Keys To Philly
ACTIVE
Each month, I hide a key somewhere in Philly. Your mission: go on a mini treasure hunt to find it! To claim victory, tag me in a video that shows the key in your hand, then DM me to make sure I see it. If you’re the first person to grab it, you win an invitation to a special puzzle event at the end of the season, where you’ll also get a holographic prize card commemorating your triumph! If I haven’t posted that the key has been found, it’s still out there waiting for you…
Where:
I post Keys To Philly videos on TikTok and Instagram. Keys are hidden within Philadelphia city limits.
When:
Once a month—look for countdown timers on my Instagram Story, or join Algorithm Bypass Club (on my IG profile) to see puzzles as soon as I post them!
Time to complete:
Each puzzle can be solved in under ten minutes. How long it takes to get to the key is another matter! So far, every key has been claimed in under 48 hours. Check to see if I’ve posted that the key has been found before you head out in search of it.
Difficulty:
◉◎◎◎◎
Price:
Free!
Rules:
• Each Puzzler may claim no more than one key per season.
• Do not trespass or violate any laws while looking for keys.
• By participating in Keys To Philly, you assume all associated risks and agree not to hold Eric The Puzzler or any sponsors responsible for any liability that results from your participation.
How to participate:
Watch for a key drop video, solve its puzzle, and go find the key! Remember to tag me in a video or photo of the key in your hand and DM me that post to claim the prize. You can also participate by donating keys, donating prizes, or sponsoring a key!
Prizes:
At the end of each season of Keys To Philly, I host a special puzzle event just for that season’s Key Finders, who also receive a holographic prize card with their unique puzzle on it at the end of the event. Some keys also earn you bonus prizes provided by sponsors or donors.
Accessibility:
Mobility is not a factor in accessing most keys, but you can almost always use Google Street View to check out the location before visiting. (You should probably do this anyway to check your answer!)
Click here to sponsor a key!
“This is effing brilliant. It’s friendly, and it’s organic, and it’s genuine... It’s so fresh. It’s lovely!”
—Jodi Jill, founder of National Puzzle Day (January 29th)
Keys To Philly Winners and Prizes
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K2P 1: Kristen won a selection of works by Philly street artists Nero, Hope Hummingbird, Nuto Studio, and Void Skulls
K2P 2: Anna won a $20 discount code for Philly Street Art Hunt
K2P 3: Cayla won a canvas print of my Fairmount Park cherry blossoms photo
K2P 4: Laura won an invitation to beta test the PHL HeART Scavenger Hunt Challenge
K2P 5: Jessica won a jigsaw puzzle of my abandoned Philly power plant photo
K2P 6: Lydia won a $25 discount code for South Philly Mural Escape
K2P 7: Tatyana won an invitation to my VIP (Very Important Puzzler) list
K2P 8: Lex won the then-secret knowledge that Keys To Philly would kick off a treasure hunt
K2P 9: Danielle won a $15 discount code for Philly Street Art Hunt
K2P 10: Chandra won some Halloween artwork by Philly Street artists Low Level and Wantful Things
K2P 11: Aubrey won a ticket to a street art walking tour that I led for Streets Dept
K2P 12: Elizabeth won a hint to help her complete The Winter Challenge
K2P 13: Mason won a canvas print of my Eagles green Philly skyline photo
K2P 14: Brendan won a mini collection of old/silver coins
In addition to these prizes, each key finder won an invitation to a special puzzle event I hosted in March 2024!
Season 1 Key Finders Bonus Event : Tofani Doors Scavenger Hunt Bingo
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K2P 15: Katey won a swag bag from inaugural sponsor BrewedAt
K2P 16: Julie won a one-hour career strategy session
K2P 17: Tim won a painting generously donated by Gaveon Watercolor
K2P 18: Dan won a LOVE statue candle generously donated by Philly Candles
K2P19: Nicholas won a South Fellini bag generously donated by Kylie Hall
K2P 20: AJ won anime-inspired socks generously donated by Kokoseoul
K2P 21: Ashley won a fish fossil (Happy National Fossil Day!)
K2P 22: Mason won a South Fellini pizza alignment poster generously donated by Kylie Hall
K2P 23: Anna won a T-shirt made by Philly artist YOMI
K2P 24: Andrew won a cute jigsaw puzzle
K2P 25: Lauriane won a hint to help her complete The Winter Challenge
K2P 26: Grace won 3D-printed fidget toys designed by K2P #24 winner Andrew
K2P 27: Marcy won a copy of the latest Streets Dept Magazine
K2P 28: Marissa won two bags of Cloudface coffee generously donated by Kyle Confehr
In addition to these prizes, each key finder won an invitation to a special puzzle event I hosted in July 2025!
Season 2 Key Finders Bonus Event: The Mystery Of The Eight Circles
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K2P 29: Marissa won a $50 Tattooed Mom gift card provided by Key 29 sponsor the DBANA Fund
K2P 30: Vin won the alternate art version of the prize card
K2P 31: Jack won a $50 Tattooed Mom gift card provided by Key 31 sponsor the DBANA Fund
K2P 32: Sawyer won a hint for The Winter Challenge
K2P 33: Allison won a $50 Tattooed Mom gift card provided by Key 33 sponsor the DBANA Fund
K2P 34: Ivana won the standard prize
K2P 35: Chase won a wooden tile puzzle
K2P 36: Anya won an invite to my VIP list
K2P 37: Steven won a sticker pack from Philly artist Kyle Confehr
K2P 38: Natalie won a set of vintage 1960s Philadelphia postcards
K2P 39: ???
In addition to these prizes, each key finder is wins an invitation to a special puzzle event I’ll be hosting for them on [TBD]!
Season 3 Key Finders Bonus Event: ???
“I spent most of the day in potato mode, so Eric’s Keys To Philly clue hit my feed at just the right moment to get me out of the house!”
—Aubrey
“Thanks for the spontaneously fun evening.”
—Kristen