Events in Opelika, AL

Sundilla presents the return of Joe Crookston for a concert at AUUF. A songwriter, guitarist, fiddler, slide player and painter, as well as an eco-village member with an expansive outlook, he is known for a dynamic stage presence that fosters a close connection with the audience. His career includes tours with Gordon Lightfoot, headlining major US festivals, a Folk Alliance International Album of the Year honor, and time as a Folk Alliance International artist in residence. He has shared stages with Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, Arlo Guthrie, David Francey, John McCutcheon, John Gorka and Judy Collins, and his songs have inspired award winning films. Expect humor, rhythmic drive and quiet, transcendent moments, all anchored by finely crafted lyrics. Advance tickets are $20 at Spicer’s Music and Ross House Coffee, admission at the door is $25, and students with ID pay $15 at the door. Complimentary coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees may bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Local community yoga instructors lead an hour focused on relaxation and a sense of unity. The class takes place once a month downstairs in the Basement Bookshop. It is free and open to all levels and bodies. Please bring a mat, as the limited number available on site may not cover all attendees. Selecting attending on the specific dates you plan to participate helps you receive event update notifications and assists with estimating space needs.

Now in its fourth year, Walk for Hope brings the community together at the Dadeville High School track and field for a family friendly awareness walk and resource fair focused on suicide prevention, connection, communication, and substance misuse prevention. Attendees can explore suicide prevention and community resources, meet resource vendors, and enjoy free food, inflatables, face painting, music, and games. There will be raffle prizes, and well behaved dogs are welcome. The first 50 participants to check in will receive a complimentary T shirt. Presented by Integrea Prevention and Tallapoosa CARES. For support at any time, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is free and confidential.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles visit the Auburn Tigers for a nonconference clash under the lights at Jordan–Hare Stadium. This meeting matches Auburn’s speed and depth with a Southern Miss squad looking to measure itself against SEC competition, creating a loud setting and a strategic test on the field.

Look ahead to what is next for disability services in Alabama at a conference dedicated to strengthening outreach and relationships. Taking place at The Hotel At Auburn University, the event shares up-to-date information on disability legislation and programs, along with emerging tools that support accessibility and accommodations in Alabama.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Food Truck Friday in downtown Opelika, where a rotating roster of more than 20 food vendors pairs with live music and family friendly entertainment. Hosted by the Opelika Chamber, this community favorite is growing this year with fresh themes, movie nights, and extra activities for all ages. The event is made possible by presenting partners APEX Pest Solutions and Agricola Law, with support from Gold Sponsors Butcher Paper BBQ, Stone Martin Builders, and Lambert Moving Systems.

Get Sideways takes the stage at Skybar Cafe in Auburn, Alabama.

SEC football takes center stage as the Florida Gators square off with the Auburn Tigers at Jordan–Hare Stadium. Known for a hard-hitting style and passionate supporters, these programs bring no shortage of compelling narratives to the field. Expect an intense atmosphere and a matchup that feels like a highlight of the college football slate.

Crawford Market Days features crafts, food, and music in a friendly community setting. It takes place at the Crawford Walking Trail on the third Saturday of each month from April through November, and it is open to everyone.

Upgrade your sleep while supporting the Auburn City Schools Band at its 11th annual mattress fundraiser. For one day, a selection of mattresses from brands like Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, and Therapedic will be available at savings of up to 40 percent off typical retail prices. Proceeds benefit the band program.

The Tray Wellington Band brings its genre-blending sound to Sundilla for a debut appearance. Led by award-winning banjo player Tray Wellington, the group blends folk, bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary roots with banjo-forward virtuosity, intricate rhythms, improvisation, and a modern sonic palette. Tray’s honors include the Steve Martin Banjo Prize and IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year, and he is a two-time nominee for IBMA New Artist of the Year. His performances have ranged from intimate house concerts to Saturday Night Live with Mumford & Sons, and he has appeared at premier gatherings such as the Newport Folk Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Coverage from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, and NPR has highlighted his forward-thinking approach to roots music. Advance tickets are available for $20 at Spicer’s Music and Ross House Coffee. Admission at the door is $25, with a $15 rate for students.

Connect Over Coffee is a monthly networking event hosted by the Opelika Chamber. Attendees meet people from a variety of businesses, introduce themselves, and discuss their company needs to build new connections. After the meeting, business cards from all participants are emailed to the group so it is easy to follow up with anyone you did not have a chance to speak with. Registration is free. Presented by the Opelika Police Department, with the program sponsored by Landscape Workshop.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Auburn Tigers Football brings an SEC clash to Jordan-Hare Stadium. Two conference programs meet in a recognized college football setting, where the pace, the atmosphere, and the high stakes can make every series count.

"Weird Al" Yankovic brings the latest chapter of his record-setting Bigger & Weirder tour to the Gogue Center’s Ham Amphitheatre in Auburn, Alabama, with special guest Puddles Pity Party. The 2025 stretch welcomed more than 500,000 attendees across 75 shows in 67 cities, selling out storied stages such as Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The 2026 itinerary grows to 90 North American cities and features well-known songs alongside deep-cut favorites, supported by a large video wall, multiple costume changes, and an eight-piece ensemble with musicians from his original band. This appearance is part of the Gogue Center’s 2026–27 season and included in the Amphitheatre Series.

Weird Al Yankovic takes the stage at Woltosz Theatre at the Gogue Performing Arts Center in Auburn, Alabama.

The Brook & The Bluff spotlight a grittier rock sound on Werewolf, a live-minded album that cranks the volume, quickens the pulse, and lets their four-part harmonies shine. Built on tight songwriting and layered vocals, it bottles the unfiltered rush of their onstage presence. After years of constant touring and hundreds of millions of streams for songs like “Halfway Up” and “Everything Is Just a Mess,” the band regrouped in Nashville for daily writing and rehearsal, reconnecting with the spirit of their early Birmingham roots while life changes unfolded in the background. The new material leans into a swampy, melodic groove that nods to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty, and the Eagles, and features the lead single “Super Bowl Sunday,” an anthemic look at ego and blind spots. Frontman Joseph Settine describes the record as being built like a concert set, and that live-first approach fuels the road show. With the album out and momentum high, the group heads back on tour, following a track record of sold-out headline runs across the continent, major festival appearances, and support slots for Noah Kahan, Mt. Joy, The Avett Brothers, Ashe, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

Set on the fairways of RTJ Grand National in Opelika, The Baby Steps Golf Classic features player check-in followed by a shotgun start and a four-person scramble, with each team advancing by playing the best shot. A boxed lunch is provided and refreshments are available throughout the day. Sponsorship packages are available for businesses seeking visibility while supporting pregnant and parenting college students at Auburn University who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Experience a relaxed and meaningful way to be part of the Baby Steps Golf Classic without setting foot on the course. Wives of golfers and community guests can sip mimosas, enjoy a brunch spread, shop local vendors, and look over items in a silent auction. This welcoming gathering lets attendees share in the day.

The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs make their Sundilla debut at AUUF, bringing an original Appalachian-rooted sound they describe as folk(ish), where tradition meets a touch of the trippy. Think of an acoustic duo somewhere between Jerry Garcia and Tom Waits, filtered through mountain influences. Zack and Kendra Harding started the project in 2016 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and have performed extensively across the United States and abroad, including a recent return from the UK and Ireland. Their easygoing presence and singular blend have led to appearances at Mill Farm Music Party in the UK, Front Porch Fest, Rockwood Music Hall, Piedmont Folkways, and more. They aim to craft a mix that gets toes tapping and heads bobbing, and to make some new connections along the way. When not on stage, they enjoy hiking North Carolina’s foothills and mountains with their dogs, Joni and Moon Moon, and unwinding with delightfully nerdy video games. Ticket details: advance purchase is $20. Admission at the door is $25, and student admission is $25.

The 22nd annual Think Pink: Warriors in Pink brings the community together at Spencer Cancer Center to recognize strength, hope, and survivorship. This long-standing gathering benefits the Spencer Cancer Center Breast Health Fund and welcomes survivors, supporters, and families of all ages for a morning filled with encouragement and connection. Tickets are $15 and include an event T-shirt. Proceeds help provide care and support for local patients throughout East Alabama. Attendees can look forward to a heartfelt celebration that honors those affected by breast cancer and fills the day with a vibrant wave of pink, with every ticket helping to make a meaningful difference.

Welcome the season at Classy & Sassy Creations & Boutique during a fall market spotlighting small businesses. Browse boutique selections, handmade goods, autumn inspired items, gifts, and treats. It is a simple way to refresh your fall wardrobe and get a jump on seasonal shopping while supporting local vendors. Expect cozy fall vibes and unique finds throughout. Admission is free and the event is suitable for families.

Celebrate gaming culture at a free community expo that blends esports competition, casual play, and pop culture. Competitors and curious players alike can dive into tournaments or drop in for open play at stations set up for every skill level. Expect crowd-pleasing titles such as Mario Kart and Just Dance, plus vendors and pop-up shops, outdoor activities, and food trucks. A live stream with commentary will capture the action and keep the energy high. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming for gamers, anime fans, and creators, offering a hub for the local scene to connect and play. Admission is free. A detailed schedule, tournament lineup, and vendor roster will be shared as the event approaches.

Oak Bowery Volunteer Fire & Rescue presents its first annual fall BBQ fundraiser at Oak Bowery Church. Pulled pork BBQ plates will be served alongside seasonal touches like pumpkins, mums, and homemade baked goods, setting the tone for a community gathering with neighbors and friends. Every plate and contribution supports the Building for the Future campaign to strengthen local fire and rescue services. The church is hosting and offering guidance as the team launches this inaugural fall event, reflecting the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.

Zach Bryan, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Gabriella Rose come together for a concert at Auburn’s historic Jordan-Hare Stadium. The lineup shares one stage for an evening of live music in a landmark setting.

Food Truck Friday brings downtown Opelika to life with great eats, live music, and activities for all ages. Organized by the Opelika Chamber, this beloved Friday tradition fills the streets with a changing selection of more than 20 food vendors and plenty of upbeat entertainment. The 2026 series expands with fresh themes, movie nights, and even more ways for families to enjoy an evening out. This community celebration is presented by APEX Pest Solutions and Agricola Law, with support from Gold Sponsors Butcher Paper BBQ, Stone Martin Builders, and Lambert Moving Systems, along with many additional sponsors.

Southern folk artist Jefferson Ross and songwriter Todd Hoke make their first appearances at Sundilla, performing as solo artists and as close friends who enjoy sharing the stage. Fans who have seen them together say the music, the craft, and the laughter grow when they team up. Ross is a Georgia-based songwriter, singer, guitarist, and painter whose work tells Southern stories in sound and image. He tours across the United States and Europe and shows his visual art at festivals and galleries around the South. His songwriting has earned notable acclaim from publications and fellow musicians, including praise from Maverick Magazine and from Tammy Rogers of The SteelDrivers. Hoke hails from Conroe, Texas, spent years in Austin, and now lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina. His playful bio nods to providing music for a bar fight, an unforgettable moment at the Austin City Limits green room, and a wish for strangers to break into harmonious song. He works as a hospice nurse, counts Townes Van Zandt, Leon Redbone, Guy Clark, Tom Waits, and Louis Armstrong among his influences, and donates all proceeds from his CDs and downloads to charity. Advance tickets are $20, admission at the door is $25, and students pay $15.

Registration is open for Genesis 32's Auburn Alabama Fall BJJ Tournament, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition at Auburn Mixed Martial Arts in Auburn, Alabama. The event welcomes competitors of all ages and experience levels, from first-time youth entrants to seasoned black belts. Gi and no-gi brackets span age, weight, and rank categories. A Pro bracket awards a cash prize to the winner. New offerings include points-only, no-submission divisions for children ages 4, 5, and 6. Team accolades include Spartan helmet awards, and adult absolute champions receive Genesis 32 gi or rashguard awards.

APR and Dinan bring their Haus Party back to Opelika, Alabama for a one-day European car celebration across an 80,000 square foot performance campus. More than 400 vehicles will be on display, along with dyno demonstrations, tours of the buildings, vendors, and food trucks. A performance package raffle will take place, with the winner choosing either an APR Stage 3 Turbo Pack or a Dinan Foundation+ Package.

A newcomer-friendly seminar introduces the realities of self-defense through martial arts in a straightforward, approachable format. The focus is on building long-term skill rather than quick fixes, emphasizing how awareness, movement, confidence, and consistent practice work together. Expect myth-busting conversation, clear explanations of methods that apply to everyday situations, and guided practice of simple movements in a supportive setting that values understanding over pressure. Each session stands on its own, so you can attend one without taking others. Space is limited to 20 participants, and an RSVP in advance is required. Suitable for ages 13 and older, with no prior experience needed.

Martin's at Lake Martin hosts an Auburn vs Georgia football watch party followed by a live country concert on the Martin's stage. T. Graham Brown, a Grand Ole Opry member as well as an ACM nominee and CMA Award winner, headlines with special guest Reese Burke. The set is expected to feature favorites such as Hell and High Water, Darlene, Don’t Go to Strangers, and Tell Like It Us To Be. Ticket options include $40 for general admission or $60 for general admission with a fish fry and BBQ dinner plate, and availability is limited. This event is supported by Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, Goree's Furniture Express, and Kowaliga Country 97.5 FM.

Ease into the day with a relaxed coffee meet-up for young professionals at Market Street Coffee Shop. Organized by Opelika Young Professionals, this pop-up is part of a quarterly series that rotates through local coffee shops so there is always something new to try. Expect friendly conversation and simple networking with peers before the workday begins. Registration is not required, and the setting is low pressure. It is an easy way to connect with others and support Opelika’s coffee scene.

NAACP Lee County Branch 5038 presents the fourth annual expungement clinic at Auburn A.M.E. Zion Church, designed to help community members work toward a fresh start. It is geared toward individuals in Lee County who may be eligible for expungement and need support accessing this service. Appointments are required and space is limited. Organizers ask the community to spread the word so friends and family who could benefit have the opportunity to participate.

Connect Over Coffee is a monthly networking hour hosted by the Opelika Chamber. It brings together professionals from a variety of businesses to share who they are, talk about what their organizations need, and make new connections. After the gathering, a compiled set of business cards from all participants is emailed to attendees so it is easy to follow up with anyone you did not have a chance to meet. Presented by the Opelika Police Department, with program sponsorship from Flipper Marketing.

Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers is presenting a themed release celebration for the sixth installment of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series, welcoming fans of Prythian for costumes, ACOTAR trivia, and festive treats and drinks. Attendees can represent their favorite Court, enjoy crafts and games, and share a countdown to be among the first to pick up the new book. Tickets are $40 and include the book, a 12 oz drink from the cafe or a glass of bubbles, along with all activities.

John Emerald Distilling Company hosts a stop on the Appalachian Smoke Fall Tour featuring Mountain Grass Unit, a Birmingham-raised modern bluegrass and roots band known for high-energy shows, adventurous playing, and the tight connection that comes from years together. Their stage sound blends swift instrumental exchanges, improvisation with a jamgrass charge, and song-centered roots music. The group is built around the longstanding partnership of mandolinist and vocalist DruryAnderson, guitarist Luke Black, and bassist Sam Wilson, with fiddler Josiah Nelson completing the lineup. Their debut studio album, Appalachian Smoke, arrives on Dualtone Records and was produced by Vance Powell, a six-time Grammy recipient. Guests include Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass, pedal steel player Karl Smakula, and Grammy-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland, reflecting the band’s wide musical embrace and a focus on capturing the feel of their live set. After selling out more than 30 shows and earning IBMA Momentum Band of the Year, Mountain Grass Unit draws listeners from bluegrass traditionalists and newgrass fans to jam-band followers and newer roots audiences. Expect a set crafted for the stage, rooted in tradition yet aimed squarely at what comes next.

Get Sideways takes the stage at Skybar Cafe in Auburn, Alabama for a Halloween party, delivering a live set to soundtrack the celebration.

Griffin House returns to Sundilla for a concert featuring the acclaimed singer songwriter whose career accelerated soon after arriving in Nashville. Within months he signed a record deal, his debut drew strong critical praise, and national television recognized him among the standout emerging songwriters. He has toured with John Mellencamp and The Cranberries, met artists like Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson, and continues to add new work to a catalog that now includes the album Rising Star and more than a dozen releases. An Ohio native, he has spent over a decade headlining nationwide and is widely respected for his songwriting and live performances. Advance tickets are $20 at Spicer’s Music and Ross House Coffee, or online. Admission is $25 at the door, with students admitted for $15 at the door. Complimentary coffee, tea, water, and food will be available, and guests may bring their own favorite food or drinks.

Drivin N Cryin takes the stage at Martin’s at Lake Martin, presented by The Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, Goree’s Furniture, and Kowaliga Country 97.5.

Connect Over Coffee is a monthly networking gathering hosted by the Opelika Chamber, created to help professionals from a variety of businesses connect, introduce their work, and discuss their needs as a company. After the meeting, attendees receive an email that includes the business cards of everyone who participated, making it easy to follow up with contacts they did not have a chance to speak with. This event is presented by the Opelika Police Department.

The Notasulga Pecan Festival returns for its second year, aiming to be even bigger and more fun. The day centers on pecans and community spirit, with family-friendly activities, food, vendors, music, and opportunities to make memories in Notasulga. Local vendors are being welcomed back as neighbors gather again. Official updates, announcements, and contact information will come from the Town of Notasulga.