LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the eighth year, the Muhammad Ali Center is hosting Ali Fest in honor of "The Greatest." 

A jam-packed and diverse itinerary of events is set for June 1-8. Since Ali's June 3, 2016 death, the museum has spent the first week of June remembering the cultural icon and celebrating the city of Louisville.

The festivities begin Saturday, June 1 with the public opening of the center's "Seeing the Other" exhibition, based on the "Portraits in Faith" documentary project. Featuring the artwork of Daniel Epstein, it includes 16 portraits capturing the role of spiritual experience worldwide, along with special Louisvillian and Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students portraits and narratives to help unite people of different faiths and cultures. 

On the eighth anniversary of his death, Monday, June 3, the center will host "Roses and Remembrance" at Cave Hill Cemetery. The small service will include remarks from Lonnie Ali, Muhammad's widow, and visitors are welcome to take a complimentary red rose and place it on Muhammad's grave. The next night, Tuesday, June 4, the Filson Historical Society will host a moderated conservation with Lonnie to discuss Muhammad's enduring legacy and his values. 

Metro United Way will partner with the center for "The Greatest Give Back" Thursday, June 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tradition started in Jan. 2020 to honor Ali's 80th birthday and uphold the center's mission of providing acts of service. Volunteers can sign up on Metro United Way's website, and the center said they will receive free admission to exhibits. 

The week concludes Saturday, June 8 with a 1 p.m. live recording of "Conversations with Christian," a Sirius XM Radio show hosted by eight-time Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Christian McBride. He will speak with Teddy Abrams, Louisville Orchestra music director. McBride will then take the stage at 8 p.m. for a night of jazz at the center's View Pointe Hall, along with special guests. 

Additional highlights include Ali Night at the Louisville Bats, a free carnival hosted by the Ali Center, an outdoor dance party at Logan Street Market, a trolley tour visiting Louisville landmarks with ties to Ali and a discussion with Whitney Austin, mass shooting survivor and co-founder of gun violence prevention organization Whitney/Strong. 

More on the Ali Center, including exhibits, events and its work, can be found on its website.