous waterfalls (as seen in this story’s thumbnail and what we were alluding to with the beginning of this story) that draw you in.
Head their way and you’ll find the labyrinthine casino that snakes every which way. Surrounding the slots and craps tables are restaurants (I’m kicking myself for missing out on the Michael Jordan Steakhouse), a mad swanky speakeasy hidden in Beauty and Essex, a neon-lit arcade and Johnny Rockets.
We’re still barely scratching the surface.
Venture out from the casino area — the security and staff are so jovial that they’ll gladly give you directions or just walk you to where you’re going — and you’ll find a hall honoring Mohegan Sun’s native American roots.
Up three floors, you’ll find a pale blue pool and bubbly hot tub, laid-back gym complete with cardio and weightlifting options as well as a spa.
There really is something for everyone here.
What are the rooms at Mohegan Sun like?
The three of us stayed in a king-sized suite for one night.
After checking into the restorative room, we stretched our legs on the soft yet sturdy bed.
My daughter, who is in a bit of a “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” phase said “this is just right.”
Comfortable, cozy and equipped with a cable TV (my four-year-old was shocked we couldn’t choose whatever show we wanted like one would with a Roku), mini-fridge, sizable bathroom and spacious closet, you couldn’t ask for much more from our new residency.
How was the food at Mohegan Sun?
Unfortunately, our stay was so short, my family and I only had one meal at Mohegan Sun.
But it was a doozy.
TAO is a dimly lit and gorgeous space that we’d argue is just as visually appetizing as the food is delicious.
The decor is classic and romantic but modern. Think ancient Chinese-inspired sculptures bathed in low red light. It’s smoky and intimate like a great hideaway that you’d gate keep if you could just to ensure you could always get a reservation.
My wife, daughter and I took a seat and were immediately smitten with the cute chopsticks on the table made for kids. I didn’t notice it (my wife, who is far more observant than me did) but the bottom said “take me.” That’s the kind of kitsch you never forget.
Before our meal, General Manager Daniel Uribe took time out of his busy Friday night to answer a few questions bout the location.
“We opened in March 2021,” he told us. “There are two other TAOs in New York [Editor’s Note: one is in Midtown, the other in Chelsea] and one in Chicago.”
“I think what sets us apart is the lighting, our Buddhas and the beauty of the room. It’s different. Our atmosphere and food with a live DJ combines makes this place unbelievable. A whole new experience “
Most importantly, we had to know his favorite menu item at TAO.
“Crackling pork,” Uribe smiled. “There’s chicharron on the side, chili sauce, pickled vegetables, hot honey sauce, bao bun and toasted chili.”
After eating a few (OK, five), I can confirm- he’s right on the money. The crackling pork is a flavorful texture buffet. Soft, crunchy, tough, it’s everything one could want in a bite. We’re still salivating.
Uribe’s other main highlight was the Smoking Dragon cocktail, an Old Fashioned with a nice decanter and smoked served table side.
As for me, I opted for the smooth yet sweet Tokyo Tiki. I’m no spirits expert but I clocked the tasty beverage as a bit smoky with a touch of ginger. Best of all, it paired well with everything I consumed that evening.
That included tuna tartare sushi served with Kabayaki eel sauce and spicy mayo. Decadent with a bit of zap, this was a perfect starter to the evening.
Shortly after, our server carted out Yellowtail rolls. My wife is more well-versed in sushi than me so I asked for her opinion.
“Super fresh,” she said, mid-bite. “There’s a crunch and the flavor is a nice balance of umami and ocean.” I stand by that. My take was “it takes a second for the flavor to blossom but, like the drive to Mohegan Sun, is worth the wait.”
Next up, our friendly server delivered elevated orange chicken. Now, this is something I’m an expert in (as is my four-year-old daughter). Delicately seared with a smattering of spice, this was a huge winner that will please palettes of those young and old.
Wagyu skewers placed on small plates magically appeared next. The modest steak dissolves in your mouth effortlessly. And, in between bites of beef, the onion is a crisp respite from the cloud-like meat. I’d write home about this app.
Finally, Mature, tender ribs with a husky, rich yet almost caramelized tangy flavor were another highlight. At the risk of not having a better adjective handy, they were meaty. Best of all, the portion was far more generous than it had any right to be.
Then, it was dessert time.
Following a real struggle deciding what to order for dessert, I opted for the massive novelty $19 fortune cookie that had a fortune that read “life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” As for the sweet treat, it’s essentially a biscotti cookie with luscious vanilla and chocolate mousse nestled inside. Probably the best cookie dipping situation I’ve ever had.
In the seat next to me, my wife munched on an almost savory (and also very generously-portioned) pistachio crème brûlée. What a treat.
How about my daughter? Well, she loved the orange chicken and her scoop of vanilla ice cream. Hey, the heart wants what the heart wants.
On that note, my wife and I agreed the upscale ‘straunt is somewhat kid friendly. “No one under ten even used a screen,” my wife remarked. That’s impressive in and of itself.
What are the shopping options at Mohegan Sun?
There are 34 retailers with physical spaces within Mohegan Sun. Rather than re-direct you elsewhere, here’s a list:
Apparel & Fashion
- Athleta
- Chico’s
- Coach
- Portal (Curated streetwear, multi-brand footwear & apparel)
- Robert Graham
- Rove Outfitters (Outdoor & casual lifestyle brands)
- Splendeur Boutique (High-end designer luxury fashion)
- Tommy Bahama
- Lids
- Sunglasses
Fine Jewelry & Accessories
- Lux Bond & Green Jewelers
- Swarovski
Specialty Gifts, Beauty & Confections
- Beauty and Essex (which is also a speakeasy)
- Brewster’s Trading Post
- Brighton’s Collectibles
- Chocolux
- Clay Pipe Cigar Bar
- House of Sweets
- Le Creuset
- Lush Cosmetics
- Rove Home
- Second Wind IV Therapy
- Sephora
- Yankee Candle
- The General Store
Tech & Electronics
- Tesla
- Innovations (Gadgets & tech accessories)
- Momentum Trading Post (Specialty electronics & appliances)
Official Mohegan Sun Merchandise
- Everything Under The Sun
- Mohegan Sun Online Shop
- Mohegan Sun Riverview Essentials
- Mohegan Sun Sunrise Square Essentials
- The Golf Shop at Mohegan Sun Golf Club
Huge concerts in 2026
Can’t make it all the way out to Connecticut this year or next?
No sweat.
Here are just five household name artists that may be headed to a venue that’s a bit closer to you.
• AC/DC
• Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band
Who else is out and about? Take a look at this list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2026 to find the show for you.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
