Woodstock Groundhog Days

About the Event

In 1992, something astonishing happened in the historic city of Woodstock, Illinois. People came to town and roped off the picturesque city square, moved all sorts of equipment into the park and started playing the Pennsylvania Polka, over and over and over again

They were filming a movie that has become a favorite of young and old for almost 30 years, and the city gathers each year to remember the fun and celebrate the special community that Woodstock has always been. We've had visitors from as far away as Australia, celebrities from the Groundhog Day movie and local media and everyone agrees that this festival is a great way to shake off the gloom of Winter, if just for a few days.

Schedule of Events:

6:30 am: Groundhog Day Prognostication

Will he see his shadow or won't he? Will we have 6 more weeks of winter, or is spring right around the corner? Gather in the park in the town square for Woodstock Willie's Prognostication. Come for all the festivities with our own Groundhog Day polka band. It's all free but don't forget your booties ‘cuz it's cold out there.

The main event for Groundhog Day is the annual prognostication at 7 am, February 2nd.Hundreds will brave the weather and gather on the Woodstock Square to see Woodstock Willie emerge from his tree trunk home. If he sees his shadow, it means there will be 6 more weeks of winter and if he doesn't see his shadow, it means we will have an early Spring. To wake Woodstock Willie from his winter nap, there will be a Polka band playing in the bandstand on the Square .This is our re-enactment of the Groundhog Day ceremony that as a weatherman, Bill Murray reported on; over and over again. That scene from the movie was filmed right here on the Woodstock Square. This event is free but be sure to wear your booties ‘cuz it's cold out there!

There is plenty of free parking on the Square plus free public lots off each side of the Square. Click here for a map of available parking.

7:30 am: Drink to World Peace

Come to the bar where Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell ‘Drink to World Peace' in the movie.

7:30 am - 9:30 am: Kegs ‘n Eggs

Presented by Ortmann's Red Iron Tavern in support of the D200 Education Foundation…all are welcome to this after the prognostication celebration for the whole family!!  Die Musikmeisters Band and Woodstock Willie will be on hand to continue the fun. Delicious breakfast foods will be available for purchase.

7:30 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast at the Moose

After the ceremony in the park come warm up and enjoy a full breakfast in the Woodstock Moose Lodge. Why not continue the celebration where some of your favorite movie was filmed. Bill Murray playing piano on the stage and the Bachelor Auction scenes were filmed right here.

Click here to Buy Tickets

8:00 am - 12:00 pm: "Groundhog Day" the Movie

View the movie in the theater featured in the movie! Classic Cinemas is providing many opportunities to do just that during Groundhog Days weekend.

9:00 am - 11:00 am: Groundhog Wood Carving

The groundhog wood carving returns. After the main ceremony, watch an artist with chainsaw and chisel create a groundhog from a log. This will be in the park in the Square. Several Wood(stock) groundhogs will be on display. Stop by.

10:00 am: Walking Tour of Filming Sites

Gather at the Opera House for a fun and informative tour of the "Groundhog Day" filming sites.  Dress warm and don't forget your booties ‘cuz it's cold out there!

The tour will end at the B and B where Bill Murray woke up every morning.  You are invited inside to see the Cherry Tree Inn and warm up with hot cider.

10:00 am: Theatre 121's Storybook Players

Theatre 121's Storybook Players is excited to offer a free children's theatre program designed for school-aged kids, where the magic of storytelling and theatre comes to life on stage!

The Official Prognosticator of the Forest: The forest folks need help knowing when spring will come and hold auditions to see who will help. The audience will cast their vote to see who wins!

1:00 pm: Groundhog Day the Musical

Theatre 121, the Woodstock Opera House resident production company is proud to present ‘Groundhog Day the Musical' in the Woodstock Opera House.

7 Tony Award nominations and winner of the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical this production is based on the iconic film. Newsday called it "an ingenious, witty, joyously offbeat musical." NY1 said "Danny Rubin's wryly humorous book and Tim Minchin's clever songs, the forecast for this Groundhog Day looks pretty bright!" Groundhog Day was a New York Times Critics Pick and the Washington Post said "The surprises are consistently amazing!"

Phil Connors - a disgruntled big city weatherman is mysteriously stuck in small-town America reliving the same day over and over and over again - with no consequences, no regrets, no tomorrows, and nohangovers. But once he starts getting to know TV producer Rita Hanson, he discovers it's a day of second, third and fourth chances.

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