Groundhog Day And Beer

Today is Groundhog Day and if you find yourself asking “didn’t we just celebrate this?” you’re already in Groundhog Day mode. And if you thought there wasn’t a link between Groundhog Day and drinking, you’d better think again…and again…and again.

The Groundhog Day Basics

Groundhog Day is one of America’s most insane folk holidays and for that reason alone we’re all about it. It’s the day when a groundhog’s early morning emergence determines if winter will continue for six more weeks or if spring will arrive early.

That’s right if the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring comes early. But if the groundhog it does see its shadow and retreats to its burrow, winter will last for another six weeks.

The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with Punxsutawney Phil the grand master of a celebration that draws thousands to the annual morning ritual. And yes people start drinking early…Why not?

Groundhog Day – The Movie & Drinking Games

Watching the movie Groundhog Day is a crucial part of celebrating this important day.

The movie which debuted back in 1993, stars Bill Murry as a TV weatherman covering the annual celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again, which forces him (after several re-running bar visits) to re-examine his life and priorities.

For many, Groundhog Day drinking games are an important part of the day’s celebrations with participants across the county gathering together to power-pound beers every time Bill Murry returns to that village tavern.

Seasoned Groundhog Day beer enthusiasts, sometimes train for months to get in performance shape for this nationwide drinking event, and amateurs destroyed by competitors who understand pacing and determination.

Groundhog Day Beer Events

In addition to the day’s many “at-home” beer drinking competitions there are numerous notable drinking events taking place today.

Free Beer At The High Life Lounge (Des Moines, IA) – Iowa’s High Life Lounge opened their doors to the crowds at 6am this morning with free Miller High Life beers served to 11am.

Grey Lodge Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast (Philadelphia, PA) – The Grey Lodge, Philly’s iconic craft beer destination opened its doors this morning for their annual Hawaiian Shirt beer-fueled breakfast throwdown, complete with  large-screen TVs tuned to the legendary Punxsutawney Phil early morning showdown!

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Beer Dinner – One of our favorite events today  is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain’s annual beer dinner (and these people do know craft) which is taking place at all of their  venues all across the country tonight. Tickets include a three course dinner with serious beer pairings, along with a big screen presentation of the Bill Murray masterpiece. Yesssssssssssssss