As a valued VIP I was naturally met by the man himself on the Rocky road to Philly.
And I didn’t even have to walk, never mind run, up the art museum steps to see him.
It takes something, or someone, to shift the Champ and when that guest is coming all the way from Washington DC…
I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I had actually come to Philadelphia to see an old bell.. you know boxers and bells!
Mr Balboa is, of course, long since back in his elevated state on the steps after a brief residency then in Philly’s historic old quarter.
Rocky Fest of fun
His appeal has, if anything, only grown in the years since we last sparred.
And only last year the greatest Philadelphian who never lived was given his own day, December 3.
And that has only been ratcheted up in the City of Brotherly Glove in the years since.
With its Rocky Fest 2024 in full swing like a Sylvester Stallone haymaker.
Rocky by numbers
Rocky Fest will run from Rocky Day on December 3 through December 8, 2024.
With new moves from the PHLVisitorCenter… the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tours, a Rocky Movie Marathon.
And recreated Rocky Date Nights at The University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink and The Philadelphia Zoo.
The Rocky Bus Tour and Philly PHLASH is a 90-minute deep dive into the different neighbourhoods where the movies were filmed.
Tour de force
And for Rockyphiles that means Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine blesses Rocky, the Italian Market, and many others.
The tours will run between November 29, and December 8.
You’ll kick off at The Parkway Visitor Centre and Rocky Shop. Individual tickets $49, Senior/student tickets $42; Available here.
A Rocky date
And because among all the fighting there was a lot of loving too then Philly takes us by the hand through Rocky and Adrian’s love story.
On their choice of Date Nights at the Penn Ice Rink and The Zoo.
Recreate their first date and Rocky’s stumbling around on the ice.
With signature drink specials, a Rocky and Adrian lookalike contest, film recreation photo ops, and speed dating for singles.
And individual tickets $25, student tickets $12.50; Available here.
Tickets include skate rental and 20% discount at the Rocky Shop, valid for purchases made during RockyFest.
Or during the Zoo’s LumiNature event with a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones at the Philadelphia Zoo.
And channel Rocky’s proposal to Adrian in front of Big Cat Falls, Rocky proposed, and maybe have your own moment.
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Two-ticket package for $75; Available here
A Rocky marathon![]()
Of course, Rocky starts, continues and finishes with the movies, all of which you can merch up on at the Sly Stallone Shop.
And while we know you’ve watched and rewatched them all then if you want to test yourself over the equivalent of 15 rounds…
With the Philadelphia Film Centre running anything from single viewings to the full bundle over the Fest days.
Full Screening Schedule Available Here.
Single screening: $14 general admission, $9 PFS member; Bundle: $48 general admission, $42 PFS members. Available here.
And, of course, flying out of Ireland comes to the USA with pre-clearance and Aer Lingus and Philly are old pals with prices from €258.44.
