The Philadelphia Visitor Center Just Announced the Schedule for “RockyFest 2024″ Featuring Events, Tours, and More
There’s no denying that Rocky has become a symbol for Philly. The underdog story, the grit, the blue collar persona, and so much more emobies the Philly spirit. Now, the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (“the Visitor Center”) has created a festival to live out spirit of Rocky.
In an announcement made today, The Visitor Center revealed the line-up for “RockyFest 2024,” an action-packed celebration of the iconic Rocky film franchise. The schedule of events kicks off with the second annual “Rocky Day” on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 and continues through Sunday, December 8, 2024 with special events and new opportunities for visitors who take the Rocky pilgrimage to experience the city where it all began.
“Every day at our visitor centers, we meet and talk to fans from all over the world who have come to Philadelphia to run the Art Museum Steps and take their photo with the Rocky Statue. Rocky is a hero for so many people and the message of the film, rising above all odds to become a champion, has inspired a national and international pilgrimage to this iconic site,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. “Philadelphia is embracing this Rocky-fueled tourism, and we are ready to roll out the red carpet to welcome these visitors and show them the best of what our city has to offer. That’s what RockyFest is all about – creating an opportunity for Rocky super-fans from near and far to have this collective experience and live their Rocky dreams.”
Events will include:
Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink
“The City of Philadelphia is proud to support RockyFest 2024,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The story of Rocky is the story of the underdog, the blue-collar fighter who rises from a neighborhood gym to take his shot at the heavyweight champion of the world. It’s about grit and perseverance and never, ever giving up on your dreams. That’s Philly, and it is why this iconic movie has such enduring appeal here and around the world. We want everyone to come to Philly, enjoy RockyFest 2024, and stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and enjoy our wonderful City.”
“‘Rocky’ has become synonymous with Philly and has truly captured the essence of our City – a gritty, passionate City with a huge heart and unwavering spirit of perseverance,” said Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events, City of Philadelphia. “Events like RockyFest showcase the best of what our City has to offer – the rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and renowned attractions that inspired a mega-franchise and continue to drive tourism and put Philadelphia on a global stage.”
In 2023, the Visitor Center partnered with the Sly Stallone Shop to offer Rocky fans visiting Philadelphia officially licensed Sylvester Stallone merchandise at the Shop’s first and only brick-and-mortar location. The partnership launched a celebration of Philadelphia’s first-ever “Rocky Day” on December 3. Based on the overwhelming success of the inaugural event, the Visitor Center has partnered with organizations across the region to build out an expanded festival that will welcome fans from around the globe to immerse themselves in all things Rocky.
RockyFest 2024 will define the ultimate Rocky experience in Philadelphia, highlighted by 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. Tickets to RockyFest events are available through PHLVisitorCenter.com/RockyFest.
For the complete RockyFest fan experience, visitors can book their stays through the Visit Philly Overnight Package to secure exclusive RockyFest perks, including free parking and a $30 voucher for purchases made at the Rocky Shop. Visitors can find more information and book their stays at VisitPhilly.com/Overnight.
“Annually, millions of visitors make their way to Philadelphia, inspired by Rocky’s triumphant story,” said Angela Val, President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia. “Rocky appeals to fans from all over and remains a significant aspect of our tourism economy nearly 50 years after its release. We’re excited about this year’s lineup of events and look forward to welcoming all who journey here to celebrate this cultural icon.”
RockyFest 2024 will be hosted in partnership with Visit Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Film Society, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Monument Lab, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Zoo.
“Rocky and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be forever connected and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate what he means to the city,” said Sasha Suda, George D. Widener Director and CEO, Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“Rocky is not only immediately identified with Philadelphia, but his indelible spirit – beating the odds – resonates with Philadelphians themselves,” said Gregg Caren, President & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our city, and our people, are known for grit and determination, whether in obvious connection to sports or the more lofty goals of democracy, liberty and justice, all of which are also tied to the founding of our nation here in Philadelphia.”
