Each spring in Louisville, like clockwork, the first weekend in May is the Kentucky Derby and in June, the first week is reserved for a celebration of the life of Muhammad Ali.
Seven years ago on June 3, 2016, Ali died and Louisville came together in an overwhelming display of unity and support. In that spirit, the city where “The Greatest” was born and raised, gathers the first week of June to remember and celebrate the life of Ali.
In 2023, The Ali Festival returns June 2-11 for its seventh year. During the week, The Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N 6th St., will host activities and events centered around Ali’s six core principles — Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality — as well as his enduring love for his hometown.
Here are the free events and ticketed activities taking place in various locations throughout the city during the week-long celebration.
When is the 2023 Ali Festival?
The festival runs from June 2 through June 11.
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Where is the Muhammad Ali Center located?
The multicultural center is an award-winning museum located in downtown Louisville at 144 N. Sixth St.
What special events are planned for the 2023 Ali Festival?
The week kicks off on Friday, June 2 with a special edition of the Daughters of Greatness breakfast series honoring National Bar Association President Lonita Baker. Later that evening, Muhammad’s eldest daughter, Maryum Ali, will take part in Stories of Ali, an oral history event at the Ali Center, where she will share a first-hand account of what it was like being raised by The Champ.
On Friday, June 9, The Ali Center presents Grammy-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride. Also on June 9, is Ali Night with the Louisville Bats and later Racing Louisville FC. On June 10, take a trolley tour of Muhammad Ali’s hometown. The 90-minute tour will take ticketed guests to locations of significance in Ali’s life including his childhood home, Columbia Gym, Cave Hill Cemetery, and more.
On June 11, the last day of the festival, join MSNBC’s Joy Reid when she will discuss her connection to Ali in a conversation with the University of Louisville’s Director of Under Graduate Studies, Brandon McCormack.
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Will the festival include free events?
There are a number of free events offered during the Ali Festival. Here are a few:
- Roses and Remembrance, Saturday, June 3 — The Muhammad Ali Center, will commemorate the anniversary of Ali’s passing by providing free red roses to those wishing to pay their respects at his gravesite in Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Ave. Muhammad’s widow and the Center’s co-founder, Lonnie Ali, will be present at 10 a.m. to share remarks. The Cave Hill event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Community Carnival, Sunday, June 4 — Enjoy free admission to the Ali Center, where guests…
Read More: Guide to the 2023 Muhammad Ali Festival in Louisville 2023-05-24 09:13:38