Name: 38th Annual AU Pumpkin Carve
Start: 2026-10-30
End: 2026-10-30

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

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

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

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

Live Oaks is a popular restaurant and event venue in downtown Auburn's heart, offering a unique dining experience that combines Southern charm with a modern twist. Known for its inviting atmosphere, Live Oaks features stunning patio seating beneath the majestic live oak trees, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed meal or a special gathering. The menu showcases Southern-inspired dishes, with customer favorites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and the signature Live Oaks Burger. The full bar serves craft cocktails, local beers, and a selection of wines, making it an excellent spot for happy hour or a laid-back evening with friends. While Live Oaks doesn’t regularly host special events, their spacious patio is a popular location for live music performances during select weekends, adding to the lively ambiance. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal, a place to watch the game, or a venue for an event, Live Oaks delivers exceptional service and a memorable experience.

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

Insomnia Cookies in downtown Auburn is the perfect spot for anyone craving warm, freshly baked cookies at any hour. Specializing in late-night delivery, this bakery offers an array of delicious treats, including cookies, brownies, ice cream, and cookie cakes. Known for its extended hours, Insomnia Cookies is a favorite among night owls, college students, and anyone looking for a sweet indulgence in the heart of Auburn. The menu features classic cookies like Chocolate Chunk and Snickerdoodle, alongside popular choices like the Deluxe S'mores cookie. You can also enjoy ice cream sandwiches and cookie cakes, making it a great choice for parties or personal treats. Delivery is available late into the night, perfect for satisfying those spontaneous dessert cravings. Seasonal flavors and specials rotate throughout the year, offering something new and exciting with every visit. Whether you're celebrating, ordering for a group, or simply treating yourself, Insomnia Cookies has something for everyone. Visit their downtown Auburn location or check out their website to place an order and explore their latest flavors!

Insomnia Cookies

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint is a laid-back, casual spot in Auburn known for its simple yet delicious menu and extensive craft beer selection. Specializing in gourmet burgers, Jack Brown's has a unique approach to its offerings, focusing on creative burger toppings and pairings that set it apart from other burger joints in the area. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a quick bite or a place to unwind with a cold beer. The menu features a variety of gourmet burgers, each with its own creative twist, from the signature "Greg Brady" topped with mac & cheese and BBQ potato chips to the "Cowboy," loaded with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheddar. Jack Brown’s also offers vegetarian options and a rotating selection of craft beers, ensuring there's something for everyone. While the venue doesn’t offer dedicated parking, it's located in downtown Auburn, where public parking is available nearby. Customers also love the daily burger specials and beer events hosted throughout the year, making every visit feel fresh and exciting. Whether you're a burger aficionado or just looking to enjoy a casual meal with friends, Jack Brown’s is a must-visit in Auburn. Stop by for a burger and brew, and check out their social media for upcoming specials and events!

Jack Brown's

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

Southern Greens Cafe & Market is located in downtown Auburn, Alabama, and offers fresh and customizable options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their goal is to provide delicious and convenient meals for every occasion, whether you're dining in or catering an event. With options including a Build-Your-Own Menu, Grab & Go, Take & Bake, and full Coffee and Energy Infusion Bar. Your options are limitless. Let them cater or host your next event! Southern Greens is happy to offer event spaces in Auburn and Opelika. There are various packages for catering, including plated meals, buffet style, and dessert bar options. Southern Greens also provides delivery options and food truck rental availability. For all things Southern Greens, please visit the website and submit an inquiry; someone from their team will be happy to get back to you shortly.

Southern Greens

The Hound is a family-owned restaurant and bar featuring over-the-top American classics, top shelf bourbon, and 28 craft beers on tap. They offer bacon from heritage breed pork as well as other organic and humanely raised meats. The atmosphere was designed to be warm and welcoming: think hunting lodge or an antler-pronged barn setting. Owners Matt & Jana Poirier realized their dream of opening a local watering hole featuring simple, delicious food with a focus on bacon, bourbon, community, and family. Menu items might include meatloaf, raft beer-braised chicken, 1/2 lb. bacon BLT, wild-game sausage, and a thick cut bone-in Berkshire chop. The menu changes with the seasons. The team sources locally and regionally and harvests from The Hound family farm in Lafayette, Alabama, when possible. Try the fantastic brunch! Full bar available. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations recommended.

The Hound

The Mix, located in downtown Auburn, is a stylish boutique offering a thoughtfully curated selection of women's clothing, accessories, and gifts. Known for its chic, fashion-forward pieces, The Mix provides a shopping experience that blends the latest trends with timeless elegance. Whether you're searching for a statement outfit, trendy jewelry, or a unique gift, The Mix has something for every occasion. With its focus on quality, The Mix offers higher-end options for those seeking fashionable, upscale wardrobe additions. Open Monday through Saturday, The Mix offers a wide range of products, including stylish apparel, accessories, and specialty gifts. The boutique's ever-changing inventory ensures shoppers can find the latest trends and seasonal collections. Conveniently located in downtown Auburn, it’s easily accessible for both locals and visitors. For those looking to elevate their wardrobe or find the perfect gift, The Mix is a must-visit destination. Stop by the store to explore their latest arrivals or visit their social media for more information on new collections and special events.

The Mix

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

The glow of more than 200 jack-o-lanterns will illuminate the courtyard of Auburn University’s Dudley Hall on Friday, October 30th, as students from the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction hold the 38th Annual Pumpkin Carve. Students, faculty, and the community will gather to carve pumpkins, enjoy refreshments, participate in a silent auction to win napkin sketches and observe the lighting of nearly 200 pumpkins.

It is a day-long event filled with pumpkin fun for everyone! Stop by to buy/carve a pumpkin and enter their annual contest, fear not if pumpkin carving isn't your jam there are even more events planned! There's something for everyone with various raffle prizes, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction, and even the chance to pie-a-professor.

38th Annual AU Pumpkin Carve

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.

38th Annual AU Pumpkin Carve

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