Philadelphia is going the distance for Rocky’s 50th anniversary, with a months-long celebration honoring the underdog story that became a city icon.
The Philadelphia Visitor Center and Rocky Season Committee have launched Rocky Season, a citywide lineup of events, tours and special experiences celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original release of the 1976 Academy Award-winning film, 'Rocky.'
Building on the success of Rocky Day in 2023 and RockyFest in 2024, the celebration will continue through Dec. 3, the anniversary of the film’s national release.
From revisiting famous filming locations to racing up the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, fans will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the film’s legacy.
“Rocky has been bringing people to Philadelphia for 50 years, and that’s pretty incredible,” said Neil Frauenglass, chief marketing officer at Visit Philadelphia. “For millions of fans around the world, Rocky is an entry point to our city."
Here are some of the upcoming events planned for Rocky Season.
Weekends through Nov. 29 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Philadelphia Visitor Center has brought back its Rocky-themed bus tours, taking fans to locations featured in the films. In partnership with WeVenture Tours, the experience includes stops at the Italian Market, Pat’s King of Steaks and Laurel Hill Cemetery, along with new stops honoring boxer Joe Frazier and the city’s Boxers’ Trail.
Tours depart from the Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop. If morning tours sell out, a 2 p.m. departure may be added.
Tickets are available at phlvisitorcenter.com/RockyBusTours.
Oct. 24 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 1100 block of Filbert Street
Reading Terminal Market is bringing one of the original film’s most memorable training scenes to life with an interactive photo opportunity inspired by Rocky punching sides of meat. Visitors are encouraged to wear Rocky’s signature gray sweatsuit.
The first 50 participants will receive a Reading Terminal Market logo beanie. The photo opportunity requires a $20 donation, with proceeds supporting the RTM Pantry’s hunger-relief efforts through Sharing Excess.
The event will also feature Rocky-inspired food and treats from market merchants, music from the film soundtracks and a Rocky look-alike contest at noon. The winner will receive a $250 Reading Terminal Market gift card.
Oct. 31 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Rocky fans can add a costume contest to their sightseeing. Passengers must dress as a character from the original film to board the Halloween-themed tour. The best costume will win a $50 gift card to the Parkway Visitor Center’s Rocky Shop.
The Halloween Bus Tour will depart at the Parkway Visitor Center & Rocky Shop. If the 10 a.m. tour sells out, a 2 p.m. tour will be added with the same rules and same prize.
Tickets are available at phlvisitorcenter.com/RockyBusTours.
Nov. 7 | 9 to 11 a.m. | Philadelphia Museum of Art
Think you can run the Rocky Steps as fast as the fictional boxer? The Philadelphia Visitor Center is inviting participants to take on the challenge of climbing the museum’s famous 72 steps in under 12 seconds.
The morning will also include an “Orange Toss Sprint” testing participants’ reflexes across the museum’s apron.
Nov. 7–11
Fans will have the opportunity to experience the original 'Rocky' on the big screen during a special theatrical re-release marking the film’s 50th anniversary.
Additional information is available through Fathom Entertainment.
Nov. 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Laurel Hill West, The Conservatory, 225 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd
Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and author Mike Sielski will discuss his book, 'Going the Distance: Stallone, Philly and the Story of ‘Rocky,’' during a conversation moderated by WIP Sports Radio’s Rhea Hughes.
A copy of the book is included with the purchase of an event ticket, and Sielski will sign copies after the discussion.
Laurel Hill also has a direct connection to the films — the cemetery served as the fictional burial site for Adrian and Paulie, and their gravestones remain on view.
Tickets and details are available through Laurel Hill.
Nov. 13 | Top of the Rocky Steps, Philadelphia Museum of Art
Nearly 50 years after Rocky Balboa’s run up the steps became part of Philadelphia movie history, the iconic Rocky statue is getting a new permanent home at the top of the staircase where it was first unveiled in 1982.
Creative Philadelphia will host a rededication ceremony featuring city officials and special guests celebrating the statue’s connection to the city and generations of fans.
Nov. 14
Runners from across the country and around the world will gather in Philadelphia for the annual Rocky Run, following in the footsteps of the city’s most famous cinematic underdog.
Organizers expect 45,000 participants from all 50 states and 75 countries for the event, which celebrates the film’s legacy through a running experience in the city where the story began.
Registration and event details are available at rockyrun.com.
Nov. 30–Dec. 4 (exact dates tentative)
Rocky’s iconic statue will receive a handmade makeover as part of a temporary yarn-bombing installation created by more than 60 Philadelphia knitters and textile artists.
In a collaboration between Creative Philadelphia and yarn shop Luv2Knit & More, the statue will sport knitted boxing gloves, socks and shorts inspired by Rocky’s movie wardrobe. The centerpiece will be a commemorative robe featuring handmade or crocheted replicas of all 108 international flags represented along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Each flag is being hand-knit or crocheted by community members, with additional handmade details contributed by fellow makers.
The installation celebrates the Parkway’s international spirit, Philadelphia’s creative community, and the 250th anniversary of America—all with a distinctly Philly twist.
"People come to run the steps, see the statue and visit the places they know from the films," finishes Frauenglass. "Once they’re here, they discover more of Philadelphia and find their own reasons to fall in love with the city.
"That connection has lasted for generations."
More events and experiences are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For the full Rocky Season calendar, visit phlvisitorcenter.com/rockyfest.
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Rocky Season runs through Dec. 3, 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of the original film’s national release.
The celebration includes Rocky-themed bus tours, a Meat Market Challenge at Reading Terminal Market, the Rocky Challenge at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a theatrical re-release of the original film, a book signing, the Rocky statue rededication and the annual Rocky Run.
The annual Rocky Run takes place Nov. 14, bringing runners from across the country and around the world to Philadelphia to celebrate the iconic film.
For the complete calendar of Rocky Season events, ticket information and updates on additional activities, visit phlvisitorcenter.com/rockyfest.
