From tickets to dates, here's your complete guide to the eighth annual Ali Festival

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·3 min read

The eighth annual Ali Festival, where the Muhammad Ali Center comes together with partners from across the city to remember the passing of the Greatest and celebrate the city he loved, is back.

The 2024 festival takes place June 1-9, with an itinerary of events inspired by Muhammad Ali’s six core principles ― Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

The centerpiece of the Ali Festival is the Community Free Day with the Ali Fest Carnival on June 2 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the Center is free for this event.

Another highlight is the event on June 8, which features Grammy-winning jazz musician Christian McBride for Music with Muhammad. McBride will be meeting with Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams for a taping of his Sirius XM show and performing in the evening.

Feb 24, 1971; Miami Beach, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Muhammad Ali trains on the heavy bag at the 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach during his training for his world heavyweight title bout with Joe Frazier (not pictured). Mandatory Credit: Larry Spitzer/The Courier-Journal-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 1971; Miami Beach, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Muhammad Ali trains on the heavy bag at the 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach during his training for his world heavyweight title bout with Joe Frazier (not pictured). Mandatory Credit: Larry Spitzer/The Courier-Journal-USA TODAY Sports

The Ali-Ville Trolley Tour will kick off the celebratory week. While the June 1 event is only for Ali Center members, a second Ali-Ville Trolley Tour will be available to the public on June 8.

Here are some of the 2025 Ali Fest events and how to get tickets. For complete information, visit alifest.org.

June 2: Ali Fest Carnival

WHAT: Enjoy free admission to the Muhammad Ali Center in addition to food, games, music, face painting and more. The free days are sponsored by Passport by Molina Healthcare.

WHEN: 12-5 p.m.

June 3: Roses & Remembrance

Friends, fans, and family placed roses on Muhammad Ali's grave at Cave Hill Cemetery during the Roses & Remembrance event on the seventh anniversary of his death.
Friends, fans, and family placed roses on Muhammad Ali's grave at Cave Hill Cemetery during the Roses & Remembrance event on the seventh anniversary of his death.

WHAT: Place a rose on the Champ’s grave at Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Ave., to honor his legacy

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 6: Greatest Give Back

WHAT: Each year, the Muhammad Ali Center and Metro United Way partner to host “The Greatest Give Back,” a day of service honoring The Greatest and Louisville’s humanitarian legend, Muhammad Ali. The Greatest Give Back is a signature event of the annual Ali Festival, In honor of Ali’s legacy of humanitarianism, volunteers engage in service projects throughout the day, fulfilling Ali’s lifelong commitment of service to others and demonstrating that Louisville is a truly compassionate city. This year, a group of UFC Fighters will participate and work alongside volunteers and follow in Ali’s footsteps of community service.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m.

June 7: Daughters of Greatness — Whitney Austin

Whitney Austin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Whitney/Strong, talked at a Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention bill Capitol Day Rally Thursday afternoon. It is designed to cut down on gun violence. Jan. 25, 2024
Whitney Austin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Whitney/Strong, talked at a Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention bill Capitol Day Rally Thursday afternoon. It is designed to cut down on gun violence. Jan. 25, 2024

WHAT: This special edition of the Daughters of Greatness event will recognize Whitney Austin, executive director and co-founder of the WhitneyStrong Organization.

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

TICKETS: Starting at $35. Find more information at 19291.blackbaudhosting.com

June 8: Music with Muhammad — Christian McBride

Louisville Orchestra has announced its 2024-2025 season, which kicks off in September and features a range of concerts led by music director Teddy Abrams.
Louisville Orchestra has announced its 2024-2025 season, which kicks off in September and features a range of concerts led by music director Teddy Abrams.

WHAT: Eight-time Grammy-winning Jazz artist Christian McBride brings an evening of unforgettable jazz to the Muhammad Ali Center. Earlier that day will feature the Conversations with Christian event (with Teddy Abrams). Conversations with Christian is a taping of Christian McBride’s radio show for Sirius XM Radio where he interviews and performs duets with a special guest. Christian is a Grammy Award-winning bassist, a board member of the Muhammad Ali Center, and a lifelong fan of the People’s Champ. During this special recording for Ali Fest 2024, Christian will sit down to talk with Teddy Abrams, the Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra.

Times: Conversations with Christian - 1-2 p.m. Christian McBride Concert 8-10 p.m.

WHEN: The Conversations with Christian event is free but you need to reserve your spot. Purchase tickets at 19291.blackbaudhosting.com

June 8: Ali-Ville Trolley Tour

Muhammad Ali's boyhood home on Grand Avenue would be considered a Chromatic home with its vibrant paint. Sept. 6, 2018
Muhammad Ali's boyhood home on Grand Avenue would be considered a Chromatic home with its vibrant paint. Sept. 6, 2018

WHAT: The Ali-Ville Trolley Tour will take guests on a journey to explore the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, including visits to his childhood home and his namesake Muhammad Ali Center. Along the way, there will be stories about Ali’s upbringing, his boxing career, and his impact on the world beyond the ring.

WHEN: 1-3 p.m.

TICKETS: $50. Purchase at 19291.blackbaudhosting.com

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2024 guide to the Muhammad Ali Festival: tickets, dates

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