8 Things to Do in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The Auburn–Opelika region of Alabama is known for so many exciting things, particularly for its spirited sports seasons and traditions. However, beyond the fall, and between the vibrant nightlife, busy calendar of parades and festivals and year-round concerts and shows, it’s a wonder residents have time for anything else!
Whether you’re moving to Alabama, looking for a great place to live or want to enjoy some special college football traditions, Auburn is truly a destination that deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list.
In This Article
1. Lace Up Your Running Shoes
Get ready to get moving within the city of Auburn. War Eagle Run Fest is an exciting half-marathon weekend that takes place in Auburn every February, offering fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Experienced runners can tackle the half-marathon, and more casual runners can enjoy additional offerings, including a 5k and even a Kid’s Mile, so no one has to sit idly by! Fun vendors, lots of music and races that start and end in Jordan-Hare stadium make this event a definite must! Who knows? You might even get the chance to snap a pic with Aubie the Tiger in his own running gear, right there in the stadium!
2. Catch a Show at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center
A crowning jewel of the arts and entertainment community in Auburn, the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center at Auburn University – or GPAC for short! GPAC is a premier destination for those looking to find a taste of Broadway or Carnegie Hall right in the heart of East Alabama. The arts center is home to several stages that are uniquely equipped to host a myriad of events, from professional ballet companies to the most popular touring Broadway casts and even the occasional symphony orchestra. The smaller, more intimate spaces in GPAC often host local companies and smaller plays, as well as workshops open to the public. Whether you’re looking to sit back and enjoy the professionals or join in on the stage yourself, the Gouge has the fun evening activity you’ve been looking for!.
3. AU Oktoberfest: A Southern Celebration of Beer and Food
What began as a simple student-run event in 2008 has quickly become one of the largest Oktoberfest events in the entire South! AU Oktoberfest celebrates excellent beer and so much more, with a multitude of events such as stein hoisting, live music, contests, raffles, educational presentations and games, and that’s all before the proud group of local food vendors at the event draw you in with their seasonal
treats. Breweries from all over the country travel to this sweet Southern city to support AU Oktoberfest. Additionally, hometown brewers compete every year to be named “Alabama’s Best,” and the tasting to determine the winner is always out of this world!
4. Sneak a Drink at a Cocktail Club
The cocktail scene in Auburn is relatively new and has brought a whole new dimension to the local nightlife! Session Cocktails is known for its pre-Prohibition, classic drink list and moody vibes. If a quiet night is on the agenda, Opelika’s Sneak & Dawdle has everything you might be looking for. This speakeasy offers an extensive menu of drink offerings, complemented by a highly knowledgeable wait staff to help you select the perfect cocktail to accompany your evening. Their patio is also beautifully lit, providing those who want some fresh air the ability to relax in style! Wanting a meal to round out your night? Be sure to reserve a table at the recently opened Green Room, Sneak & Dawdle’s accompanying restaurant. Immaculately decorated and with an equally exciting menu, your biggest struggle all night will be deciding if you or your phone will eat first!
5. Grab Your Pickleball Paddle
For those who love to play Pickleball, Auburn might just need to be your next destination. The recently opened Opelika Sportsplex currently boasts more than two dozen pickleball courts under a beautifully constructed all-weather pavilion, making your next matchup a given – rain or shine! Courts are of regulation size and immaculately maintained, making play both fun and easy. The best part? The Opelika Sportsplex added stadium-style lighting, allowing the courts to stay open 24/7. This means you can avoid the summer heat and play when the sun goes down, if you choose to.
6. Catch a Local Show at the Sound Wall
Missing a local musician’s round or even just a laid-back show before you head out to dinner? Look no further than Sound Wall, located on Avenue B in the heart of Auburn. This intimate venue is perfect for both music lovers and those craving some more vibrant nightlife, with local acts and touring artists alike taking the stage every week.
The Sound Wall has a distinct dedication to audience experience and strives to maintain an intimate-feeling experience for both artist and audience while also providing the highest-quality sound engineering possible. Be sure to check out their website to see all of the exciting festivals, concert series and initiatives that Sound Wall is working on – with festivals, concert series and so much more on the horizon for them this year, you won’t want to miss out!
7. Experience Art the Auburn Way
Located in a gallery nestled into the heart of Downtown Auburn, the Auburn-Opelika Art Showcase is a shining exhibition of the talent located in Auburn’s art community. With a showroom open Monday through Friday, step in and be amazed by pieces that tell the story of Auburn’s local community and the people in it. The artists here are exceptionally proud to draw their inspiration directly from the local community, and it shows in every piece! Every work of art in the gallery is available for purchase directly from the artist. Still, the gallery’s team also knows that observing art is an experience all on its own and actively encourages both locals and visitors alike to come in and even just ask questions about the art and artists. Who knows? You might walk away with a new favorite artist!
Looking for more local art? From charming galleries to local markets, the Auburn-Opelika Art Trail showcases the best places to discover works by talented artists from the region.
8. Visit the Museum of Natural History
Attached to the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University, the Museum of Natural History is a research and educational facility dedicated to teaching the public about the beautiful and extensive biodiversity found throughout Alabama. The museum has two large exhibits open to the public during the week, as well as many opportunities to get involved with the Museum’s year-round fundraising and conservation initiatives, right in the heart of East Alabama. Whether you’re asking about the Museum’s exciting new conservation efforts or looking to lay eyes on their Dinosaur Egg exhibit, this exciting glimpse into locally conducted research is definitely worth a visit!