Auburn-Opelika continues to grow, with new places to eat, explore, and enjoy across the area. If you’re visiting for the 2026 War Eagle Run Fest (WERF), this guide shares the newest restaurants, dessert spots, experiences, and playgrounds worth checking out during your weekend.
Beyond the Finish Line
Looking for something fun to do between races or events? The Auburn-Opelika Experience, located inside the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, offers an interactive way to explore the area. With immersive video displays, touchscreens, and storytelling elements designed by Storyland Studios, it’s a great stop for WERF visitors wanting to learn more about Auburn-Opelika.
Cookie Fix Auburn is one of downtown Auburn’s newest dessert spots, serving gourmet cookies baked fresh daily. From classic chocolate chip to rotating seasonal flavors, each cookie is crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Guests can also pick up frozen cookie dough to bake at home, making it easy to enjoy a warm treat anytime. A perfect post-run stop, because you earned this.
Cafe de Fleur offers French-inspired dining, featuring classic bistro dishes served in a warm, approachable setting. Popular for brunch and lunch and just as inviting for dinner, it’s a great choice for visitors in town for War Eagle Run Fest.
Floral Park is a newly updated community park designed for both play and activity. With athletic fields, a multipurpose turf field, and improved amenities, it’s a great spot for families and visitors during War Eagle Run Fest weekend. An all-inclusive playground and splash pad make it especially inviting for kids, while ample parking and gathering spaces make it easy to spend time outdoors before or after race day.
Olvine is one of Auburn’s newest rooftop dining spots, offering Italian-inspired dishes and crafted cocktails in downtown Auburn atop the AC Hotel. The menu features house-made pastas, wood-fired dishes, and seasonal plates, making it the perfect place to celebrate your win with a view. With both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking downtown, Olivine offers an elevated setting for a relaxed evening.
Whether you’re fueling up, cheering from the sidelines, or celebrating once the miles are behind you, Auburn-Opelika offers the perfect mix of food, experiences, and family-friendly spaces for War Eagle Run Fest 2026.
