June 3 marks the six-year anniversary of the passing of Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali, an athlete, philanthropist, donor and voice of a generation.
In remembrance of “The Greatest,” the sixth Annual Ali Festival will take place on June 3-9, commemorating Ali’s global impact and celebrating his life. The festivities include events surrounding fitness, art, history, community service and family activities.
“When Ali spoke of home, he spoke of the 502. And I can’t wait to see our city celebrate together all week long,” said Annie Moore, the Muhammad Ali Center’s senior manager of Content and Communications.
The festival begins June 3 with its Roses and Remembrance at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitors will be provided a rose to place on Ali’s gravesite.
Other events include the Ali Center’s Daughters of Greatness Brunch, an Ali Boxing Experience, Bike Ride and the Greatest Give Back.
Muralist Kelsey Montague will debut a temporary exhibit showcasing six of her newest pieces at the Ali Center on May 11. Each one of Montague’s murals will be featured on the walls in the Ina Brown Bond gallery at the Ali Center.
“I designed each piece to give the viewer an opportunity to reflect on Muhammad Ali’s incredible life and to interact with the strength and compassion that defined him,” Montague said in a statement.
The murals will be on display at the Ali Center through Dec. 31, 2022. The tour is included in the cost of admission.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 Ali Festival in Louisville:
When is the Ali Festival?
The 2022 event runs June 3-9.
Where is the Ali Festival?
Some of the events will be held at the Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
What events are being held during the Ali Festival?
Daughters of Greatness Breakfast
- WHAT: Daughters of Greatness Breakfast. Honoring Nzinga Garvey. The “Daughters of Greatness” breakfast series honors prominent women engaged in social change, activism, and pursuits of justice.
- WHERE: Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St., View Pointe Hall.
- WHEN: June 3, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Roses & Remembrance
- WHAT: The Muhammad Ali Center and Cave Hill Cemetery invite the community to visit Ali’s grave on the six-year anniversary of his death.
- WHERE: Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Ave.
- WHEN: June 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Open gym night at TKO Boxing Gym
- WHAT: The community is invited to attend a free open gym session to learn about boxing and Ali’s techniques and style. Coach James Dixon and his team will conduct demonstrations. Participants can learn boxing techniques on the speed bag, heavy bag, hand placement and in-ring conduct.
- WHERE: 4402 Kiln Court
- WHEN: June 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ali Memorial Tour
- WHAT: The Ali Center is partnering with Trolley de ‘Ville to offer a 90-minute bicycle tour of Louisville celebrating Ali’s life to take in “Muhammad significant sites” such as his childhood home; alma mater, Central High School; and grave at Cave Hill Cemetery.
- WHERE: citywide
- WHEN: June 4, 1-3 p.m.
- COST: $40 per seat. Find details at alicenter.org
Family Day at the Ali Center
- WHAT: Throughout the day, the Ali Center will be offering arts & crafts, boxing demonstrations, face-painting, music, special film screenings and a local vendor’s marketplace.
- WHERE: Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
- WHEN: June 5, noon to 5 p.m.
Ali Community Night with the Louisville Bats
- WHAT: The Ali Center and the Louisville Bats baseball team will be hosting a community night at Slugger Field.
- WHERE: Slugger Field, 401 East Main St.
- WHEN: June 7, 7:05 p.m.
Red Cross Blood Drive
- WHAT: The Ali Center is hosting a blood drive in conjunction with the Red Cross.
- WHERE: Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St., View Pointe Hall
- WHEN: June 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
YOUth Are the Greatest
- WHAT: The Ali center invites you to join fellow activists, entrepreneurs and artists in celebrating the life of Ali with food, music and games. Guests are able to talk with local youth vendors and youth-run organizations.
- WHERE: Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
- WHEN: June 8, 6-8 p.m.
Greatest Giveback
- WHAT: The third annual Greatest Give Back will take place as part of the annual Ali Festival. Volunteers at “The Greatest Give Back” will work three shifts, creating and assembling 800 diaper bundles, 800 laundry kits and 800 snack kits that will be distributed to 80 local nonprofit agencies.
- WHERE: Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St., View Pointe Hall
- WHEN: June 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
