PHILADELPHIA — Enthusiasts of Rocky Balboa are all set to celebrate the iconic fictional boxer by any means necessary—whether it’s by bus, ice skates, or the iconic 72 steps that led to his famous training montage. Nearly five decades after the original film’s debut, which chronicles the struggle of an underdog fighter against immense challenges, fans are eager to pay tribute to this legendary character.
Now, the city that Rocky proudly called home has finally declared a dedicated week of festivities, a year after the inaugural Rocky Day took place at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This year, the celebration expands into what’s being called RockyFest, which promises a variety of events in honor of the beloved character.
The Rocky Bus Tour kicked off the weekend’s festivities before the main event set to begin on Tuesday, December 3—the anniversary of the 1976 film’s release—when local elementary school students will tackle the famous steps as part of the celebration. Following this, fans can look forward to a series of events such as the unveiling of a new mural, movie screenings, discussions exploring the lasting legacy of Sylvester Stallone’s character, look-alike contests, and another bus tour that will take participants to key locations from the films. This includes stops at fictional graves for Adrian and Paulie, the Italian Market where Rocky trained, and the exterior of Mighty Mick’s Gym.
Participants will even have the chance to rekindle the romantic moment from the franchise by reenacting Rocky and Adrian’s first date at a local ice rink, adding a fun twist to the festivities. It may seem unlikely that it has taken so long for Philadelphia to properly pay homage to “Rocky” and its sequels (including the “Creed” trilogy), but the character is undeniably woven into the city’s identity, as much a part of it as the Liberty Bell or the Founding Fathers.
For many fans, the excitement begins early as they line up at the Rocky statue, which frequently attracts crowds that wrap around the corner. Movie clips, often featuring Adrian urging Rocky to win, are played repeatedly at sporting events, and the anthem “Gonna Fly Now” fills the air ahead of Eagles games. A dedicated group of fans participates in a 50-kilometer race each year, which follows Rocky’s fictional training route in a poignant tribute to their hero.
Additionally, there’s a merchandise stall near the steps where fans can purchase items such as “Italian Stallion” robes and plush dolls of Clubber Lang, showcasing the blend of art and commerce surrounding the beloved films. While Stallone and Michael B. Jordan have made appearances during previous festivities, attendees this year will not see any celebrity guests.
The 78-year-old Stallone made a memorable appearance at last year’s rainy Rocky Day, acknowledging the city as a crucial part of the character’s success both on and off the screen. “I’ve traveled everywhere,” Stallone remarked, “but the inspiration I feel here at the steps remains unmatched. Reaching the summit gives a sense of pride and achievement, especially to those who embody the essence of Rocky in their own lives.” The original film won an Oscar for Best Picture and has consistently been recognized as one of the top sports movies of all time.
RockyFest, which is scheduled to run until December 8, was coordinated by the Philadelphia Visitors Center as a long-overdue celebration of the film series, aiming to connect both locals and tourists to various filming locations beyond just the well-known bronze statue. Maita Soukup from the Philadelphia Visitor’s Center explained, “For years, tourists flocked to the Rocky statue without any official welcome or resources. We aimed to rectify this for our visitors. It was during this process that Stallone reached out, suggesting we work together.” If this inaugural festival proves successful, it’s reasonable to expect more editions in the future to continue the celebration of this timeless character.
