Lifestyle

An illustration of a gray figure flexing its biceps next to a calendar for the month of January.

Progress on the Plains: Do Auburn students make New Year's resolutions?

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | January 30

Many see the new year as the perfect time to start over, as it represents the ability to leave what’s old in the past and start fresh. People from ages 18 to 29 are the most likely to create New Year’s resolutions. Most of Auburn’s student population falls within that age range. That leaves the question: How did Auburn students approach New Year's resolutions this year?

A small golden gramophone stands on a black base, with bright yellow lights shining in the background.

'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.

An art gallery at Auburn-Opelika tourism, featuring several colorful paintings and a refreshment bar.

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 | 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.

A collection of illustrated icons and names representing various musicians, including sunglasses, stage outfits and musical instruments.

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.

10000 HZ Records in Opelika, Ala., hands out posters of the new album 'Everybody Scream' by Florence and the Machine the evening of Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

10,000 Hz builds community through listening parties

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant 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.

AU Players: An organization focused on theatre and friendship

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | December 20

Auburn University Players (AU Players) is a student-run club that immerses its members into the world of theatre, whether they’re majoring in it or not. Students are able to join at any point of the year with just an annual fee of $15.

A table is set for a Christmas party with candles, orange slices and a meal.

How to 'deck the halls' for a Christmas dinner party

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | December 19

For students hoping to bring friends together at home, a Christmas dinner party provides the perfect opportunity to reunite. From the invitation to the table setting, follow the guide below to properly “deck the halls” of your home.

The game that broke the internet: A review of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong'

By Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | December 15

After years of waiting by excited fans, "Hollow Knight: Silksong," the sequel to the acclaimed "Hollow Knight," was released by indie developer Team Cherry on Sept. 4. The game was so highly anticipated that it crashed Steam, a widely-used platform hosting thousands of video games. After years of "Silksong tomorrow" jokes and theorizing, fans across the globe descended upon Steam all at once. As a Hollow Knight fan, I, too, coveted my chance to play "Hollow Knight: Silksong" with bated breath until I finally got the opportunity. Through all this excitement, however, we must ask ourselves: Is it worth the hype?

Lunar Parque members Sally Little, John Evans, Zavier Shaw and Harry Downes. Photo contributed by Lunar Parque.

The 512 cultivates a haven for DIY music

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | December 15

The 512 is a DIY music venue created by Auburn students in 2022, which is located on Mary Lane. What started as a Halloween party at a townhouse has transformed into a community center and hub for live music in East Alabama.

Twelve zodiac signs are illustrated, each represented by symbolic images and colors arranged in a grid format.

Musical horoscopes: What's your perfect song?

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | December 15

Music is a unifying thing, songs have feelings and they're often written in the starts. Here's what your perfect album would be based on your zodiac sign. These horoscopes are meant to be pure satire and offer songs that you or your friends may enjoy.

A row of brick buildings with arched windows and a blue portable restroom along a street lined with black bollards.

Lights, camera, action! Boxcar, calling all film fans

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | December 10

Boxcar, located in downtown Opelika, is a nonprofit establishment opening in early 2026 that will primarily screen unique films from a variety of genres. It will have a cinema, a lounge area and a bar, while showcasing other forms of art through live performance.

An illustration of Buddy, the main character from "Elf" movie, throwing a snowball.

An ‘Elf’ review: ‘Santa! I know him!’

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | December 8

When many people think of a Christmas classic, it’s safe to say that “Elf” is one of the first movies to come to mind. The 2003 film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy Hobbs, a human who was raised by Santa’s elves in the North Pole, and follows his odyssey to New York City to discover who he truly is. “Elf” explores themes of family, romance and acceptance, while aiming to warm the hearts of its viewers during the holiday season.

A white silhouette of Dek posed dynamically overlays a dark red background, with the words "PREDATOR" and "BADLANDS" prominently displayed.

A profitable, forgettable sequel: 'Predator: Badlands' review

By Logan Myers | Columnist | December 3

In "Predator: Badlands," writer-director Dan Trachtenberg does away with the traditional cat-and-mouse structure of a Predator film, focusing instead on a buddy-cop adventure film with no human characters. While certainly an ambitious venture, this attempt at humanizing the Predator takes away from the aura of mystery that made the monster so iconic in the first place. For the first time in the history of the series, our titular Predator is given a name — Dex — and daddy issues.

Shadow of two figures facing each other, inside a Christmas ornament with wings wrapped around.

Classical Christmas: A review of Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | December 2

Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ covers the life of George Bailey (James Stewart) and the struggles that he faces between his family, his finances and missed opportunities. After facing financial ruin due to a bad relationship with the town’s richest man, Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), and a bad night with his wife, Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), George plans to end his own life. Just before he carries out his plan, a guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers) visits George and helps him realize all of the good that he has put into the world around him.

A group of electrical engineering students who participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, stands on steps in front of large, arched windows, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire.

Electrical engineering students make waves in research

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 30

Students from Auburn’s Electrical Engineering Department have spent their summer and fall semesters devoted to research projects. Some students have been continuing work they began during a summer research program, while others started working with professors this fall.

A red helmet and an orange helmet are positioned around a football, sitting in the center of the words "DIVIDED house," "ALABAMA" and "AUBURN."

Divided households: Why Auburn students chose The Tigers over The Tide

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | November 29

It’s no secret that we inherit most traditions from our families: favorite football teams, pre-game rituals and a shared dislike for opposing teams. As the 90th Iron Bowl approaches and the Auburn-Alabama rivalry begins to heat up, Auburn students in divided households are preparing themselves to go head-to-head with their parents' favorite team.

The lyrics "But because I knew you... I have been changed for GOOD" are on a light yellow background with a pink magic wand and brown broom.

'Wicked: For Good' review: 'It's looking at things another way'

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | November 28

After its premiere on Nov. 21, the sequel to “Wicked” (2024) has finally hit theatres, leaving audiences changed for good.

Two cartoon turkeys, one black and one purple, joyfully dance beside large, bold red letters spelling "FREE BIRDS" against a light purple background.

'We're taking turkey off the menu' — A review of 'Free Birds'

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 27

The 2013 film “Free Birds,” details the adventures of two talking turkeys, Reggie (Owen Wilson) and Jake (Woody Harrelson) who travel back in time to the year 1621, with the goal of stopping turkey from being served at the first Thanksgiving feast. Reggie and Jake meet a slew of turkey friends when they travel back in time. Reggie also develops a crush on Jenny (Amy Poehler), a charming turkey from 1621. Reggie, Jake and the turkeys they meet in 1621 work to fight a group of colonists hunting them for the first Thanksgiving feast.

A large popcorn bucket sits prominently in front of a movie screen, with a filmstrip curling around it.

Thanksgiving movie guide: New films to see in theaters

By Katie Gibson | Lifestyle Writer | November 25

Thanksgiving is a time that students can finally kick up their feet and relax before finals season comes into full swing. November is typically a time when major movies come out. Do you want to go enjoy a cinematic production on the big screen, while munching on extremely-buttered popcorn and sipping a cold soda? Maybe this sounds appealing, but you have no idea what movie ticket to buy. Luckily for you, I have created a guide of the top three highly-anticipated movie releases that Auburn students will be making sure they go see this Thanksgiving break. In no particular order, here are the must-see movie releases to enjoy this holiday season.