As 2025 wraps up, find your calendar for next year and prepare to ring in the New Year with these upcoming January 2026 events in Auburn and Opelika. From nature to the arts, get ready to start the year with activities that boost the mind, body and soul!
Boozie Bubbles at the Collegiate Hotel, Jan. 1-11
- What: Haven’t had time to reconnect with old friends lately? Make it happen in the New Year at The Collegiate Hotel’s Rooftop Bar in their Boozie Bubble tents. These warm, private bubbles are a great spot to enjoy festive cocktails and the CoHoHo holiday pop-up bar. Reserve a bubble for groups of up to eight friends, ages 21 and up. Add a s’more kit for a sweet treat. Check out their website for details.
- Where: 205 S. Gay St., Auburn
- When: 3 to 10 p.m.
- Visit the website.
Winter Waterfall Hike at Chewacla State Park, Jan. 3
- What: Kick off those New Year resolutions with a fun-filled, family-friendly Winter Waterfall Hike at Chewacla! Put on your hiking shoes and warm layers for a morning of exploring. The hike is about a mile and lasts about an hour. Space is limited, so register ahead.
- Where: 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn
- When: 10 a.m.
- Visit the website.
Birding 101 at Chewacla State Park, Jan. 8
- What: New hobbies on your list of new things to try? Start with Birding 101 at Chewacla, designed for beginner birders. But all birders are welcome! Meet at the Nature Center to walk the trails and learn how to identify birds from calls, appearance and flight patterns.
- Where: 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn
- When: 8:30 a.m.
- Visit the website.
Food Truck Friday, Jan. 16
- What: Save the date for a Friday full of flavor! It’s the first Food Truck Friday of 2026 in historic downtown Opelika. Hosted by the Opelika Chamber, enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks and fellowship.
- Where: Downtown Opelika
- When: 5 to 11 p.m.
- Visit the website.
Facing the Giant-3 Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey at The Jule Museum at Auburn University, Jan. 20-May 9
- What: Expand your horizons locally with “Facing the Giant—3 Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey” at The Jule Museum, starting Thurs., Jan. 29. See Fairey’s impactful 30-year journey as a renowned street artist and printmaker, whose work embodies punk rock, skateboarding and DIY culture. This exhibit showcases prints from 1989 to 2019, reflecting Fairey’s influence on graphic and contemporary art.
- Where: 901 S. College St., Auburn
- When: Tues.-Sat.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Visit the website.
14th Annual Polar Plunge by Auburn Parks and Rec, Jan. 24
- What: Next up on must-do January 2026 events in Auburn and Opelika, the popular Polar Plunge at the Samford Pool in Auburn! Gather sponsors to support your dive for Lee County Special Olympics. Dress up in individual or group costumes for added fun! Pre-registration is required.
- Where: East Samford Avenue
- When: 9 a.m. Plunge
- Visit the website.
Prague Philharmonia at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, Jan. 24
- What: Join the Arts Association of East Alabama for an enchanting evening with the PKF – Prague Philharmonia on Sat., Jan. 24, at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Renowned for its exceptional sound, the orchestra specializes in Viennese Classicism, performing timeless works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Experience their crystal-clear purity and vibrant passion, making classical music accessible and enjoyable for all. Tickets available soon.
- Where: 1103 Glenn St., Opelika
- When: 7 to 9 p.m.
- Visit the website.
Third Annual Oysterfest at Plaza Bar & Lounge, Jan. 24
- What: Liven things up with fresh Gulf Coast oysters, good drinks, live entertainment and good company at the Third Annual Oysterfest at Plaza Bar & Lounge in Midtown Auburn, just off Opelika Road.
- Where: 800 Main St., Auburn
- When: 1 p.m.
- Visit the website.
Presenting Feng E at The Sound Wall, Jan.27
- What: It’s an unforgettable evening with Feng E, hosted by The Sound Wall. At just 18, this Taiwanese ukulele prodigy has wowed audiences worldwide with his talent. Having performed on international TV and at major festivals in Singapore, Japan, Hawaii and the U.S., Feng E continues to amaze with his band, Resonance Effect, earning top accolades in 2025. Experience his live show!
- Where: 605 Avenue B, Opelika
- When: 7:30 p.m.
- Visit the website.
Groundhog Day Celebration at Chewacla State Park, Jan. 31
- What: Join Chewacla State Park’s Groundhog Day Celebration on Jan. 31 at the Nature Center. Enjoy groundhog-themed crafts, stories and educational activities while sipping on hot cocoa. Participate in a fun vote on whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. Although registration is preferred, it’s not required, and your gate fee grants you full access to the park for the day!
- Where: 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn
- When: 1 p.m.
- Visit the website.
Summary
Kick off the new year with an exciting array of January 2026 events in Auburn and Opelika! From the chic rooftop bar experience at Boozie Bubbles to invigorating hikes and birdwatching adventures, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Food Truck Fridays, an inspiring art show, the exhilarating Polar Plunge for charity and vibrant live music performances filling the month with fun and community spirit.
And, for your real estate needs, contact Ryan Roberts. Keep reading our blogs for more community news and events!