WHAT: The 3rd Annual Harold Ramis Day Celebration, honoring the life, legacy, and iconic film career of Chicagoborn writer, director, and actor Harold Ramis. This year’s event flips the script with a Groundhog Day x Animal House crossover celebration.
WHERE: Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier 700 East Grand Avenue, Chicago (312) 527-9700 | www.harrycarays.com
WHEN: Groundhog Day | Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 Ceremony Time: 3:00 p.m. CST
The event is free and open to the public—togas optional. Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier will be open for regular dining, and will feature food and beverages inspired by Groundhog Day and Animal House. Discounted parking at Navy Pier will be available for $20 with validation sticker.
Fans are invited to cut loose and celebrate the 3rd Annual Harold Ramis Day on Monday, Feb. 2nd at Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier, honoring the extraordinary life and career of one of Chicago’s most legendary comedic minds. After two years of Groundhog Day-themed celebrations, this year’s event flips the script—trading repetition for rebellion—by spotlighting Ramis’ groundbreaking 1978 comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House, while still embracing the Groundhog Day tradition that has become the heart of the annual ceremony.
This year’s celebration welcomes cast members from Animal House, led by Tim “Otter” Matheson, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Joining him are James “Hoover” Widdoes, Peter “Boon” Riegert, Mark “Neidermeyer” Metcalf, James “Greg Marmalard” Daughton, and Martha “Babs” Smith. Together, they’ll bring the heroes and villains of Faber College's Greek Row to Navy Pier—minus the risk of Double Secret Probation.
When the clock strikes 3:00 p.m., we kick off a Groundhog Day x Animal House crossover that celebrates Ramis’ ability to challenge convention, push boundaries, and rewrite comedy history—often with a little chaos along the way. In a tribute worthy of a Delta, Otter (Tim Matheson) will pay homage to “the most legendary Delta of all,” Harold Ramis. He will then lead the official Groundhog Day Ceremony, during which Chicago Harry, a live groundhog, will emerge from his tree stump to reveal whether he sees his shadow—blending the irreverent energy of Animal House with the ritual and tradition of Groundhog Day in a moment that celebrates Ramis’s enduring impact on comedy and culture.
Richard Henzel, beloved by fans as the voice of the DJ in Groundhog Day, will return once again to help kick off the ceremony, continuing a tradition that has become a cornerstone of Harold Ramis Day—even as this year’s celebration proudly breaks from the expected.
Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier will transform into an immersive Ramis-inspired experience, featuring themed décor, music, and menu offerings that nod to both Groundhog Day and Animal House. Photo ops include Chicago Harry, the groundhog, the tree stump, a giant “Eat Me” Cake, and more. From iconic film references to artifacts from Ramis’ storied career—including the Armani coat Bill Murray wore in Groundhog Day, the bust of Harold Ramis from the 2016 version of Ghostbusters, the jumpsuits worn by Harold Ramis and Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, and several of Harold’s leather-bound shooting scripts, including Groundhog Day—the event celebrates a filmmaker who taught audiences that sometimes the best way forward is to break the rules—and occasionally smash the guitar.
ABOUT HARRY CARAY’S ON NAVY PIER
Located near the main entrance to Navy Pier, Harry Caray’s waterfront location, family friendly menu, and extensive collection of sports and pop culture memorabilia combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests of all ages. Harry Caray's on Navy Pier offers a quintessential Chicago dining experience with stunning waterfront views. Located in one of the city’s most popular destinations, the restaurant is renowned for its delicious Italian & American cuisine, featuring juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads. The restaurant’s vibrant sports bar atmosphere is enhanced by an impressive collection of sports and pop-culture memorabilia, making it a must-visit for fans of all kinds. With HDTVs throughout, the restaurant and patio bar provide great viewing of all major sporting events. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly menu and spacious outdoor seating. Soak up the best of "Summertime Chi" on our dog-friendly patio, or embrace the winter wonderland with our seasonal Lakefront Lodge Pop-Up. Whether you're stopping by for a casual meal, a refreshing craft beer, or to host a private event, Harry Caray's on Navy Pier provides an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.harrycarays.com/harry-carays-tavern-navy-pier.
ABOUT HAROLD RAMIS
Born and raised in Chicago, Harold Ramis was a screenwriter, director, and actor whose work shaped modern comedy and includes some of the most popular and influential comedies of our time—Animal House, Caddyshack, Stripes, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Ghostbusters, Back to School, Groundhog Day, Multiplicity, Analyze This, Bedazzled, and more. Ramis began his career at Chicago’s famed Second City before becoming one of Hollywood’s most influential comedic storytellers. His Hollywood breakthrough came in 1978 with National Lampoon’s Animal House, and over the course of his career, he received numerous accolades, including the American Comedy Award, the British Comedy Award, and a BAFTA Award for screenwriting (Groundhog Day). His films are widely celebrated, with four listed among the American Film Institute’s “100 Funniest Movies” and Groundhog Day named one of the “101 Greatest Screenplays” by the Writers Guild of America.
Harold Ramis passed away on February 24, 2014, but his legacy lives on through films that continue to entertain, inspire, and define generations of comedy fans.
ABOUT NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE
National Lampoon’s Animal House is a 1978 American comedy co-written by Harold Ramis, Doug Kenney, and Chris Miller, and directed by John Landis. The film marked Ramis’ first feature as a screenwriter. Starring John Belushi, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Karen Allen, and a breakout ensemble cast, the film follows the misadventures of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity at the fictional Faber College. A groundbreaking cultural phenomenon, Animal House redefined comedy with its irreverent humor and anarchic spirit, becoming one of the most influential and beloved comedies of all time. The film earned Ramis a Writers Guild of America nomination for “Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen”, won a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Non-Musical Motion Picture”, and was selected for the National Film Registry in 2001 forever cementing its significance in American culture. The film launched multiple careers, shaped modern comedic storytelling, and solidified Harold Ramis’ legacy as a fearless creative voice whose work continues to resonate across generations.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit www.NavyPier.org.