In celebration of its eighth anniversary and Pride Month this June, Hard Rock Atlantic City will host a series of community-focused events across the property. Anniversary festivities will include initiatives benefiting the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a longtime charitable partner, casino promotions, and headliner entertainment. Additionally, Hard Rock will celebrate Pride with a special Pride flag-raising ceremony with AC Pride honoring the spirit of inclusion and community. Guests can also look forward to seasonal food and beverage experiences, including the highly anticipated opening of Sitar.
8th Anniversary Celebrations
Hard Rock Atlantic City will kick off its 8th Anniversary with North Beach’s Annual Fireworks Display on Friday, June 26, at 9:30 p.m. Hosted in partnership with Fireworks by Grucci, America’s First Family of Fireworks, the free event will be open to the public and will feature several viewing locations throughout the north end of the boardwalk. Live music, drink specials, and other activations can be found from across the North Beach boardwalk area prior to the fireworks.
Guests can get in on the action with the 8th Anniversary 2026 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Sweepstakes held Sunday, June 21 to Sunday, June 28. Each day, 50 guests who are playing slots or table games with their Unity Card will be electronically selected to win up to $25,000 in prizes and one entrant will win a 2026 Ford Mustang GT Coupe. Entries do not transfer day-to-day. For more information, please visit the Player’s Club.
Additional celebrations include a performance by James Taylor and his All-Star Band at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, June 27. Over the course of his celebrated songwriting and performing career, Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968.
Hard Rock AC will showcase its longstanding support of the community by partnering with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) throughout the month of June. The resort will host the first-ever “Meal on a Mission: A Chef’s Tableside Experience” on Friday, June 12 in the ballrooms. This new culinary event will bring together renowned chefs, community leaders, and dedicated supporters for an unforgettable evening benefiting CFBNJ’s mission to end hunger. Tickets for this unique event are available at cfbnj.org/mealonamission.
Additionally, Hard Rock AC team members are scheduled to assemble 800 birthday-themed food boxes for CFBNJ to be used by the organization to help food-insecure children celebrate birthdays throughout the year.
During the anniversary weekend, the resort will debut its highly anticipated new dining concept, Sitar. Named after the iconic instrument, Sitar will be Hard Rock Atlantic City’s newest restaurant and will be the only one of its kind in Atlantic City. This bold new Indian restaurant will blend modern sophistication with deep cultural roots. Located near the Sound Waves venue, Sitar will offer an upscale take on Indian dining in a sleek 2,600 square ft. setting and feature live music with boardwalk views.
Pride Celebrations
Hard Rock Atlantic City honors this upcoming Pride Month as part of Hard Rock International’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign that unites the company’s global portfolio of hotels, casinos, cafes and Rock Shops® in celebration of and allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community. During the month of June, limited-edition “LOVE OUT LOUD” apparel and accessories will be available at the Rock Shop® and shop.hardrock.com
“We are proud to celebrate Pride Month alongside our guests, team members and the Atlantic City community,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Atlantic City. “At Hard Rock, LOVE OUT LOUD is a commitment to creating spaces where every person feels seen, valued and celebrated for exactly who they are. We’re honored to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and to support the local organizations making a meaningful impact every day.”
Additionally, Hard Rock International will be making a donation to The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
On Saturday, June 7, at 11:45 a.m., Hard Rock Atlantic City will hold a ceremony to raise the Pride Flag in celebration of Pride Month with AC Pride. The ceremony will feature remarks by Hard Rock Atlantic City President, George Goldhoff, AC Council Member Kaleem Shabazz, AC Pride representatives and special guest three-time Daytime Emmy winner and writer Anthony Wilkinson. A Pride reception will be held at The Terrace, Hard Rock Atlantic City’s seasonal rooftop destination, immediately following the ceremony.
In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Off-Broadway veteran actor and producer Anthony J. Wilkinson is bringing his latest comedy, “My Big Gay Italian Funeral,” to Sound Waves Theater at Hard Rock Atlantic City on Friday, June 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Food & Beverage Specials
Soccer Fever at Backstage Cafe, Atlantic City’s Premier Game Day Location
Catch all the action from your favorite soccer teams around the world at Backstage Cafe at Hard Rock Cafe at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Along with breathtaking boardwalk views, guests can catch every play on 23 large high-definition televisions while enjoying Game Day Specials.
Guests looking to place sports bets can do so at the nearby Hard Rock Atlantic City Sportsbook, or on their mobile device via Hard Rock Bet. Reservations are available via Open Table here.
Federal Donuts and Chicken
Hard Rock Atlantic City has welcomed Philadelphia’s beloved Federal Donuts and Chicken offering best in class donuts, fried chicken and coffee. Located on the second floor adjacent to the hotel guest elevators, Federal Donuts and Chicken is open 24 hours-a-day.
Happy Hour at The Terrace
Located on the second level with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Steel Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel, The Terrace provides a breezy al fresco setting with expertly crafted cocktails and fun frozen drinks. The Terrace will be open Fridays and Saturdays and will offer a “No Shower Happy Hour” from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring drink and draught specials, and live music.
Happy Hour at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Enjoy summer evenings at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood’s highly regarded happy hour hosted Monday to Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. This elegant happy hour features modern steakhouse favorites such as local oysters, Clams Casino and French Dip Ribeye Sandwich, alongside a selection of wines and curated cocktails like the Rum Rocker made with Mt. Gay Rum, Hennessey, fresh lemon and pomegranate juice. Additionally, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood will feature live music Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
YOUYU Happy Hour
Indulge in your favorites from YOUYU during their daily happy hour. This exciting menu features specials on beer, wine, sake, cocktails, dragon bowls, shareable bites and more including fan favorites like the Mango Sakerita, Lychee Blossom Fizz, Sichuan pork and vegetable dumplings, and Korean fried chicken wings. Happy hour is served daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
Fresh Harvest Buffet
Throughout the summer guests can enjoy a seafood extravaganza at Fresh Harvest Buffet every Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. for $59.99. Available delicacies include a seafood boil, crab clusters, shrimp tempura roll, crab roll, and whole roasted salmon, alongside a variety of classic seafood accompaniments, sides, salads, international favorites, and more.
Brunch at Sugar Factory
Guests can now enjoy the whimsy of Sugar Factory every Saturday and Sunday for brunch. The brunch menu features favorites such as omelets, French toast and pancakes, with a colorful twist. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happy Hour at Backstage Cafe at Hard Rock Cafe
Enjoy Happy Hour Monday to Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Backstage Cafe! Guests can indulge in their favorite libations including domestic beers for $5, well singles and select imported and craft beers for $6 and select wine and cocktails for $7. Bites range from $8 to $10 and include crowd pleasures like nachos, Tupelo dippers, wings and more.
Headliner Entertainment
- Saturday, Jun. 6, 8 p.m. – Yungblud – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Saturday, Jun. 6, 8 p.m. – My Big Gay Italian Funeral – Sound Waves Theater
- Friday, Jun. 12, 8 p.m. – Darius Rucker – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Saturday, Jun. 13, 8 p.m. – Nick Jonas – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Saturday, Jun. 13, 9 p.m. – DJ Soda with Special Guest KROMI – Sound Waves Theater
- Saturday, Jun. 20, 7 p.m. – Daniel Tosh – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Saturday, Jun. 20, 8 p.m. – Sal Da Vinci – Sound Waves Theater
- Friday, Jun. 26, 8:30 p.m. – Vishal Mishra – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Saturday, Jun. 27, 7:30 p.m. – James Taylor – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Saturday, Jun. 27, 9 p.m. – The Struts – Sound Waves Theater
Sportsbook
Be a part of the action this season at Hard Rock Sportsbook! The Sportsbook is located adjacent to Sugar Factory and offers a full variety of sports wagering options, including futures and live betting on events in progress. Wagering is available on all major sports as well as tennis, golf, UFC, NASCAR, and more. The Sportsbook is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, six kiosks are open 24/7.
