Groundhog Day Resources for Media
Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney:
A Tradition That Lives (and Laughs) Out Loud
Every February 2, a small western Pennsylvania town becomes the center of the weather-watching universe. What began as a local ritual rooted in Old World folklore has grown into a uniquely American spectacle—equal parts ceremony, community reunion, and joyful absurdity.
Welcome to Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, where tradition isn’t preserved behind glass. It’s performed before sunrise, in the cold, with tens of thousands of bundled-up onlookers, local characters in tuxedos and top hats, and one famously prognosticating groundhog at the heart of it all.
This is not a reenactment. It’s a living ritual embraced by locals, adopted by visitors, and covered by media worldwide. And yes, it’s serious about not taking itself too seriously.
Be sure to tune into the live stream on our website on February 2 to catch all the action.
Use the links below to jump to a specific section, or scroll to read the full content.
The Star of the Show: Punxsutawney Phil
Back to Top of ListAt the center of the celebration is Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog and Pennsylvania’s most reliable excuse for a party in winter. According to tradition, Phil emerges at dawn on February 2 to predict whether winter will linger for six more weeks or give way to an early spring.
Phil’s forecast is delivered in “Groundhogese,” then interpreted for the crowd by the Inner Circle—local volunteers who serve as stewards of the tradition. Whether Phil sees his shadow or not, the result is the same: cheers, headlines, and a shared moment of midwinter optimism (or resignation).
Where It Happens: Gobbler’s Knob
Back to Top of ListThe official ceremony takes place at Gobbler’s Knob, a wooded site just outside of downtown Punxsutawney that feels part folk festival, part civic theater. Long before sunrise, revelers gather for music, countdowns, fireworks, and camaraderie—turning the dark of winter into something warm, loud, and communal.
For journalists, Gobbler’s Knob offers the most iconic visuals of Groundhog Day: torchlit crowds, snowy trees, and Phil’s big moment on stage as the world watches.
In the days leading up to the event, a variety of annual celebrations, including the Groundhog Ball, Dueling Pianos Night, the Groundhog Banquet, and more, are hosted throughout Punxsutawney. Visitors flock to the city's town square for Groundhog Days in the Park, which features live entertainment, food vendors, local artisans, and more.
From Folklore to Global Phenomenon
Back to Top of ListGroundhog Day traces its roots to German and Celtic weather lore, brought to Pennsylvania by early settlers. Punxsutawney held its first recorded Groundhog Day observance in 1887, making it the longest-running celebration of its kind. Over time, the event has grown from a local curiosity into a global pop-culture touchstone—boosted by annual media coverage, dedicated fans who return year after year, and the enduring appeal of a tradition that’s delightfully low-stakes and deeply human. In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Groundhog Day offers something rare: permission to gather, laugh, and hope together.
Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney lasts because it feels real. It’s powered by volunteers, embraced by a town that knows exactly how quirky it is, and rooted in a ritual that hasn’t been polished into something else.
Satellite Coordinates
Back to Top of ListDATE: Tuesday February 2, 2026
TIME: 0530 to 0745 (Eastern)
FORMAT: 16 x 9 HD
SATELLITE: SES 02 (KU-Band - DIGITAL)
ORBITAL POSITION: 87 Degrees West
TRANSPONDER: 15
CHANNEL: A9 (9Mhz)
SYM RATE: 6.333 msps
FEC: ¾
BIT RATE: 8.754441
VIDEO CODEC: MPEG-4 (H.264)
DOWNLINK POL: Horizontal
DOWNLINK FREQ: 11989.00 MHz
MODULATION: DVB-S, QPSK
TROUBLE: 717-772-4282
Media Resources
Back to Top of ListVisit PA partners closely with the Groundhog Club on press opportunities surrounding the event. Our team is happy to coordinate interviews with members of the Inner Circle, on-site attendance, photography, b-roll, and more.
For more information, please connect with:
Sarah Menon
Vice President, Vault Communications
smenon@vaultcommunications.com
Kaitie Burger
Executive Director, Visit PA
kaburger@pa.gov