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June events to look forward to in the Auburn-Opelika area

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Editor | June 1

From art scenes to sports, there is plenty to do this month in the Auburn-Opelika area. Read on for a list of local events happening in June.

A night to remember: Recap of the 2026 Oscars

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | March 30

On March 15th, 2026, the annual Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, was held at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and streamed to the public on ABC and Hulu. For 98 years, this awards ceremony has recognized the various achievements of the worldwide film industry, with this year being no different.

AubFest VIII creates community through a weekend of music and art

By Katelyn Smith | Assistant Lifestyle Editor and Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | March 22

From March 20-22, AubFest hosted nearly 1,300 attendees for its eighth edition at local ATV park Boggin’ on the Plains. The biannual independent music and arts festival showcased over 25 artists and 30 different performances, including headliner Carver Commodore. Along with live music and entertainment, guests enjoyed local vendors, food trucks and camping.

AU Singers: The family behind the music

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | March 4

When people think of show choir, they often think of popular media, including the television show "Glee," with its dramatic storytelling, expert song covers and entrancing dance numbers. However, the AU Singers, Auburn University's very own show choir, led by conductor Dale Farmer, brings a whole new level of dedication and love towards art. The group, consisting of over 36 vocalists and 12 instrumentalists, is currently preparing for their Spring Show, a performance that is guaranteed to knock the socks off of anyone who watches.

AubFest VII presents a weekend of art, music and fun

By Jennifer Santiago | Content Editor and Katelyn Smith | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | October 5

From Oct. 3 to Oct. 5, AubFest hosted an estimated 1,200 attendees for its seventh edition at the local ATV park, Boggin’ On The Plains. Tickets for the biannual festival’s largest year yet sold for $30 online and included access to camping, food trucks, retail vendors and over 30 performances and the headliner, Post Sex Nachos.

HauntFest's weekend of frightful fun coming to Birmingham

By Nicolle Generaux | News Writer | March 7

This weekend on March 7 and 8, Birmingham, Alabama will welcome HauntFest's Death March to its city for the first time. The weekend of entertainment will offer live music, art vendors, haunted attractions and other spellbinding activities that put a spooky twist on a traditional medieval festival.

Tunes and terror: Auburn University Theatre Department presents 'Sweeney Todd'

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | February 26

From Feb. 19 through Feb. 28, Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts is hosting a series of performances of the iconic literary and theatrical musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." The Department of Theatre and Dance is putting on a presentation of the musical, complete with singing, laughter and murderous fun.

The 2026 Grammys recap: What you should know

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | February 15

Every year, artists and viewers alike wait anxiously for the Grammy Awards. It has something in it for everyone: red-carpet looks, iconic performances and the chance to see artists recognized for their hard work and talents. It also has the potential to produce heavy political commentary on the current state of our world. This year was no exception, as the 68th Annual Grammys proved to be an important year for the awards show.

The Jule Art Museum hosts Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts hosted the 2026 Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture as an all-day event on Feb. 7. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a series of exhibitions, speakers and other explorations of art originating from or inspired by the South, alongside its usual art displays. Entry to the event was free and various artists and speakers came to further explain their work.

Auburn Public Library launches Request It! service

By Kimber Quinn | Lifestyle Writer | February 2

On Dec. 23, Auburn Public Library reannounced its Request It! service that allows patrons to request a variety of library materials to meet the community's needs.

The Jule celebrates America's 250th birthday with three new exhibits

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | January 31

In light of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Jule Museum is presenting three new exhibits for the 2025-26 school year, each showcasing art collections that encapsulate the American spirit and all the ways those ideas manifest into art. These unique exhibitions focus on important and sometimes troubled sides of American history.

'And the winner is…' – 2026 Grammys predictions

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | January 29

When it comes to the realm of music, it’s safe to say that the Grammys are highly anticipated by industry workers and general audiences alike, and the case is no different for 2026. The award show will be streaming on Feb. 1 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. CST on Paramount+ and CBS, so be sure to make your guesses, tune in and celebrate a great year of music.

Auburn's Department of Music announces Clayton Recording Arts Honors winners

By Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter Editor | January 26

On Jan. 24, Auburn University’s Department of Music held its first Clayton Recording Arts Honors Finals at Lucky Man Studio in Goodwin Hall. After a long deliberation, the judges announced Jack Sears as the winner. The runners-up were Walter Lloyd, Anna Coulson and Syler Stone.

AubFest presents music and local artists at Grounds and Sounds

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter | January 19

On Jan. 18, AubFest hosted a pop-up event called Grounds and Sounds at Coffee Mafia, a local Auburn coffee shop. While some of these pop-up events function as fundraising opportunities to ensure AubFest can keep improving, Grounds and Sounds was geared towards fueling the DIY community surrounding AubFest. Guests could enjoy the night's festivities with a $5 donation although visitors could donate more.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism's art gallery: Where community meets creativity

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | January 2

As cold, dreary weather sets into the South, visitors and locals alike escape into the bold, bright colors of Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s art gallery on North Gay Street. Over 20 artists contributed roughly 150 paintings to share stories and encapsulate the beauty found within the local community. 

A backstage look at AubFest

By Katelyn Smith | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | December 28

Auburn’s own DIY music festival AubFest had its seventh successful edition from Oct. 3 to 5, uniting the community with music performed by over 30 regional bands. Starting as a simple idea by an Auburn University student, Ashley Spencer, the festival is now a non-profit event and has quickly blossomed into a beloved, biannual tradition. However many attendees do not realize the amount of hard work that Auburn University students dedicate to the festival.

The storied history of performance arts on the Plains

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | December 21

For over a century, Auburn has hosted some of the most impactful and culturally significant singers and performers in the nation. As the local artistic scene blooms now more than ever, The Plainsman takes a look back at the most notable cultural events from Auburn’s long history with performing arts.

10,000 Hz builds community through listening parties

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Editor | December 20

From a display stand in the corner of a coffee shop to a brick and mortar store, record store 10,000 Hz has built community in the Auburn-Opelika area through music. These events serve to build community through music. In the Auburn-Opelika area, where record stores are scarce, 10,000 Hz has filled this hole by uniting listeners of all backgrounds.