2 ways to celebrate Groundhog Day in the Birmingham metro area

4 hours ago 1

Smith Lake Jake and Birmingham Jill are back in business!

On January 31 and February 2, the two furry friends are set to make their weather projections for the year.

Keep reading to learn more about these events and how you can celebrate Groundhog Day.

1. The Birmingham Zoo

Our longtime friend Birmingham Bill is busy getting his beauty rest and unfortunately will not wake up in time to make his predictions.

The good news is that Birmingham Jill, the Zoo’s resident Virginia Possum, will be taking over the holiday festivities so Bill can sleep. The Birmingham Zoo has made it a priority to not disturb Birmingham Bill’s hibernation. In 2020, the zoo used Bilbo the Eurasian owl to make the years prediction.

Where: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
When: Sunday, Feb 2, 10AM
More info

2. Smith Lake Jake

Smith Lake Jake, Alabama’s “true weather prophet extraordinaire”, according to groundhogday.com, will return to make his famous prediction in Graysville, Alabama. The groundhog has been making his predictions since 2016 and retired in 2024 until his return this year. Jake, being known for his cool little hats and atypical diet of cereal and spaghetti, will pop out on Friday.

Make sure to drop in for complimentary drinks and celebrate Jake’s weather forecast.