Nick Offerman Blends Comedy and DIY in "Big Woodchuck" Tour

The "Parks and Recreation" star showcases his passion for woodworking and original music.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Nick Offerman, best known for his role as Ron Swanson on "Parks and Recreation", brought his "Big Woodchuck" comedy tour to the Lobero Theatre, blending his love of woodworking, original songs, and comedy. Joined by his longtime friend and fellow woodworker Lee Buchanan, Offerman engaged the audience in an unscripted, conversational format, occasionally breaking into song on his self-made ukulele while Buchanan constructed a "slap stick" toy, one of the projects featured in Offerman's recently published woodworking book "Little Woodchucks". The show inspired the author to explore his own DIY capabilities, highlighting Offerman's mission to encourage hands-on creativity and self-reliance.

Why it matters

Offerman's show challenges the modern reliance on technology and convenience, promoting a "do-it-yourself" mindset that he believes fosters good citizenship and community. His passion for woodworking and original music provides a refreshing alternative to the typical comedy show format, engaging the audience in a more interactive and personal experience.

The details

During the show, Offerman and Buchanan recounted their first meeting, which came shortly after Offerman secured his role on "Parks and Recreation" around 2009. Knowing he'd be away from his woodshop for long periods, Offerman hired Buchanan to look after the shop, a partnership that continued until Buchanan's recent departure. The pair's unscripted banter and Offerman's occasional musical performances created a unique, conversational atmosphere, with Offerman even jokingly presenting his rear end for Buchanan to smack with the "slap stick" toy she had constructed.

  • Offerman secured his role on "Parks and Recreation" around 2009.
  • Offerman and Buchanan's partnership in Offerman's woodshop continued until Buchanan's recent departure.

The players

Nick Offerman

An actor, woodworker, author, and comedian best known for his role as Ron Swanson on the TV series "Parks and Recreation". Offerman's "Big Woodchuck" comedy tour blends his passions for woodworking, original music, and comedy.

Lee Buchanan

Offerman's longtime friend and fellow woodworker, who worked in Offerman's woodshop until his recent departure.

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What they’re saying

“To narrow down what I love to eat is not easy, because the main thing I love to eat is everything. But if I were stranded on a desert island and had to pick just one thing to eat, that would be meat.”

— Nick Offerman (independent.com)

“You know, when I need something done, I would rather do it myself or pay someone with skills to do it than like, hit a button on my phone, because I think that makes for a good neighbor and a good citizen, and it makes us feel more responsible.”

— Nick Offerman (independent.com)

The takeaway

Offerman's show encourages a return to hands-on creativity and self-reliance, challenging the modern reliance on technology and convenience. His passion for woodworking and original music provides a refreshing alternative to the typical comedy show format, inspiring the audience to explore their own DIY capabilities.