‘RockyFest’ celebrates iconic film series and Philadelphia’s fighting spirit

Just outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s East entrance, the Philadelphia Visitor Center announced the schedule for RockyFest 2024. The week-long event will stretch from Tuesday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 8, and celebrates both the iconic film series and the city’s fighting underdog spirit.

President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation Kathryn Ott Lovell made the announcement atop the famous Art Museum steps on Tuesday.

The fun begins with the celebration of the second annual RockyDay on Dec. 3 and will continue with various activities related to the famous film franchise, including bus tours, movie marathons, date nights, and more.

President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation Kathryn Ott Lovell addresses a crowd assembled atop the famous art museum stairs, announcing RockyFest2024.

Here is a breakdown of what’s to come:

Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours

The Philadelphia Visitor Center, in partnership with its Philly PHLASH tourism bus service, will run the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tour in Philadelphia. Fans can enjoy several “must-see” spots that can be seen throughout the Rocky series in a perfectly timed 90-minute tour. The Philly PHLASH will allow touring guests an opportunity at an up-close look at these sites, which include Laurel Hill Cemetery—the fictional gravesites of his wife, Adrian Balboa, and brother-in-law, Paulie Pennino, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine gives Rocky a blessing before the big fight, the Italian Market, and many others.

Acting as a bit of a preview to the event, the Rocky Bus Tour will run from Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 8.

Franchise Movie Marathon

It’s a Rocky-themed celebration. How could it take place without a marathon showing of the blockbuster franchise? You can catch the entire series, your favorite feature, or an a la carte selection between Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Philadelphia Film Center.

Southpaws at The Docks: Pugs and Mugs Yappy Hour

Who could forget  the iconic bond between Rocky and his beloved Bullmastiff, Butkus? In honor of their friendship, The Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Visitor Center invite you and your furry friends to celebrate in a pet-friendly happy hour located at the Cherry Street Pier on Thursday, Dec. 5. The event will feature light refreshments and beverages and benefiting the Philadelphia Kennel Club.

A Monumental Conversation with Dr. Paul Farber

The Rocky statue and the famed steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are fixtures in the City of Brotherly Love. Millions have traveled to pose with the statue and run the very stairs that Philadelphia famous fictitious son did those many years ago. Dr. Paul Farber, Director of Monument Lab and host of the acclaimed The Statue podcast, takes a deep dive session on the biography of the Rocky Statue, exploring how this statue was created, public debates about its placement in the city over time, and the ways this statue relates to how we memorialize people and stories throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

Farber will host two sessions, with the first taking place on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the second on Saturday, Dec. 7, at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center.

Date Night at The Penn Ice Rink

A moment of true insight into the beauty inside the beast, the Italian Stallion, was his first date with Adrian. The Philadelphia Visitor Center will partner with University of Pennsylvania to host the first Rocky Date Night. The evening will feature signature drink specials, a Rocky and Adrian look-alike contest, film recreation photo ops, and speed dating for Philadelphia-area singles, all taking place Friday, Dec. 6, at the Class of 1923 University of Pennsylvania Ice Skating Rink.

Date Night at The Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo, which hosted Rocky and Adrian for yet another memorable night in which he proposes, is set to host the second Date Night during the Zoo’s LumiNature event. With a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones at the Philadelphia Zoo, folks can recreate the famous date at the Philadelphia Zoo, and perhaps if the moment is right, ask the same big question Rocky did.

Real Life Rocky: A Mural Tribute to Philadelphia’s Unsung Champions

Rocky is undisputedly the greatest fictitious figure in Philadelphia. The Italian Stallion’s famous story and legendary resolve reflect the underdog mentality of the entire city. He showed, as many Philadelphians over the years know, that enough determination can overcome the odds. With that in mind, Mural Arts Philadelphia will interpret this narrative with a first-of-its-kind mural series highlighting Philly’s “Real Life Rockys.”

Mural Arts will soon be taking nominations, looking for Philadelphians whose stories embody the spirit of Rocky that lives on in our community daily.

For more information, visit phlvisitorcenter.com

Zach Ciavolella

Digital Editor at Metro Philadelphia and Philadelphia 76ers Managing Editor and Beat Reporter for Philly Sports Network. Philly born, Jersey raised. Grateful every day to serve the Philadelphia area.

Recent Posts

Caesars Sportsbook promo code: $1,000 bet offer for MLB Wild Card games

The MLB postseason is ready to start and bettors can lock in a $1,000 first…

34 mins ago

Eagles Pressers: Head Coach Nick Sirianni shoulders the blame for the team’s early struggle

Nick Sirianni, as he has on multiple occasions through the first month of the season,…

1 hour ago

‘The Book of Mormon’ hits the stage at Academy of Music

When the comic minds behind 'South Park,’ Trey Parker and Matt Stone, met the composer…

2 hours ago

Buccaneers vs Falcons: Betting preview & predictions for Thursday Night Football

Buccaneers vs Falcons: Week 5 of the NFL season is already here. Thursday Night Football…

3 hours ago

Flyers visit Boston for final road preseason game:

The Flyers travel to Boston for their final preseason road game tonight.

4 hours ago

Bet365 promo code AMNYXLM: $200 bonus for MLB Playoffs this week

Sign up with bet365 promo code AMNYXLM to start with one of two bonuses on…

4 hours ago

This website uses cookies.