Lifestyle

'The Golden Years' of UPC's fall concerts: Joshua Bassett performs acoustic set

By Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor and Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | August 24

On Saturday, Aug. 24, headliner Joshua Bassett was joined by opener Haven Madison at UPC's 2025 fall concert at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. Both performers' crowd work made the experience an intimate one for Auburn University students in attendance.

Family STEM Career Connect Day encourages new interests

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 23

On Saturday, August 23, the Opelika Public Library hosted “Family STEM Career Connect Day,” organized by the East Alabama STEM Ecosystem (EASE), with the mission to promote interest and passion in the STEM industry. Attendees participated in interactive activities run by partnered organizations, student groups and Auburn colleges, all aimed at highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering and math.

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The Jule of Auburn: Where art meets education

By Allison Foran | August 8

Tucked behind a shimmering pond on manicured grounds sits Auburn’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Affectionately referred to as “the Jule," the museum has become a hot spot for art appreciators, class trips and university events.

Drum roll please: Insight into local music festival

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 8

AubFest, a local DIY music festival, showcases regional bands around the Auburn area, emphasizing community and creativity. The DIY music movement in Auburn was built on the belief that one can make anything happen, whether that means hosting shows in someone's basement or outside in the woods, like AubFest.

More than a stage: The Gogue Center connects Auburn to the arts

By Emily Basham | Culture Writer | August 7

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University opened in 2019. The Gogue Center has proudly presented numerous award-winning Broadway productions, well-known musicians and dance companies. The Gogue is dedicated to community engagement and helping audiences connect to the arts.

The path to getting involved at Auburn

By Celina Aleman | August 7

Finding one's place at Auburn doesn't always happen overnight. For many students, getting involved is a journey that starts with curiosity and navigating different opportunities. The path to involvement begins at Auburn University's Office of Student Involvement, which plays a key role in helping students take those first steps.

Get to know those who know: Campus Orienteers

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | July 21

Recruitment and orientation are major parts of the college experience. Not only for incoming students, but for the orienteers interacting with these students. For Auburn, the “big three,” would be student recruiters, Camp War Eagle counselors and Pi Chis. These orienteers see hundreds of students a year and when incoming students arrive on campus, these faces are the typically first ones seen.

Page Pairings: Sharing sips and stories at Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | July 18

On the evening of July 17, Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers welcomed book lovers and wine connoisseurs alike to its July Page Pairings, a monthly, ticketed event where guests can enjoy a selection of six different wines that each correspond to a selected novel. This month’s event featured special appearances from authors Daco Auffenorde and Lori Roy.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best Shopping

By Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor and Emily May | June 30

Plainsman's Choice 2025 highlights the best shopping in Auburn. From best new store to best downtown shopping, here is a list of The Plainsman's favorite spots for students to shop.

The heart of ACC and the home it built

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | June 5

Auburn Community Church (ACC) has served as a home away from home for both Auburn students and residents for many years. What began as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant community, with hundreds of people coming together each week.

Cicis Pizza is serving up fresh slices under new leadership in Auburn

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | June 4

Cicis Pizza is bringing back a revitalized and affordable guest experience to the area with improved leadership and a return to high-quality standards. Jason Bench, the new owner of Cicis Pizza in Auburn, runs the store with an energized, servant-leadership style, which is bolstered by his more than two decades of experience with the company.

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The buzz about The Band Honey

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | April 30

With two singles out and a new album anticipated, The Band Honey — an alternative rock group of four Auburn university students — navigates the complexities of balancing student life with their musical ambitions.

Garden in the Park returns to Opelika for a day of art, food and fun

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | April 28

Garden in the Park, an art festival hosted annually by Keep Opelika Beautiful, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Municipal Park in Opelika. The event focuses on promoting homemade goods, featuring over 30 homegrown art and food vendors, family-friendly activities and musical entertainment.

May the force be with you: Auburn Public Library hosts Star Wars Imperial Gala

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 28

The Auburn Public Library will host its Star Wars Imperial Gala on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a free, public event open to any Star Wars fan. The event will include free food, fun games, Star Wars-themed crafts, a DJ, a dance floor and a costume contest with prizes.

Auburn ranked among top 100 best places to live in America

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor | April 24

Auburn has been ranked among the top 100 best places to live in the U.S. in 2025, according to a report by Livability. Livability is an online platform that helps individuals find cities to live, work and raise families in.

Auburn CityFest set to welcome families for its 25th year on April 26

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | April 21

Auburn Parks and Recreation will host the 25th annual Auburn CityFest on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park. This free, outdoor, family-friendly event will feature headlining act Circus Incredible and a selection of live music, local food retailers and over 100 arts and crafts vendors.

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Unveiling Six Figures: Auburn's spring senior art showcase

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor | April 15

On April 15 at 5 p.m., Auburn’s department of art and art history unveiled the Spring 2025 Senior Project Exhibition, “Six Figures.” The exhibition will be open at the Biggin Gallery, located at 101 Biggin Hall, until April 25.

Auburn cheer uniforms represent the traditions of Auburn athletics

By Allison Foran | Lifestyle Writer | March 25

Auburn's cheerleaders embody the university's spirit through time-honored traditions, like their classic uniforms and the esteemed Iron Bowl rugby jerseys. More than just sideline support, they're a symbol of Auburn's enduring culture, connecting generations of fans through shared rituals and unwavering pride.

Leashes, laughter and love at Auburn's Bark in the Park

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor | March 22

On Saturday, March 22, Auburn Parks and Recreation and the CARE Humane Society hosted Bark in the Park, an annual event celebrating responsible dog ownership. The event, held at Kiesel Park, lasted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

From poetry to podcasts: The Circle prepares to publish its Spring 2025 issue

By Allison Foran | Lifestyle Writer | February 12

Auburn University's literary arts magazine, The Circle, is preparing to release its spring issue in April. Submissions, which closed Feb. 9, will follow the theme "A Hero's Journey," continuing the narrative begun in the fall issue.