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RockyFest 2024
Following 2023’s first-ever Rocky Day in Philadelphia, RockyFest 2024 celebrates the iconic Rocky film franchise — and Philly’s underdog spirit — with an action-packed week of festivities.
Beginning with the second annual Rocky Day on December 3, 2024, RockyFest 2024 is into a week-long extravaganza of Rocky-themed bus tours, movie marathons, date nights and other special events.
RockyFest 2024 runs from December 3 to 8, 2024.
Every day, Philadelphia visitors walk — or run — in Rocky’s footsteps.
The RockyFest 2024 celebration — hosted by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation in partnership with organizations across the city, including Philly PHLASH, the Philadelphia Film Society and more — delivers a brand-new way to experience the tale of America’s favorite underdog with a full slate of events.
Note: Tickets are required for most events and prices vary.
Here’s what to expect during RockyFest 2024 in Philly.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
November 30, 2024 – December 8, 2024 (select dates)
Led by local experts, this new 90-minute bus tour of Philly’s must-see Rocky sites offers an up-close look at the neighborhoods, streets and landmarks featured in the film series, including Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the South 9th Street Italian Market and more.
Where: Tour begins at the Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop, 2501 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
December 4, 2024, 10 a.m.
Mural Arts Philadelphia highlights the perseverance of Philly’s everyday underdogs in these mural monuments — set to be on view near the Rocky statue — dedicated to the city’s unsung champions.
The unveiling is free and open to the public.
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5-7 p.m.
Pups get in on the fun, too, during this one-night-only pet-friendly happy hour honoring Rocky’s beloved pooch, Butkus.
Tickets are free and refreshments are pay as you go.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Friday, December 6, 2024, 7-10 p.m.
Adrian! Recreate Rocky’s first date — or find your own true love — during this special date night at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic rink.
On the docket: drink specials, look-alike contests, film photo ops and speed dating for singles.
Where: University of Pennsylvania, 3130 Walnut Street
December 6, 2024 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Want to know what draws millions of people to the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Rocky statue each year?
Get a crash course on the monument’s allure — and learn how society memorializes people and stories — in this talk by Dr. Paul Farber of The Statue podcast.
Where: December 6, 2024: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
December 6-8, 2024
Watch the iconic series from start to finish in the city where it all began.
This Rocky film marathon showcases each film in the franchise and includes special pop-up events, Rocky-themed activities and official merch available for purchase from the Sly Stallone Shop. Tickets include a commemorative poster.
Where: Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9 p.m.
Just in time for the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual LumiNature event, this charming date night — set across 16 zones and among millions of twinkling lights — recreates the beats of Rocky and Adrian’s engagement.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
Yo! Looking to make the most of your Rocky visit? The Visit Philly Overnight Package offers a brand-new Rocky Perk featuring free overnight parking at participating hotels, plus a $30 voucher toward purchases at the Rocky Shop at the Parkway Visitor Center.
For more information on the Visit Philly Overnight Package, click the link below.
Though Rocky dominates Philly’s fictional fighting scene, any discussion about boxing in Philly starts with “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier. One of the greatest of all time, Frazier took heavyweight gold at the 1964 Olympics, held the heavyweight title from 1968 to 1973 and defeated Muhammad Ali in “The Fight of the Century” in 1971. The building from which he ran his gym from 1975 until his death in 2011 can still be seen North Philly and a statue of Frazier stands tall outside of XFINITY Live! in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
Other prominent Philadelphia-born or bred boxers include former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Danny Garcia, Meldrick Taylor, Buster Drayton and Tyrell Biggs.
The nearly 40-year-old sports hall in South Philly now known as 2300 Arena had been named “Venue of the Year” by ESPN2 boxing. Several boxing events are also contested at Parx Casino & Racing in Bensalem, Temple’s Liacouras Center and other sites.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?