Official Groundhog Day Ceremony
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.
7am, FREE
Woodstock Square
Drink to World Peace
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell sat at this bar and drank to world peace. Stop in after the prognostication. If you are going to the official breakfast at the Moose or don’t want to stand in the long line, don’t worry, the souvenir shot glass will be available throughout the weekend.
7:30am
Woodstock Public House, 101 N Johnson
Opera House and Old Courthouse Tours
Here is your chance to go behind the scenes in the historic Woodstock Opera House. Hear stories about the resident ghost. See the Orson Welles stage where Welles performed as a teen. Others who have appeared here include Paul Newman, Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie. Come in, warm up and have a guided tour to see the work being done to restore the Old McHenry County Courthouse. Go upstairs and visit the old courtroom.
7:30am-1pm, FREE
Opera House & Old Courthouse
Official Groundhog Day Breakfast
Immediately following the ceremony on the town square the official Groundhog Day breakfast will be held at the Woodstock Moose Lodge on Clay Street. A hearty breakfast will be served while our guests are entertained. Woodstock Willie will be on hand for pictures. Breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, potatoes, toast, bacon, sausage, juice and coffee. Entertainment including Die Musikmeisters.
7:30-9am, $15 - Tickets are required. Tickets available online at www.WoodstockGroundhog.org.
Woodstock Moose, 406 Clay Street
Groundhog Wood Carving
Mike Bihlmaier is back again to create a unique groundhog. He will be in the park in the Town Square starting after the prognostication. Stop by and see what he can do with a log and a chainsaw. The groundhog will be auctioned off at the D200 Education Foundation benefit, Saturday February 9. Sponsored by OWC and Mike Bihlmaier.
8-11am
Square Park
Woodstock Willie’s Family Fun Day
Bring the whole family for a Groundhog Day themed Fun Fair with an opportunity to see Woodstock Willie throughout the day! Kids can get tickets to play games for prizes, make crafts, color, take their picture with photo booth props, pizza, face painting, treats and more! This event is hosted in partnership with Woodstock Wannabees and Cloverbuds 4H Club. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Woodstock Wannabees 4H Club. Find additional information on the Mixin Mingle website.
10am-2pm, Tickets are 2/$1 and activities are 1-4 tickets each.
Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass St
Walking Tour of Filming Sites
Gather at the Moose Club on Saturday, Stage Left Café on Sunday 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 & B where Bill Murray woke up every morning. You are invited inside to see the Cherry Tree Inn and warm up with hot cider.
12pm, FREE
Meet at Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street
Groundhog Movie Display
Don’t miss this display of memorabilia from the filming of Groundhog Day in Woodstock in 1992. You’ll see sketches of set designs, pictures during filming and newspaper clippings. The display will be up all weekend.
1-4pm, FREE
Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd Street
The Making of Groundhog Day
Come hear stories about the making of Groundhog Day in 1992. Bob Hudgins was the locations manager for Columbia Pictures and worked with Harold Ramis to bring the production to Woodstock. The puddle. The Bed & Breakfast. Bill Murray. You’ll enjoy the stories from behind the scenes.
2pm, FREE
Woodstock Opera House, 121 W Van Buren Street