‘Rocky’ Season is coming to Philly to celebrate the Italian Stallion’s 50th anniversary

Don that gray sweatsuit, crack your eggs into a glass, and stretch those hammies because the Philadelphia Visitor Center is hosting a lineup of events this fall it’s dubbing “Rocky Season” in honor of the iconic Philly film’s 50th anniversary.

Programming kicks off Tuesday and wraps up Dec. 3. Events will include a run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, a Rocky-themed bus tour, and a meat market challenge outside Reading Terminal Market.

Events will include the following, and more will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the visitor center.

Sept. 29

On the day of its release, Sylvester Stallone’s autobiography, The Steps: A Memoir by Sylvester Stallone, will be available for purchase at the Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop at the base of the Art Museum steps.

Sept. 30 to Oct. 3

From 7 to 10 each night, the Art Museum steps will feature a light projection honoring the film’s 50th anniversary.

Oct. 3

The Smokin’ Joe Frazier Championship Foundation is hosting a Run, Walk, Roll event from 8 until 11 a.m. Participants can walk, run, or roll in a wheelchair through the route, which goes from the Smokin’ Joe Frazier statue, in its new home near the base of the Art Museum steps, to the Girard Street Bridge on Kelly Drive, then back to the statue. The event will honor the 55th anniversary of the “Fight of the Century,” during which Frazier bested Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden in 1971.

Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 10 to Nov. 29

Rocky-themed Philadelphia bus tours will run Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., departing from the Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop. Stops include the Ninth Street Italian Market, Pat’s King of Steaks, and Laurel Hill Cemetery (where Rocky’s beloved Adrian has a gravestone). New stops added this year pay homage to Frazier and highlight the Boxers’ Trail, where Frazier and others trained. If morning tours sell out, 2 p.m. tours will be added.

Oct. 24

Outside Reading Terminal Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can re-create the meat-punching tableau from the film for $20. Proceeds will benefit the market’s pantry, which feeds Philadelphians in need. Movie-themed outfits are encouraged. The event will also feature Rocky-inspired treats, music from the film, and a Rocky look-alike contest.

Oct. 31

The Rocky Philadelphia bus tour that falls on Halloween will be limited to those who dress as their favorite character from the movie. The participants with the “best costume” will win a gift card to the Parkway Visitor Center.

Nov. 6

Amazon MGM’s I Play Rocky opens in some theaters. Anthony Ippolito stars as a young Stallone in the film, directed by Peter Farrelly. Many scenes were filmed in Philadelphia.

Nov. 7

The Philadelphia Visitor Center is hosting a Rocky challenge from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will try to beat Rocky’s 72-step climb up the Art Museum steps in under 12 seconds and will test their reflexes with the “Orange Toss Sprint” across the museum’s apron.

Nov. 7 to Nov. 11

Yearning to see all those Philly scenes on the big screen once more? The original film will be back in theaters for a few days in honor of the movie’s 50th anniversary.

Nov. 12

Inquirer columnist and author Mike Sielski will discuss his new book, Going the Distance: Stallone, Philly, and the Story of “Rocky,” during a Q&A hosted by SportsRadio 94WIP’s Rhea Hughes at the Conservatory at Laurel Hill West — the filming location for the fictional grave sites of Adrian and Paulie in the movies. Their gravestones remain there for public viewing. Tickets include a copy of the book, which Sielski will be available to sign.

Nov. 13

Nearly 45 years after its unveiling in 1982, the Rocky statue will be rededicated, marking its recent installation at the top of the Art Museum steps.

Nov. 14

Around 45,000 runners from all 50 states and 75 countries will participate in the Rocky Run, one of the nation’s largest running celebrations.

Nov. 14 and Nov. 15

The National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will feature some Rocky pride in the form of some of its ambassadors cheering on the bullmastiff. Bullmastiffs impersonating Rocky’s dog, Butkus, will be available to meet at the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Ambassador Booth.

Nov. 30 to Dec. 4

More than 60 knitters and textile artists will fashion a knitted boxing ensemble for the Rocky statue. It will include boxing gloves, socks, and shorts inspired by the character’s outfit in the movie. It will also include a knitted robe incorporating replicas of all 108 international flags on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Dec. 3

Rocky fans can purchase a special ticket package to the Flyers’ 7:30 p.m. game against the New York Islanders. In addition to the seat, the package includes a Flyers/Rocky branded item and a chance to recreate Rocky and Adrian’s ice-skating date on the ice after the game.