Ali Festival Events
“I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world.”
– Muhammad Ali
Saturday, June 1
10 am – 5 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
Seeing the Other Exhibition Public Opening
Seeing The Other is a traveling exhibition based on the Portraits in Faith documentary project. Since 2002, Daniel Epstein has documented the role of spiritual experience worldwide. Seeing the Other exhibition, featuring 16 of these portraits and special Louisvillian and Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students portraits and narratives captured by Daniel, curated by Gina Alicea, asks you to be curious about people of other cultures, races, identities, and faiths.
6 pm
Louisville Slugger Field
Ali Night at the Louisville Bats
The Louisville Bats minor-league baseball team will host Muhammad Ali Night at the park. Fans can expect trivia, giveaways, retail specials, and an appearance by Muhammad’s sparring partner in training, Buddy the Bat Ali!
Sunday, June 2
12p m – 5 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
Ali Carnival Free Day
Expect face painting, food trucks, shopping, games, prizes, circus performers, and more! Families are welcome to join us at the Ali Center for this special free day, filled with activities for everyone.
Monday, June 3
11 – 12 pm
Cave Hill Cemetery
Roses and Remembrance
On the eighth anniversary of his passing, admirers are invited to come together at Muhammad Ali’s gravesite for a small service, with remarks by Mrs. Lonnie Ali. Visitors are welcome to take a complimentary red rose and place on Muhammad’s grave. Visitors should use the Grinstead Drive entrance.
Tuesday, June 4
5 - 7 pm
Filson Historical Society
Lonnie Ali Reception and Moderated Discussion
Join the Filson for a conversation with Lonnie Ali, hosted by Filson President and CEO Richard Clay. Lonnie is a wife, mother, philanthropist, and Parkinson’s advocate, dedicated to preserving the enduring legacy of her husband, Muhammad Ali. Join us as she discusses life, love, and Ali.
Thursday, June 6
8 am – 5 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
The Greatest Give Back
In January of 2020, the Muhammad Ali Center and Metro United Way partnered to create a community service event, The Greatest Give Back, to honor Muhammad Ali’s 80th birthday and to continue the Center’s annual tradition of providing acts of service on this day. Volunteers are invited to sign up on the Metro United Way website, and will receive free admission to the Ali Center’s exhibits.
Friday, June 7
Time TBD
Logan Street Market
Music with Ali: Dance Party with DJ Brother Mister
Join Jazz artist Christian McBride (alter ego DJ Brother Mister) as he spins a unique DJ set
8:30 -10 am
Muhammad Ali Center
Daughters of Greatness: Whitney Austin
Impassioned after surviving the Sept. 6, 2018, mass shooting in Cincinnati, Ohio, Whitney cofounded Whitney/Strong with her husband, an organization focused on finding common ground to end gun violence through data-driven, responsible gun ownership solutions.
1 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
Ali’s Louisville Trolley Tour
The Ali Center’s education and curation team will take visitors all around the city of Louisville, visiting landmarks in Ali’s story. Stops include Ali’s childhood home, Central High School, Cave Hill Cemetery, and many more!
Saturday, June 8
1 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
Podcast Recording: Conversations with Christian McBride
Muhammad Ali Center is proud to host Conversations with Christian: featuring Teddy Abrams. Conversations is a taping of Christian McBride's radio show for Sirius XM Radio where he interviews and performs duets with a special guest.
Jazz Concert with Christian McBride
Join eight-time Grammy winning Jazz artist and Newport Jazz Festival artistic director Christian McBride, as he brings an evening of unforgettable Jazz to the Muhammad Ali Center’s View Pointe Hall. Specials guests to be announced.
Sunday, June 9
7 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
3 pm
Muhammad Ali Center
Muhammad Ali Memorial Lecture: Laura Coates
The Ali Center and the University of Louisville invite you to hear from CNN’s Laura Coates about her connection to Muhammad Ali and her life spent speaking truth to power.