12 Activities to Try in Auburn-Opelika this Year
Kickstart your year with excitement! Whether you're looking to try something new or revisit old favorites, we've got the perfect list for you. Explore 12 fantastic activities to make the most of every month in Auburn-Opelika throughout 2024. Let the adventure begin!
January: Rock 'N Roll Pinball
At Rock ‘N Roll Pinball, you can have a fun time with the family or re-live the good ole’ days on your lunch break. The arcade provides 27 high-end and vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. There are nine large screen TVs, tables, stools, a lounge, and a bar serving sodas, snacks, and craft and domestic beer on tap. Rock 'n Roll Pinball is the perfect spot to warm up from the January chill!
February: See a Show at The Gogue Performing Arts Center
Imagine watching a world-renowned show in a comfortable seat with a drink in hand, surrounded by incredible acoustics. Doesn't this sound like a dream? The Gogue Performing Arts Center has it all, including an approachable, cozy, "front porch feel" where all are welcome. The Gogue experience offers something for everyone and features diverse genres including the Country Series, Family Series, Celebrity Series, Concert Series, Orchestra & Chamber Music Series, and Dance & Movement Series. In February, explore shows like My Fair Lady, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Vienna Boys Choir, Brian Regan, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre!
March: Golf at Grand National
Robert Trent Jones Grand National sits on 600-acre Lake Saughatchee and offers a challenging yet enjoyable design. All three courses at Grand National offer a unique experience that you will not forget.
The Links Course, Lake Course, and Short Course at Grand National are all 18-holes. Additionally, the Links and Lake courses were in the top 10 of Golf Digests list of “America’s Top 50 Affordable Courses,” "Best Golf Courses in Alabama," and all three courses are listed on Golf Digests “Places to Play” among the nation’s 40 Super Value courses.
Grand National has been voted the #1 public golf facility in America by the readers of Golf World, and RTJ himself is on record saying, "Grand National was the single greatest natural site for a golf course" that he had ever seen.
April: See Live Music in Waverly
Spring unfolds its magic in Auburn-Opelika, and one standout reason is The Old 280 Boogie. This vibrant, multi-cultural music and arts festival takes place on the picturesque grounds of Standard Deluxe in Waverly, Alabama. April ushers in perfect weather – not too hot, not too cool – just right for a day spent outdoors.
The Boogie is your opportunity to lounge on a blanket, enjoy a drink from the bar, and explore over 12 artisan and craft vendors. The bands, perhaps unfamiliar at first, always deliver a good time with a funky mix of acoustic, soulful, and bluegrass tunes. Local vendors offer a delightful array of food, jewelry, and pottery, and a visit might just result in a Standard Deluxe t-shirt or print to commemorate the occasion.
May: Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment
Indulge in a blissful retreat at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Grand National Spa, a haven seamlessly blending contemporary techniques with the natural allure of Alabama. Tucked away beneath the verdant greenery of Auburn, this sanctuary invites you to unwind and recharge. Immerse yourself in a world of serenity as expert therapists pamper you with rejuvenating treatments, soothing massages, and luxurious salon services. Let the tranquil ambiance envelop you, creating a sublime escape where relaxation and well-being take center stage.
June: Hike or Bike at Chewacla State Park
Taking a trip to Chewacla State Park is the perfect outdoor escape for the beginning of the summer. The beautiful park features plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to choose from. Whether you prefer a shorter ride or a more challenging trail, you can enjoy a unique scenic experience at the park. Chewacla State Park is the perfect spot for locals and travelers to experience the outdoors in their ideal way. Park entry ranges between $2-$4 depending on age. Annual park passes are available for frequent visitors. Additional trails were added by CAMP (Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers), a local mountain biking organization, to create the perfect mountain bike ride, increasing Alabama riders' love for the park.
July: Cool off with a local beer or cocktail
Grab a Southern spirit or experience a tour at John Emerald Distilling Company. John Emerald is a cozy, small-batch craft distillery located on the tracks in historic downtown Opelika, Alabama. Try their Bourbon Smash for a light and refreshing bourbon drink.
If liquor isn’t your thing, feel free to walk next door to Red Clay Brewing Company or up the road to Resting Pulse Brewing Company! Red Clay's brewery and taproom offers tours and tastings. During their extensive tour, you can expect a tasting of six of their in-house beers, a private tour, a knowledgeable staff, and a fantastic atmosphere. Resting Pulse Brewing offer a variety of signature full-flavored craft beers, along with rotating seasonal and session offerings, including some that may surprise you along the way.
Think we forgot about the wine fanatics? Nope! Cerulean Tasting Room is the trendy spot to grab a glass, bottle, or flight of wine. The premier tasting room and wine shop has a covered patio, and all the wine combinations you could think of. Order the “I Can’t Decide” flight and get a sparkling, white, and red wine flight hand-picked by the bartender!
August: Visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
Beat the heat and explore the The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art's unforgettable visual art experience. The museum is filled with frequently changing exhibitions featuring diverse mediums including paintings, prints, objects, sculptures, and more. The Jule welcomes all and is open to visitors completely free - that’s right - free! Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Jule is ready to host your date night, family outing, or artistic inspiration trip.
The Jule is not just a one-time deal for its guests. The exhibits are ever changing, providing the opportunity to experience a variety of art every time you visit. From highly educated art lovers to first-time museum goers, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of the Fine Arts truly welcomes all! One-of-a-kind to the Auburn-Opelika area, few attractions can compare to the beauty of the Jule - inside its walls or outside on the grounds.
September: Tailgate, Roll Toomer’s, and other Gameday Traditions
SEC fans are just as proud of their tailgate as they are the school they’re pulling for. Family and friends begin planning their tailgates months before the first kick-off. Some tailgates are small and others are massive. Many families have been tailgating together for years and years. A tailgate is the best time for laughs, drinks, barbeque, corn hole, and whatever else your gameday tradition includes.
Tiger Walk is another popular tradition originated on Auburn’s campus years ago. Before every game, the football team, cheerleaders, Aubie, and band lead a march into the stadium. Fans line the streets to cheer and give high-fives as the team passes. This pumps up the team and pumps up the crowd before the game! Watching the eagle fly on the field is arguably the greatest tradition in college football. Whether it’s your first game at Jordan-Hare Stadium or your 50th, watching an eagle circle the field while the crowd roars will never lose its luster.
Rolling Toomer’s Corner is one of Auburn’s oldest and most renowned traditions, where thousands of AU families gather in downtown Auburn to celebrate tiger victories by hurling tissue into the surrounding trees, lamp posts, and anything that will stand still long enough.
October: Haunted Auburn and Opelika Walking tours
Calling all goblins, gremlins, and ghouls - it's time to get your scare on with the Haunted Auburn and Opelika Walking tours! Join local folklorist, paranormal investigator, artist, and professional actor Brandon Stoker (Walking Dead, Zombieland 2), and his investigative partner- accredited historian, local author, and paranormal investigator John-Mark Poe, as they lead you through the downtown Auburn and Opelika areas.
Many have experienced genuine paranormal phenomena that they just couldn’t explain. Get the latest on several mysterious phantoms such as the haints of old fraternity row, the fiery omen of Hargis Hall, and of course their most distinctive, Auburn University Chapel. In addition, you'll also hear about more recent sightings along the way. Stops for the Opelika Haunted Tour include the Spectral Train, Phantom Switch Operator, Prohibition Era Voodoo Dr.’s shop, Ghost of Tandy Keyes, Former Clement Hotel location, The Phantom Horse, and more.
November: Shop for something one-of-a-kind and have dinner at Botanic
Step into Botanic, your whimsical wonderland for food, drinks, treats, gifts, and gardening delights! Explore locally grown produce, handmade pottery, and unique holiday finds around every corner. Sip coffee, wander the Greenhouse, and enjoy live music in a space designed for every magical moment. Botanic embraces Southern charm, supports local artisans, and creates a festive atmosphere for holiday shopping. Discover nature-inspired decor and gifts in The Garden Shoppe, and savor a fine dining experience at The Grille with home-grown goodness. Join us for a joyful holiday journey at Botanic!
December: Hey Day Holiday!
Experience the most enchanting time of the year as Hey Day Market proudly hosts the beloved community tradition: Hey Day Holiday!
Gather your loved ones, bundle up, and immerse yourselves in the festive spirit. Head to the Greenspace outside Hey Day Market for a winter wonderland every day from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., all month long. Enjoy even more holiday magic with a towering 24 ft Christmas Tree and an enchanting ice skating rink on the Greenspace. This fun and festive event is open to all, creating joyful moments for everyone to savor throughout the winter season!
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