Toomer's Corner is home to many iconic landmarks that have shaped the Auburn community immensely, and one such location is J&M Bookstore, which has been serving the Auburn area for over 70 years. Whether rain or shine, J&M is there to provide a warm welcome, quality service and a "War Eagle!"
On Feb. 18, over 120 individuals of all ages gathered at Toomer's Corner to protest actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) and the Trump administration as a whole. Specifically, Minneapolis residents Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed during confrontations with ICE. From 5 p.m. to 6, the event was coordinated by a national, bipartisan organization called Indivisible. Indivisible has been gaining momentum over the years through its activism, including the organization of the "No Kings" protests.
On Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., the results of the Student Government Association elections were announced on the steps of Katherine Cooper Cater Hall. After a week of campaigning, candidates and supporters filled the area waiting to find out who won.
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.
On Dec. 5, community members from across the Opelika and Auburn area congregated in downtown Opelika to celebrate the approaching holidays at Snopelika. A tradition for people of all ages, the event consisted of the Whoville-themed Christmas parade, tree lighting, artificial snow, food trucks and more.
On Nov. 21, locals flocked to the Railroad Avenue Historic District in downtown Opelika to enjoy the final Food Truck Friday of the 2025 season. The event featured over a dozen food trucks with a wide variety of different cuisines, giving visitors the opportunity to both try new foods and support local businesses.
On Aug. 19, 2025, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts opened its exhibit "Women Artists in Ascendance" to the public. The exhibit showcases artwork from notable women artists of the 20th century whose contributions have largely gone overlooked. The exhibit is one of four on display, exploring the idea of American art and who gets to define what that means.
On Nov. 11, the University Program Council (UPC) hosted its annual War Damn Coffee Jam. The event, held directly in front of Samford Hall, ran from 7 to 10 p.m. and offered Auburn students a fun break from studying. Attendees enjoyed the changing weather with free refreshments from local vendors, music from local bands and the company of fellow Auburn students.
On Nov. 2, Sam Hendrix, a local author and historian, led a walking tour around what used to be known as "Faculty Row." Beginning at Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers, Hendrix discussed his in-depth research into the notable figures of Auburn University throughout the 19th and 20th century while leading attendees to locations connected to those faculty members.
On Oct. 23, the University Program Council (UPC) hosted its annual event Haunting on the Plains on the Campus Green. The event offered the large turnout of eager Auburn students the opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit with free food and drinks, music, pumpkin painting, a haunted house, a corn maze and a costume contest.
