Name: Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
Address: 222 E. Drake Ave, Auburn, AL, 36830

The JDCAC offers the Auburn community opportunities to experience visual and performing arts, entertain innovative ideas, develop new talent, and experience culture. There are classes and workshops, art exhibitions, theatre performances, art education programs, and special events that bring our community together. The facility offers a new ceramics studio, walking trails, dance studio, art gallery, and community gallery along with newly renovated art studios, a black box performance room, and a multipurpose conference room. The JDCAC is also available for rent. The JDCAC has developed a strong culture of collaboration, partnering with local organizations. Our main partners are the Auburn Arts Association, the Auburn Area Community Theatre, and the Auburn Community Orchestra.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

Things to Do in Auburn-Opelika

Explore the beauty and excitement of the Auburn-Opelika area, where there is something for everyone. Visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to appreciate world-class art exhibits. Experience the natural beauty of Chewacla State Park with its hiking trails and waterfalls. Take a stroll through historic downtown Opelika and enjoy its unique boutiques and vibrant dining scene. For sports enthusiasts, catch an Auburn Tigers game at Auburn University, known for its spirited football, basketball, and baseball games. Don't miss the Opelika Pickleball Facility, with 24 individually fenced, covered, and lighted courts, perfect for year-round play.

Local Highlights
Auburn University: Known for its beautiful campus and sporting events, Auburn University is a hub of activity and culture.

Downtown Opelika: Enjoy the charm of a historic downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Chewacla State Park: A natural retreat offering hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping.
Opelika Pickleball Facility: One of the best pickleball facilities in the Southeast, providing year-round play on 24 lighted courts.

Dining and Accommodations
With a wide range of dining options from casual eateries to fine dining, the Auburn-Opelika area caters to all tastes. Notable mentions include The Hound for its hearty Southern fare and Café 123 for a fine dining experience in a historic setting. Accommodations range from the luxurious Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National to charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Plan your visit to Auburn-Opelika today and discover why it is a prime destination for sports, culture, and Southern hospitality! For more information, visit Auburn-Opelika Tourism.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Well Red is a locally loved bookstore and café in Auburn that blends books, coffee, wine, and baked goods in a cozy, inviting setting. Visitors can browse a curated selection of new and used titles across a range of genres, making it a favorite stop for readers of all kinds. The space offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a morning coffee, sharing pastries with friends, or settling in with a glass of wine and a good book. With comfortable seating and a warm, community-focused feel, it's a great place to unwind while exploring Auburn. Well Red also features regular book clubs, author events, and seasonal offerings, creating a dynamic experience with each visit. Whether you're a book lover or simply looking for a charming local spot, this bookstore café is a must-visit during your time in town.

Well Red

Uncle Charleyz is a lively, family-friendly restaurant in Auburn, AL, offering a fantastic selection of comfort food with a Southern twist. Located at 1155 Opelika Rd, Uncle Charleyz is known for its delicious burgers, flavorful wings, and hearty sandwiches. The menu also features a variety of sides and shareable appetizers, making it an ideal spot for groups and casual dining. With a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Uncle Charleyz is a great place to enjoy a laid-back meal with friends or family while savoring some of the best home-style cooking in the area. Uncle Charleyz is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, crispy fried chicken, or just some good old-fashioned comfort food, Uncle Charleyz delivers hearty meals and a fun atmosphere for all ages. With its great food and friendly service, it’s a local favorite that guarantees a satisfying dining experience every time.

Uncle Charley'z

Byron’s Smokehouse has been serving up authentic Southern barbecue in Auburn since 1989. The menu features pit-cooked pork, smoked chicken, sausage, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, along with hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and classic home-cooked sides. Breakfast is a standout, known locally for generous portions and bold Southern flavors. With its no-frills charm and long-standing reputation, Byron’s remains a favorite for anyone craving true Alabama barbecue.

Byron's Smokehouse

Auburn's finest and freshest seafood! The Depot is a gulf-coastal brasserie with a globally inspired menu where sea meets land. Constructed in 1847, this fabled train depot rests in the heart of downtown Auburn. With a prominent role in the history of the city, the time-worn tracks of The Depot have seen the face of war and abandonment. Now over 150 years later, The Hound Owners Matt & Jenna Poirier have resurrected the building to house the area's first fresh seafood restaurant where, along with co-owner and Executive Chef Scott Simpson, they bring globally-inspired cuisine to the heart of Alabama in this historically relevant setting. "Where the hook meets the line," The Depot plates up the finest and freshest seafood in the area, elevating the culinary scene in the community with cuisine that, cooked simply and spectacularly, also serves to honor our Southern heritage. The bar staff is passionate about the drinks they make. The Depot welcomes you into their restaurant filled with history and has you leaving wondering when you can come back. Serving dinner. Reservations recommended. Insider Tip: Try their famous Tapas Tuesday or Thursday Oysters & Bubbles from 5-7 pm! Insider Tip: Try their famous Wednesday Sushi & Spirits or Thursday Oyster Night!

The Depot

lifeSTYLED Work+Shop is a boutique interior design studio located in Auburn, Alabama. The studio works with clients and builders on new construction selections, renovations, furniture, and accessory sourcing to create spaces that inspire the way people live and work. Serving Auburn, Opelika, the greater East Alabama area, and Lake Martin, lifeSTYLED Work+Shop also offers real estate styling and model home design. Their Style Crew helps transform spaces into happy places that are cozy, comfortable, stylish, and uniquely personal.

lifeSTYLED Work+Shop

Brought to you by the creators of Waverly Local, Auburn Plaza Bar and Lounge is a vibrant bar and eatery located in Midtown Auburn. With a menu full of creative cocktails and elevated takes on classic dishes, it’s a go to spot for a laid back lunch, casual dinner, or lively night out. The space features both indoor and outdoor seating, making it easy to kick back and enjoy the atmosphere no matter the season. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, adding another reason to visit with friends or meet new ones. Whether you're in the mood for great food, a handcrafted drink, or just a fun place to hang out, Auburn Plaza Bar and Lounge delivers an inviting experience in one of the city’s most trendy neighborhoods.

Auburn Plaza Bar & Lounge

Acre celebrates Southern hospitality and the fresh harvest provided by the local community. With sophisticated charm, repurposed architectural details, and a menu of stylishly modern food with roots deep in Southern soil, it's a delightful anachronism. Acre is good traditions for good people, a neighborhood place perfect for relaxing with friends, making memories with family, or conducting business. Acre is located in historic downtown Auburn, just three blocks from Toomer's Corner, the heart of the community. Chef David Bancroft and his team bring classic favorites to the table with fresh, innovative flavors and artistic presentations. "Our goal is to interpret the complex, traditional tastes of the Deep South in a totally fresh and modern way." - Chef David Bancroft Highlighting new Alabama cuisine inspired by Southern heritage, the food is responsibly grown, harvested, sourced, and then prepared by a team that enjoys the extra dedication and labor required by this type of food. The menu moves with the rhythms of the seasons and the unpredictability of the harvest. Acre's food and service are casual but clean and focused. Full bar available. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Acre

Right in the heart of Downtown Auburn, 29 and Holding is a go-to boutique for fashion forward finds with a Southern twist. From bold game day looks to everyday staples, 29 and Holding offers a curated mix of clothing, accessories, and shoes that keep your style fresh and effortless through every season. What sets 29 and Holding apart is its connection to The Maker and The Merchant which is a retail collective that supports small businesses and local creators. As a featured partner, the boutique brings its Auburn born style to new audiences while staying true to its roots: supporting makers, embracing trends, and making shopping personal. Whether you're a local or just passing through, 29 and Holding offers a standout experience full of charm, creativity, and looks you'll love wearing to all occasions.

29 and Holding

Tavern on the Traxs is a lively restaurant and bar in Auburn, AL, offering a laid-back atmosphere with great food, cold drinks, and a fun community vibe. Located near the railroad tracks, this local favorite blends the charm of a classic tavern with a modern twist, serving up hearty American fare with Southern influences. The menu features a variety of dishes, including juicy burgers, crispy wings, fresh seafood, and house-smoked barbecue. Tavern on the Traxs is open Monday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., offering dine-in and takeout options. The bar boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, and top-shelf whiskey, making it a great spot to unwind after a long day. Guests can also enjoy live music, trivia nights, and game-day specials, adding to the vibrant energy of the tavern. Whether you're looking for great food, a fun night out, or a laid-back hangout spot, Tavern on the Traxs delivers a true Auburn dining experience with great flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

Tavern on the Traxs

A group of more than 30 actors, artists, and crew dedicated to quality, entertaining, and thought-provoking theater to East Central Alabama. Three to four productions per year, including one children's production. Founded in 2003, AACT’s purpose, as outlined in our mission statement, “is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theater, and present a quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theater experience.” AACT offers two full-length children and youth shows annually, with other smaller performances dotting the calendar throughout the year. AACT’s children and youth outreach program, dubbed the Young Performers’ program, includes musicals, dramas, comedies, and classics—all crafted to engage, educate, and stimulate young minds. True to our mission, AACT prides itself on encouraging critical thought and engaging our audiences, a staple of the organization since our onset as a theatrical troupe. AACT’s first theatrical production, performed in early 2004, was an adaptation of John Patrick’s The Curious Savage, a comedic stab at the misconceptions regarding sanity and the prevalence of ill-conceived prestige awarded to public figures. More recently, in 2013, AACT staged a production of Lorraine Hansberry’s acclaimed play A Raisin in the Sun, a domestic tragedy that examines African American heritage, cultural assimilation and uplift, and the myriad of socio-political challenges faced by African Americans on a routine basis.

Auburn Area Community Theatre

LiveOaks blends rustic charm with a modern twist, offering a lively space for drinks, dining, and good company. Housed in a renovated former service station in downtown Auburn, the venue features both indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio shaded by iconic oak trees. Its laid-back vibe and unique setting make it a go-to for locals and visitors alike. The bar serves a rotating selection of draft beers, a curated wine list, and creative cocktails that range from classics to seasonal specialties. Whether you're stopping in for a casual happy hour or kicking off a night out, LiveOaks delivers a relaxed, welcoming experience in one of Auburn’s most recognizable gathering spots.

LiveOaks

Limitbreaker Lockdown will take place October 2-4 at Lake Wilmore Park Recreational Center in Auburn. This gymnastics meet will feature athletes competing in Levels 1-5, Xcel, and HUGS, with participants, coaches, families, and spectators expected throughout the weekend. Local residents are welcome to come out and watch the competition and support the athletes. Visit the event organizer’s website for meet details, schedules, and spectator information.

Limit Breakers Lockdown Gymnastics Meet

The 2026 Powerball Alabama State Championship, presented by Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball, will take place October 2-4 at the Opelika Pickleball Complex. The tournament will feature singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior divisions for a wide range of age groups and skill levels, with play beginning as early as 8 a.m. each day. Spectators are welcome to come out and watch the competition throughout the weekend, and players can register beginning June 1. Visit the tournament page for registration details, division information, event fees, and the full schedule.

2026 Powerball ALABAMA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA Tour & Southern Pickleball

The Southern Pickleball Association is dedicated to growing the sport of pickleball across the United States by offering affordable, professionally managed amateur events and supporting local pickleball communities. Since our inception in 2021, we have proudly become a cornerstone of community, camaraderie, and competition in the southeast, setting a new standard for what it means to run pickleball tournaments.

With nearly 200 tournaments hosted and over 30,000 players on our courts over the past 4 years, Southern Pickleball continues to bring people together through the joy of the game, fostering connections both on and off the court. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the sport, we strive to create opportunities for everyone to experience the excitement and spirit of pickleball.

Southern Pickleball Association

Welcome to the Alabama Bass Federation Open Challenge, taking place Saturday, October 3, 2026, on Lake Harding in the Valley–Auburn area. This one-day tournament will launch from Po Boys Boat Ramp and bring competitive anglers together for a full day of bass fishing on one of the region’s premier lakes. Participants and spectators will find dining options nearby in Valley, Opelika, and Auburn, with convenient stops for breakfast before launch and meals following weigh-in. View the “Hotels” tab for live and discounted rates, and reach out to Auburn-Opelika Tourism with any destination-related questions. We look forward to welcoming anglers for a well-organized and successful tournament weekend on Lake Harding.

Alabama Bass Federation Open Challenge 

The 2026 ITA DI Men's Southern Regional Championship is a collegiate tennis tournament hosted at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, from October 8–12, 2026. Designed for NCAA Division I men's players, the competition is limited to up to 32 players and features Men's Open singles and doubles events. Organized through the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the tournament gives eligible college athletes an opportunity to compete in a regional championship format.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

About Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

Quick Links

Phone Number

Happening in Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Near Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center