Community Celebration

The Ali Center opens its doors to the community to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s life, through music, art, and community service.

Ali Festival

Join the Muhammad Ali Center for our annual Ali Festival! This special week-long program is designed to celebrate the life and legacy of The Greatest, Muhammad Ali. The festival takes place during the first week of June, commemorating the anniversary of Ali’s passing and to celebrate his worldwide impact and love for Louisville. The community celebration includes an array of events including music, art, history, community service, family activities, and discounts.

Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3rd, 2016.

Throughout the week, we offer a variety of public programs and events that highlight Ali’s remarkable achievements and contributions to society. We kick off the festival with our “Ali Carnival,” a community Free Day at the Muhammad Ali Center, featuring family friendly activities. We also honor Muhammad’s generous spirit through the “The Greatest Give Back,”an annual day to service that encourages our community to come together and give back to those in need, just as Ali did throughout his life. This day of service is a powerful reminder of Muhammad’s famous quote “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

The festival culminates in a Community Concert featuring Christian McBride! This inspiring evening brings our community together for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. This concert is a true reflection of Ali’s spirit, bringing people from all backgrounds and walks of life together to celebrate our shared humanity.

We invite you to join us for the Ali Festival, where we honor the life and legacy of a true legend and continue to inspire the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact on the world.

Ali Festival 2023 Highlights

Ali Festival 2023 Highlights

Ali Festival 2023

The 2023 celebration included a jazz concert, a conversation with MSNBC’s Joy Reid, and a community carnival.

A young girl smiles while getting her face painted

COMMUNITY CARNIVAL

The Ali Center offered free admission, games, an international bazaar, face painting, and lots of fun for the whole family.

Man with cello performs in front of crowd

COMMUNITY CONCERT

Muhammad Ali Center Board member and Jazz bassist Christian McBride held a concert at the Ali Center

Lonnie Ali and Joy Reid pose for a photo

CONVERSATION WITH JOY REID

In partnership with the University of Louisville, MSNBC's Joy Reid came to town to discuss Muhammad Ali and current civil rights issues.

Two women sit in chairs in a conversation, holding microphones

STORIES OF ALI

Muhammad’s oldest daughter, Maryum Ali joined the Center’s curatorial team to share stories about her father’s legacy.

Lonnie Ali speaks at a podium in front of a grave with lots of flowers on it

ROSES AND REMEMBRANCE

Family and friends gathered at Muhammad Ali’s gravesite on the anniversary of his passing, June 3

Four women pose for a photo, one is holding a framed certificate

DAUGHTERS OF GREATNESS

Attorney Lonita Baker was honored for work for legal equality and representing Breonna Taylor’s family in their landmark settlement.

A large crowd of people gather in a meeting hall

GREATEST GIVE BACK

The Muhammad Ali Center and Metro United Way partner for this city-wide community service project every Ali Festival

Two men pose with a bat mascot on a baseball field

ALI NIGHT AT THE BATS

The Louisville Bats held Ali Night, where guests of the Center threw out the first pitch, sang the National Anthem, and were hosted in Lonnie Ali

Two young kids pour water for a teen leaning in the corner of a boxing ring

RINGSIDE AT LOGAN STREET MARKET

The Ali Center set up in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood for a day of family fun in community.

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