Let's Live It Again...
Groundhog Days Return to Woodstock
| | Think you’ve seen winter fun? Think again. Woodstock, IL is ready to celebrate Groundhog Days with four days of movie magic, special events, and the iconic prognostication ceremony. Come relive the story, explore film sites, and make memories that are anything but repetitive. | | Festival Highlights Not to Be Missed | | |
Welcoming of the Groundhog
Friday, Jan. 30
Kick off Groundhog Days weekend with the official welcome of Woodstock Willie and the start of all the fun. Gather with fellow fans for a lively, feel-good celebration that sets the tone for a weekend worth repeating. This free event takes place at Ethereal’s Courthouse Square, the top-floor event space of the Old Courthouse Center.
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Groundhog Day Dinner Dance
Friday, Jan. 30
Step into a movie moment at the Woodstock Moose, where iconic scenes from Groundhog Day were filmed. Enjoy a night of great food, live music, raffles, and silent auctions as you dance the evening away in a setting straight from the big screen. A perfect way to kick off the Groundhog Days celebration.
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Groundhog Day Movie Showings
Saturday, Sunday & Monday, Jan. 31- Feb 2
Relive the movie that put Woodstock on the map. Head to Classic Cinemas in downtown Woodstock to watch Groundhog Day on the big screen and enjoy the ultimate festival throwback. Grab some buttery popcorn, settle in, and experience the film that inspired it all, again and again.
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Walking Tours of Film Sites
Saturday, Sunday & Monday, Jan. 31- Feb 2
Gather at the Opera House for a fun and lively tour of the “Groundhog Day” filming sites. Dress warm and don’t forget your booties ‘cuz it’s cold out there! The tour wraps up at the Cherry Tree Inn, where Bill Murray’s character woke up every morning.
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Groundhog Day 5K
Saturday, Jan. 31
Celebrate Groundhog Day in motion with the Woodstock Groundhog Day 5K, a chip-timed, USATF-certified race. This fun and festive event gives runners and walkers a unique chance to see the town through the lens of the movie. The course passes iconic locations, including the bowling alley, piano teacher’s house, movie theater, and Pennsylvanian Hotel.
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Groundhog Days Bags Tournament
Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11 AM
Think you’ve mastered backyard bags or summer league play? Take on a winter challenge at the Groundhog Day Bags Tournament! This cold-weather competition invites players to bundle up, bring their best toss, and battle it out for cash prizes and bragging rights. Enjoy the lively festival atmosphere, a cash bar to keep spirits warm, and tasty food available for purchase.
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Groundhog Day Pub Crawl
Saturday, Jan. 31, 6:00 PM
Step into the Square for a Pub Crawl so good you’ll wish you could relive it over and over again. Grab your friends, pick up your Ned Ryerson swag, and enjoy a night of drinks, laughs, and Groundhog Day fun. Tickets required.
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Chili Cook-off
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2-4:00 PM
Back by popular demand! Join as local cooks serve up their best recipes at McHenry County College for a tasty competition! Taste, vote, and help keep this beloved Woodstock Groundhog Days tradition alive.Tickets required.
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Groundhog Wood Carving Demo
Sunday & Monday, Feb. 1 & 2
Watch creativity come to life as a skilled wood carver transforms a simple log into a groundhog right before your eyes in Woodstock Square. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this live demonstration, then place a bid if you’d like to take the finished piece home. Additional handcrafted wood carvings will also be available for purchase.
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Official Prognostication
Monday, Feb. 2, 6:30 - 7:30 AM
"This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather." Thanks, Bill Murray! Come see Woodstock Willie in action while he makes his prediction in the Woodstock Square, enjoy polka music, and join all the Groundhog Day festivities. This signature event is free, so bundle up, grab a coffee and don't miss the moment everyone waits for all year!
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Drink to World Peace
Monday, Feb. 2, 7:30 AM
Start Groundhog Day the Phil Connors way at the very bar where he famously ordered, “Sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist, please.” When asked what to drink to, his answer was simple: world peace. Raise a glass, share a laugh with fellow fans, and take home a commemorative souvenir shot glass to remember the moment.
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Woodstock Willie Shadow Quest Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 24-Feb. 4
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When Will Meets Phil Book Launch
Jan. 25
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| | | Don't Miss These Other January Highlights | | |
Afternoon Tea: Scandinavian Winter
Through January
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Extreme Bar Bingo
January 15, 22 & 29
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A Rocking Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & Bob Seger
January 16
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Woodstock Indoor Farmers Market
January 17 & 31
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Food Shed Co-op's Sampling Saturday
January 17
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Author Event with Poet Carole Alfus
January 17
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| | Share your special moments on social media using #RealWoodstock and tag us at @RealWoodstockIL on Instagram for a chance to be featured! | | | | |
