The Essential Rocky & Creed Tour of Philadelphia

Building off the success of Rocky Day in 2023 and RockyFest in 2024, Philadelphia debuts Rocky Season in 2026 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original movie. 

This multi-month celebration of all things Rocky features everything from musical performances and curated tours to light projections and a meat-punching (!) challenge. 

While the full schedule of events is still being finalized, Rocky fans can look forward to taking a vivid trip down memory lane. Some marquee events include:

• Book Release & Projection Show: The Steps: A Memoir by Sylvester Stallone — which follows the actor’s unlikely path to stardom — can be purchased at the Parkway Visitor Center (beginning September 29, 2026), with a special light projection show illuminating the Rocky Steps in honor of Rocky’s 50th anniversary (7 to 10 p.m., September 30 to October 2, 2026).
• Smokin’ Joe Frazier Run, Walk, Roll: Honors the legendary boxer’s legacy and real fight overcoming a childhood disability, this wheelchair-accessible event celebrates the real-life inspiration for Rocky Balboa (October 3, 2026).  
• Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours: First launched in 2024, the official Rocky Bus Tours take fans on a citywide tour of Philly sites featured in the franchise. Jump on at the base of the Rocky Steps, departing at 10 a.m. (Select dates through November 29, 2026). 
• Meat Market Challenge: Hosted at Reading Terminal Market, the Meat Market Challenge invites people to punch slabs of frozen meat outdoors on Filbert Street. A Rocky look-alike contest accompanies the event, with a $250 gift card on the line (October 24, 2026). 
• The Rocky Challenge: Think you can go the distance? This new challenge invites Rocky fans to run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps faster than Rocky did in the movie, which was under 12 seconds. Gather at the Rocky steps at 9:30 a.m. (November 7, 2026). 

On par with a visit to the Liberty Bell or a cheesesteak at Pat’s, one of the most iconic Philadelphia experiences is taking a run up the Rocky Steps fronting the East Terrace of the esteemed Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

Race up the 72 stone steps — designed largely by Julian Abele, one of America’s first Black architects — as Stallone first did in the original and celebrate by spinning around with fists raised to take in the spectacular view down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (cue Gonna Fly Now). 

The dolomite staircase has been featured in every Rocky (except Rocky IV), plus Creed and Creed II.

Bonus: The Sly Stallone Shop opened a permanent brick-and-mortar store at the base of the Rocky steps in 2023, offering clothing and other memorabilia from the movie franchise.

Originally commissioned for Rocky III, sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg’s Rocky statue — a larger-than-life interpretation of the triumphant boxer — stands atop the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

Previously located at the Rocky Steps’ base, the statue was later moved back to the top to coincide with the opening of a Rocky-themed exhibition for the Semiquincentennial. The eight-foot-tall statue makes a cameo in Creed and Creed II, and visitors line up for selfies alongside their hero every day — with around four million total visitors per year. 

Additionally, a 12-foot statue of legendary hometown champ Joe Frazier — Rocky’s real-life inspiration — now takes up permanent residence at the base of the famed steps.

Down South 9th Street is South Philadelphia’s Italian Market, the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor market where decades-old produce vendors and purveyors line blocks of awning-covered sidewalks between Fitzwater and Wharton streets. 

During the famous training scenes in Rocky and Rocky II, Balboa triumphantly runs past (and then with) curious onlookers, which Adonis mirrors in Creed. Today, those grocers, fishmongers, fromageries and butcher shops are joined by a global mix of bistros, bakeries, cafés and taquerias.

The centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park is world-famous Independence Hall, where America’s Founding Fathers gathered to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Eleven years later, representatives from the new states returned to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. 

One of Philadelphia’s most popular destinations, the site served as the backdrop for the fan-favorite scene training sequence in Rocky II. If you wish to visit Independence Hall itself, that requires free advance timed tickets (with a $1 service charge).

To many, no stroll is more Philly than a rove through gorgeous Rittenhouse Square, centerpiece of the chic neighborhood of the same name. 

The Beaux-Arts-style French garden’s diagonal wheel-and-spoke walkways and central oval are regularly filled with amblers, sunbathers, readers, families, dog-walkers, artists, produce vendors and people-watchers. The park is also the site where Rocky and Adrian contemplate their pending parenthood in Rocky II — and it’s been featured in other films like the popular holiday movie Trading Places.  

Fun fact: A young Sylvester Stallone lived in the Chateau Crillon apartment house just off Rittenhouse Square during the late 1950s.

Along the Schuylkill River’s east bank are the 15 19th-century private social and rowing clubhouses that make up iconic Boathouse Row. 

Gorgeous any time of day, the National Historic Landmark comes alive at night, covered in 6,400 glittering LED lights that frame the buildings and reflect off the river’s surface. The site’s area along scenic Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail — which also attracts runners, walkers, cyclists, rock climbers and rollerbladers from across the city — can be spotted in Rocky Balboa.

The most unmistakable boathouse on the block? The Sedgeley Club, thanks to its 30-foot-tall lighthouse. 

While it makes for a cinematic ’80s movie montage, die-hard Philadelphians know the iconic training run in Rocky II doesn’t exactly follow a logical path, with estimates that the circuitous run would be over 30 miles in reality. 

During the scene, Rocky runs through a riverfront industrial tract and past an old ship. That area is Penn’s Landing, which today is home to warm-weather seasonal attractions, museums, concerts, parks and more. 

The ship is the Moshulu, a 120-year-old four-masted tall ship that’s now a popular floating restaurant.

Two century-old Laurel Hill Cemetery is a 265-acre garden burial ground adjacent to Fairmount Park, dotted with more than 44,000 gravesites of soldiers, luminaries and colonial Philadelphians. The National Historic Landmark is featured during the touching moments when Rocky visits Adrian and Paulie’s graves in Rocky Balboa, Creed and Creed II. 

Despite being the final resting place of war heroes, dignitaries and celebrities, fans can visit the “graves” of both of Rocky’s compatriots (next to the Gatehouse at Laurel Hill East in Section M), featuring original prop headstones used in the films.

America’s first zoological garden, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1,900 animals … and the engagement of Rocky Balboa to Adrian Pennino in Rocky II, where he memorably proposes in the snow in front of the tiger exhibit (with an actual tiger in the background!). 

Today, tigers and other animals — check out the revitalized Carey Bear Country — roam freely throughout the park via Zoo360, the world’s first animal travel and exploration trail system. The mesh-enclosed pathways enable big cats, primates and other animals to move above and across visitor concourses — even if someone is proposing below.

One of the most beautiful strolls in all of Philadelphia, the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is a 2,000-foot-long over-the-water pathway carrying the Schuylkill River Trail recreational path from Locust Street to South Street, featuring scenic overlooks and stunning riverside views of Center City and West Philly. 

The site is also seen three times in Creed during Adonis’ first training session with Rocky as he runs down the 15-foot-wide trail, stopping to do pull-ups from a shady canopy while his trainer watches from the CSX Connector Bridge.

Why is Nordstrom Rack in a Rocky article? The spot where the Center City store now stands was a flagship location for retailer Bonwit Teller & Co in the 1970s. 

In the second film, Rocky “parks” his Trans Am on the sidewalk, runs to the display window and shows Adrian (in the passenger seat) the black tiger jacket (surprise, it’s available for purchase at the Sly Stallone Shop) and fur coat he buys for them.

Bonwit Teller closed in 2000, but keen observers can still see the name painted atop from Chestnut Street.

Rocky couldn’t resist a trip to Pat’s King of Steaks for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak during his training — and you shouldn’t either. 

Home of the original cheesesteak, Pat’s is still owned and operated by the legendary Olivieri family, whose eponymous patriarch and founder invented the first steak sandwich in 1930 (then added cheese later) on its way to becoming one of the most famous restaurants in the world. 

The open-24/7 shop makes a brief cameo in the original film, in a scene where Rocky meets up with loan shark Tony Gazzo before his fight against Apollo Creed. The spot where Rocky stood is now marked with a special plaque.

North Philly’s neon-lit Max’s Steaks takes its star turn in Creed as the spot where Bianca takes Philly newbie Adonis to get his first cheesesteak on their first date — a spot known today for its chopped sirloin steaks (eschewing the traditional rib-eye) and behemoths like its 20-inch “whole” cheesesteak. 

The couple banters with the cooks before grabbing their steaks to move next door to Eagle Bar, where she teaches him the meaning of the word jawn — Philly slang for … just about any noun. 

Both Nicetown locales return in Creed II during the scene where the two first hear of Viktor Drago’s challenge for a fight while downing more steaks from Max’s.

For more than a century, Esposito’s Meats has been the go-to butcher shop in the Italian Market. 

While visitors won’t be able to practice sparring on a side of beef (and you probably wouldn’t be the first to ask), the fresh cuts of high-quality meat, pork, poultry and sausages that — along with its artisanal approach and traditional preparation practices — have made Esposito’s one of Philadelphia’s favorite butcher shops.

One of America’s most memorable Italian dining experiences can be found at South Philly’s Victor Café. Besides serving delicious Old World Italian classics, every 15 to 20 minutes the waitstaff — also classically trained opera singers — emerge to perform traditional a capella arias for diners. 

The South Philly trattoria, established in 1918, doubles as Adrian’s Restaurant in Rocky Balboa, Creed and Creed II, owned and operated by Rocky himself.

The century-old restaurant also houses the Rocky Room, an upstairs lounge area doubling as an unofficial museum of movie-related posters and memorabilia. On display is LeRoy Neiman’s “Rocky vs. Apollo” painting shown at the end of Rocky III. 

Located right across the street from the aforementioned Victor Café, popular breakfast, lunch and brunch outpost Green Eggs Café in East Passyunk is known for its whopping portions, eco-friendly sensibilities, locally sourced produce, and an eclectic menu loved by carnivores and vegans alike. 

Featuring both classic and inventive new dishes — like crème brulée French toast, fried chicken Benedict and the eponymous Dr. Seuss’s book inspiration — the restaurant offers a half-dozen local locations, including this one, which makes an appearance in Creed.

With the introduction of Tessa Thompson’s Bianca — a Philly singer on her way up and influenced by locals like Jill Scott, John Legend and The Roots — the city’s music scene became more important to the franchise. 

The first time we see Adonis’ future girlfriend, she’s performing the song Grip with her band at the popular 250-capacity bar/restaurant/music venue Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown. The spot looks just as it did in the film, with seasonal American plates, local craft brews and billiards downstairs and nightly live touring bands and artists upstairs. 

According to Philadelphia Magazine, Thompson personally pushed for Johnny Brenda’s after a different music venue was initially scouted for the stage scenes.

In 1995, the new Electric Factory opened in Callowhill after three decades in Center City. A who’s-who of artists have performed at the 3,000-capacity venue, including Bianca in Creed. (The venue is also the site of Adonis’ backstage fistfight with Tone Trump.) 

Since the film premiered, the hall — one of the greatest American music venues ever, per Consequence of Sound — has changed its name to Franklin Music Hall, but still showcases some of the best live music in Philly. Catch the venue’s exterior and famous Benjamin Franklin logo on the marquee and side of the building in the film.

Fast forward to Creed II, and Bianca is now a headliner, performing Time Tick on stage at The Fillmore Philadelphia to a sold-out 2,500-capacity crowd while Adonis is confronted by Viktor Drago’s promoter in the balcony. 

The gorgeous scene showcases the beauty of the industrial Fishtown venue (inside a former metal factory), which kickstarted the revitalization of the neighborhood campus in 2015 around its Canal Street location. 

Nearby, visitors and residents can explore The Foundry, Philadelphia Distilling, Mamajuana Cafe, Brooklyn Bowl Philly, Punch Line Philly and Other Half Brewing.

The fictional Mighty Mick’s Gym (see below) plays a pivotal role throughout the Rocky/Creed franchise, which is why it was significant when Rocky recommends moving Adonis to the very real and very famous Front Street Gym, which has operated in Port Richmond since the 1950s. 

Known as “one of boxing’s most famous gyms,” the old-school sparring spot is featured heavily in Creed, including the location of the end of Adonis’ training run following Rocky in his van and the emotional locker room cancer diagnosis scene. Note: This is a private business, so please call ahead if you’re interested in visiting inside.

The scene in Creed featuring Adonis’ first fight (covertly billed as Donnie Johnson) — against Leo “The Lion” Sporino — is designed to look as if it’s set in one of Philly’s real-life classic boxing venues like 2300 Arena or Blue Horizon. In reality, that’s the Temple Performing Arts Center (TPAC) on North Broad Street on the university’s main campus. 

When not doubling as a Hollywood set, TPAC hosts concerts, theater productions, film screenings and dance performances, particularly from students in the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. TPAC was also once the site of Grace Baptist Church, which hosted speeches by prominent historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Margaret Mead, Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. 

The world’s most famous boxing gym isn’t real — and isn’t even a boxing gym. Many of the franchise’s iconic scenes took place at the fictional Mighty Mick’s Gym — which appeared in Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky V, Rocky Balboa and Creed — and was originally owned by the character Mickey, then Rocky himself. 

In reality, the 125-year-old red brick building houses Lost Time Brewing Company, a craft brewery (located under the El on Front Street in Kensington) that keeps Mick’s legacy alive through pours of its flagship beer, Mickey’s Lager. 

If you visit, see if you can spot the boxing gloves painted on the Front Street side for Rocky V. Note: Only exterior shots were filmed at this location. 

Why not take a Rocky tour with The Italian Stallion himself … or a close facsimile? Stallone-endorsed Rocky expert (and part-time impersonator) Mike Kunda guides The Yo, Philly! Film Tour past many real-life sites from the films on a private, three-to-four-hour van excursion. 

Along the tour, Kunda shares vast amounts of Rocky trivia, anecdotes from his time on set and stories from Stallone himself while visiting many of the sites above, plus other shooting locations like Rocky’s apartment, Lucky 7 Tavern and Adrian’s Pet Shop, concluding at the Rocky Steps.

In his celebrated training run, Rocky Balboa would have trekked 30 miles across the city (nearly the equivalent of a 50K!) if followed in the real world. But if you want to recreate the run yourself, try this less daunting DIY 5K variation.

Start at 9th Street and Washington Avenue in the Italian Market where Rocky ran through the bustling corridor. Continue north to Spruce Street, make a left and follow the beautiful wide sidewalks to 16th Street. Take a right and follow 16th to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Finish like Rocky, bounding up to the top of the museum’s 72 Rocky Steps, where you can join the official Rocky Statue and enjoy the stunning skyline, fists in the air.

Yo, Philly! In 2023, on the 47th anniversary of the Rocky movie premiere, Sylvester Stallone returned to Philly’s famous Rocky Steps to announce Rocky Day as the city’s newest holiday. 

The event has since been celebrated annually in the fictional boxer and real actor’s hometown each December, with events such as speeches, activations, tours and more. Check the Independence Visitor Center’s official site for more info about the next event.

For a more formal timed race to follow in Rocky’s footsteps, sign up for the official Rocky Run race, with 5K, 10-mile, and half-marathon 13.1 “Italian Stallion Challenge” versions. 

The annual fall event, which attracts over 7,500 runners, starts and ends in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with the 5K turnaround past Girard Avenue Bridge and the 10-mile turnaround before the City Avenue bridge. 

Participants not only compete for best times in the individual races, but also for best costume, best team costume and largest team.

The Statue podcast focuses on Rocky Balboa, “the greatest Philadelphian who never lived.” Specifically, it focuses on the Rocky Balboa statue that stands proudly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

A production of WHYY Digital Studios, the six-episode series, hosted by Paul Farber — director and co-founder of Monument Lab — digs into the history of the statue, why millions of people visit it each year and what the statue says about how some stories are memorialized over others.