Name: A Celebration of Art and Creative Writing
Start: 2026-10-15
End: 2026-10-15

Auburn University’s art museum, The Jule, advances research, outreach and instruction, through its collections, exhibitions and engagements in welcoming and active learning environments. A local museum with a global outlook, with a location and programs that bridge campus and community, The Jule opened in 2003 and is named after Jule Collins Smith '99 (1929-2015). Her husband, Albert J. Smith Jr. '47 (1925-2020), made a transformational gift to Auburn on their 50th wedding anniversary to build a museum to exhibit and care for an impressive university art collection. The couple envisioned a world-class institution for their beloved alma mater that would center the arts as an essential part of the Auburn Experience. Today, The Jule builds upon their original vision through teaching, creative scholarship and service. To connect students, faculty, staff and community members with the complexity and beauty of the world around us, The Jule welcomes visitors to be curious

Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn University

The Jule Collins Smith Museum Gift Shop, located within the museum in Auburn, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of art-inspired merchandise and unique gifts. This boutique shop provides visitors with a variety of items, including home décor, books, and gifts that reflect the museum's exhibitions and collections. It's a perfect place to find something special that reflects the spirit of art and culture. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the gift shop offers products that are not only artistic but also one-of-a-kind, making it a standout shopping destination in the area. Visitors can find beautiful keepsakes, art-inspired gifts, and exclusive items that support both the local community and the museum's mission. The shop is easily accessible from the museum's main entrance and is a favorite stop for art lovers looking for a unique memento. Whether you're visiting the museum or simply looking for a distinctive gift, the Jule Collins Smith Museum Gift Shop is the ideal place to explore. Stop by to discover their latest items, or visit the museum’s website for more information on hours and special offerings.

Jule Collins Smith Museum Gift Shop

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, or The Jule, in Auburn provides an enriching group experience with its diverse collection of Southern art, modern works, and rotating exhibitions. Located in the heart of Auburn-Opelika, the museum offers a peaceful setting for visitors to explore a range of artistic styles and cultural perspectives. It’s an ideal destination for art lovers and anyone looking to experience local culture. A local museum with a global outlook, with a location and programs that bridge campus and community, The Jule opened in 2003 and is named after Jule Collins Smith '99 (1929-2015). Her husband, Albert J. Smith Jr. '47 (1925-2020), made a transformational gift to Auburn on their 50th wedding anniversary to build a museum to exhibit and care for an impressive university art collection. The couple envisioned a world-class institution for their beloved alma mater that would center the arts as an essential part of the Auburn Experience. Today, The Jule builds upon their original vision through teaching, creative scholarship and service. To connect students, faculty, staff and community members with the complexity and beauty of the world around us, The Jule welcomes visitors to be curious

James Bros. Bikes is a full-service bicycle shop offering a huge selection of bikes and some of the industry's best clothing and accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, James Bros. has everything you need to get on two wheels. What sets this shop apart is the expertise of their mechanics, who have over 25 years of experience helping customers get the most out of their bikes. The staff not only works with cyclists but are passionate riders themselves, eager to share their knowledge and love for cycling. Open Monday through Saturday, James Bros. Bikes provides a range of services, including bike sales, repairs, and maintenance. With a wide selection of top-quality bikes, accessories, and apparel, the shop caters to all kinds of riders. From tune-ups to gear advice, the team is always ready to ensure you have the best biking experience possible. Visit James Bros. Bikes to explore their latest offerings, or stop by for expert advice and top-tier service. Their dedicated staff is ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising around town.

James Bros. Bikes

India Palace offers a flavorful and authentic Indian dining experience, serving up beloved classics like chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani, rogan josh, and fresh-from-the-oven naan. Each dish is crafted with traditional spices and attention to detail, delivering bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. The restaurant provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere for casual lunches, dinners with friends, or cozy date nights. With generous portions, vegetarian and vegan options, and consistently kind service, India Palace has earned its place as a local favorite for Indian cuisine in the Auburn-Opelika area.

India Palace

Village Wok Restaurant, located at 1100 S College St #104 in Auburn, Alabama, offers a diverse selection of Chinese cuisine, including American-Chinese comfort food and homestyle Taiwanese specialties. The menu features a variety of dishes such as fried rice, lo mein, and chef's specials, catering to a range of tastes. Known for its casual atmosphere and friendly service, Village Wok provides options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery within a 5-mile radius. ​ Village Wok operates Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m., remains closed on Saturdays, and is open on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Whether you're seeking a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, Village Wok offers a convenient and satisfying dining experience for residents and visitors in the Auburn area.​

Village Wok

Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant in Auburn, Alabama, known for its fresh, made-to-order Mexican cuisine. Conveniently located on South College Street in front of the Marriott Hotel, Salsarita’s offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where guests can customize their meals with a variety of flame-grilled meats, house-made salsas, and crisp, freshly prepared chips. With menu options ranging from tacos and burritos to nachos, quesadillas, and taco salads, there’s something for everyone—including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Salsarita’s provides both indoor and patio seating, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or casual dinner. The restaurant also offers online ordering with a dedicated pickup entrance and parking area for added convenience. Popular menu items include the signature Quesorito—a flavorful combination of a burrito wrapped in a cheesy quesadilla—and the restaurant’s addictive tortilla chips served with fresh guacamole or queso. With frequent specials and catering options available, Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill delivers bold flavors and a customizable dining experience that keeps guests coming back.

Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill

Town Creek Park in Auburn is a peaceful escape, with a quiet pond, open green space, and a scenic tree trail that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy nature. Shaded benches and swings offer cozy spots to rest, while the pavilion provides space for gatherings with friends and family. Town Creek also offers a playground and fitness equipment, making it a welcoming space for both relaxation and recreation for visitors of all ages. In the summer, City Market brings the park to life with fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music. Whether you're enjoying a solo stroll or spending a sunny afternoon with loved ones, Town Creek Park is one of Auburn’s most treasured outdoor spaces.

Town Creek Park

Created by the team behind The Hound and The Depot, Corner Office is a breakfast and lunch café known for its eclectic style and thoughtful atmosphere. The space blends comfort and creativity, making it a popular choice for mid-day meals, casual meetings, and focused work sessions. The menu features fresh, flavorful options perfect for fueling the day, served in a setting designed to inspire connection and productivity. Whether it’s a quick bite or a lingering lunch, Corner Office offers a unique café experience in Auburn.

Corner Office

Located between Wrights Mill Road and Camellia Drive, the 60,000+ square foot playground at Town Creek Park is designed for inclusive, barrier-free play for visitors of all ages and abilities. This state-of-the-art playground features parallel play components, pavilions, trials, accessible fitness and playground equipment, sensory elements, and more, ensuring an engaging experience for everyone. With ADA-compliant poured rubber and accessible turf surfacing, individuals using assistive devices can easily navigate all areas of the playground. Whether you're looking for active fun or a welcoming space for all, Town Creek Park’s playground is the perfect destination for families and children of all abilities.

Town Creek Inclusive Playground

Located on Auburn University’s campus, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum is a 13.5-acre botanical garden that highlights Alabama’s native plants and ecosystems. Operated by the College of Sciences and Mathematics, the Arboretum supports conservation, education, and research while offering a peaceful place to explore. With trails, a pond, and native plant collections, it serves as both a living museum and an outdoor classroom. Seasonal events like the Azalea Festival, Red, White, and Blueberry Bash, plant sales, and Halloween-themed activities invite the community to connect with nature year-round. Parking is available near Lem Morrison Drive and Garden Drive. An Auburn University permit is required on weekdays, but parking is free on weekends and holidays. Whether you're looking for a relaxing walk or a deeper connection to Alabama’s native landscapes, the Arboretum is a space worth discovering.

Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Proud Willie's has been serving wings and things in Auburn for over two decades.

Proud Willie's Wings and Stuff

Scout

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

Celebrate Arts and Humanities Month with an evening of poetry and creative writing at **The Jule Museum** on **Thursday, Oct. 15.** A. Van Jordan, The Jule Museum’s poet-in-residence, will read alongside the recipient of the Auburn Witness Poetry Prize, honoring Jake Adam York, and the inaugural recipient of The Jule Museum Award for Creative Writing.

The new student award recognizes an Auburn undergraduate whose writing responds to an object in the museum’s collection.

Jordan is the author of five poetry collections and a professor of English at Stanford University whose work explores history, memory, race, film, music and popular culture.

The evening brings together poetry, creative writing and visual art to explore the ways each can inspire new perspectives and conversations.

A Celebration of Art and Creative Writing

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.

A Celebration of Art and Creative Writing

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