05.13.25

MEDIA ADVISORY

Muhammad Ali Center announces ninth annual Muhammad Ali Festival 

Festival events will take place from May 31 – June 3, 2025

LOUISVILLE, KY (May 13, 2025) — The Ali Festival returns to Louisville for the ninth year, as 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.  

This year’s festival will take place May 31 – June 3, and boasts an itinerary of events centered around Muhammad Ali’s six core principles – Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality – as well as his enduring love for his hometown.

Opening the Festival will be the Inaugural G.O.A.T. Summit at the Muhammad Ali Center, Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. This new program will explore the intersection of sports and social justice, featuring a panel of all star athletes. UofL and Utah Jazz great Darrell Griffith, Racing Louisville Midfielder Lauren Milliet, and College Football Hall of Fame quarterback Don McPherson, will join in a conversation, moderated by Dave Zirin, sports editor of The Nation Magazine. For more information: https://alicenter.org/events/2025-goat-summit/

The following day, June 1 will be the annual Muhammad Ali Festival Carnival, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoyed by thousands annually, this event features free activities and games for children, face painting, balloon artists, and performances by local groups as well as free access to Ali Center exhibits. Admission is free, but early registration is recommended: https://alicenter.org/events/community-free-day-ali-fest-carnival-2025/

On Tuesday June 3, the Ali Center will commemorate the anniversary of Muhammad’s passing by providing free red roses to those wishing to pay their respects at his gravesite in Cave Hill Cemetery. Muhammad’s widow and the Center’s co-founder Lonnie Ali will be present at 10 a.m. to share remarks as part of a short program.

For more information on the festival, visit alicenter.org or reach out to Annie Moore, Senior Marketing Manager of the Muhammad Ali Center.