Groundhog Day: a holiday that feels like a big deal if you’re Bill Murray or eight. For the rest of us, February can already feel like the same day is repeating itself again and again, but do you know what would spruce up the Sisyphean slog of winter? Watching a man in fancy dress hold up the biggest rodent ever Lion King style. While the “holiday” itself is only one day long, this festival spans over four starting on February 1, 2024. You may not gain anything from the clairvoyant rodent’s prediction (there WILL be six more weeks of winter), but you can experience the theatrics, food, live entertainment and fireworks that come before and after.
No matter what the groundhog sees, the usually small town of Punxsutawney turns into a 40,000-person party. All day and night in Gobbler’s Knob, home to hundreds of Punxsutawney Phils over the years, a variety of activities go on. There’s the annual Groundhog Banquet — which hopefully won’t involve plating any actual groundhogs, Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent, “Party All Night” which is exactly what it sounds like, a lunch with Punxsutawney Phil and more. You can even book Punxsutawney Phil on Cameo, putting him right in between Kermit The Frog impersonators and George Santos on the scale of celebrity status.
The Specs
- Up to 40,000 people gather in Punxsutawney each year for Groundhog Day.
- Tickets to the festival are sold on an event-by-event basis and range anywhere from $20-$75 per person. Tickets for the main Groundhog Day celebration are free.
- Parking passes are sold separately from tickets for $75.
- Passing through Pennsylvania? Check out Fifty Grande’s guides to the state here.
FAQs
Where is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport to Punxsutawney is Dubois Airport (DUJ), located half an hour away by car.
What should I wear?
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, the average temperature is often below freezing at this time of year.
Is other transportation available?
Shuttle buses to and from the festival are available for $5 per pass. Traveling by car is the easiest way to get around, however, some events may require the purchase of a parking pass.
Will I get to see Phil?
While you may not necessarily get to see him up close on the big day, he is paraded around to a LOT of events for a guy who can’t talk. There are plenty of chances to be around Phil (whichever number Phil this one is anyway) and “Phil Fans,” or you can always find him on Cameo.
Will there be food?
Outside of events like the “Lunch with Phil,” food trucks including The Chuck Wagon, Simply The Best Kettle Corn, Queen Bees Sips and Dips, Larry’s Barbeque, and Ricco’s Concessions will accompany daily activities in the park at Gobbler’s Knob.
Poster
