Celebrating the 48th Anniversary of Philadelphia’s most iconic film franchise is Rocky™Fest, a new city-wide series of unique events honouring Philadelphia’s most famous fictional Southpaw, and the sites which made the film series famous.
First released in 1976 and starring Sylvester Stallone, the Rocky franchise has locations that stand as some of Philadelphia’s most iconic attractions. Visitors from around the world travel to film scenes to come to life, such as the famous ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Statue of Rocky, along with many other city-wide landmarks and neighbourhoods where the film was shot. Rocky™Fest is a new date in the calendar for Rocky fans to re-live the film’s famous moments, places and locations. In 2023, Philadelphia announced ‘Rocky Day’, a new annual city holiday celebrating the film’s original 1976 release date on December 3.
Running from December 3 to 8, Rocky™Fest’s fun-packed schedule will welcome Rocky fans from all over the planet. Activities will include a ‘Rocky Date Night’ at Penn Ice Rink that recreates Rocky and Adrian’s first date at the University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink, a Rocky and Adrian look-alike contest, a ‘Rocky Movie Marathon’ and ‘Rocky U’ with fans experiencing famous moments in the film first-hand.
New for 2024 will be the Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tour, the first-ever public Rocky Tour, giving fans close-up views of sites such as Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine gives Rocky a blessing before the big fight, the Italian Market, and many others.
Qantas and Air New Zealand regularly fly Auckland to New York City JFK, the quickest route to Philadelphia. Return tickets start from around $2,500 AUD.
To be part of this not to be missed Rocky™Fest, book your flight today and visit RockyFest Tickets to secure your place at your favourite Rocky events from $40 AUD.
Official Line-Up:
Rocky Guided Bus Tours
November 29 – December 8: A new 90-minute bus tour of Philadelphia’s must-see Rocky sites is on offer, with up-close looks at the neighbourhoods, streets, landmarks and more all featured in the film. Visit Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the South 9th Street Italian Market and more!
Rocky Movie Marathon at the Philadelphia Film Center
December 3 – 8: Watch the iconic series from start to finish in the city where it all began. This Rocky film marathon highlights 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.
Southpaws Yappy Hour at Cherry Street Pier
December 5, 5pm – 7pm: Pups get in on the fun, too, during this one-night-only pet-friendly happy hour honouring Rocky’s beloved pooch, Butkus. Tickets are free and refreshments are pay as you go.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink
December 6, 6pm – 10pm: 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
RockyU: The Rocky Statue – A Monumental Conversation with Dr. Paul Farber
December 6 & 7: 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
Where: December 7, 2024: The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street.
Rocky Date Night at the Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature
December 7, 5pm – 9pm: 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
Real Life Rockys with Mural Arts Philadelphia
Date & Location TBA: Mural Arts Philadelphia highlights the perseverance of Philly’s everyday underdogs in this one-of-a-kind mural dedicated to the city’s unsung champions. The unveiling is free and open to the public.
Rocky™Fest Signature Public Event
Date & Location TBC: This is the big one: In preparation for the 50th anniversary of the film’s release, RockyFest 2024’s signature event welcomes Rocky fans and series newcomers alike with a celebration of all things Rocky. Stay tuned or check out the official website for more details.
Technically this is the inaugural festival. Last year was just Rocky Day.
