SPRING SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES
The 2024 Spring Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park in Auburn will be held Thursdays in May from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free. The community is invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy great music, with food and sweet treats available for purchase from the Chill Spot. Pets on a leash are welcome. The final two concerts feature Soul Therapy on May 23 and Austin Ritch on May 30. Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane in Auburn. For the most up to date information on performers delays or cancelations, visit the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
NOON TUNES CONCERT SERIES
The final Noon Tunes Concert will be held on Wednesday, May 29, on Courthouse Square in Opelika. The free lunchtime concer will feature Strawberry Whine, consisting of the father/daughter duo Mark Wilson and Jessica Walters, who will perform music from current artists such as Tayor Swift and Chris Stapleton, Allman Brothers, Eagles and Tom Petty, as well as originals. You can catch their band Crossroads at the Summer Swing Concert Series on July 2.
SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON MAY 28
Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On May 28, see The Dave Potts Band playing a mix original music along with folk and country favorites. Dave’s music has been met with critical acclaim, including winning 1st Place in the Folk/Americana category at the International Acoustic Music Awards. He has released 14 albums of original music and performed in 43 states. The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.
AUBURN CITY MARKET
City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, is open each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/citymarket or email citymarket@auburnalabama.org.
SUSCC MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE
Veteran Services at Southern Union State Community College will host a Memorial Day observance on Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at the Southern Union Southern Room on the Opelika Campus. The Southern Room is located in the Business and Technology Center near West Point Parkway. There will be several guest speakers and performers from the area, and a light lunch will be served at the conclusion of the service. All are welcome to attend.
SUNDILLA CONCERT SERIES
The Sundilla Concert Series & Radio Hour will present performances by Dallas Ugly on Thursday, May 23, at Pebble Hill; New Quintet on Friday, June 7, at Pebble Hill; Kim Richey Band Thursday, June 13; Jeff Black on Thursday, July 18, at Pebble Hill; The Close on Friday, August 23 at AUUF; Steve Forbert on Friday, Sept. 13 at AUUF; Joy Clark on Friday, Oct. 11, at AUUF; and Griffin House on Friday, Nov. 1, at AUUF. For tickets and more information, visit www.sundillamusic.com.
AU MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Auburn University will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m. on the Cater Lawn.
DOWN THE TRACKS 5K
Workout Anytime’s Down the Tracks 5K will be held Saturday, May 25, at Courthouse Square in historic downtown Opelika. On race day, packet pick up will begin at 7 a.m. The One Mile Fun Run will start at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the Fun Run is $15 and for the 5K is $25 (register by April 30th to receive a T-shirt). Awards will include 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place overall male and female and top male and female in divided age groups. A portion of the proceeds for this event will go to Flags for Vets Inc.
AUBURN MAYOR’S MEMORIAL DAY BREAKFAST
The annual Auburn Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast will be held Monday, May 27, at 8 a.m. at the AU Hotel and Conference Center. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a table of eight and are available at City Hall, 144 Tichenor Ave. A wreath laying ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Monument, located at the northeast corner of East Glenn Avenue and Ross Street.
OPELIKA MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
The city of Opelika will host a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27, at Courthouse Square (rain location: Municipal Court Building, 300 MLK Boulevard). A reception will follow at 11 a.m. at the Museum of East Alabama, located at 121 S. 9th Street.
PRIDEFEST 2024
Pride on the Plains, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, will host several events during the week leading up to PrideFest 2024, including: Bingo at Red Clay Brewery downtown Opelika 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, May 26; Karaoke at The Jailhouse inside Rock ‘n’ Roll Pinball downtown Opelika at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28; Trivia at Avondale Bar and Tap Room downtown Auburn 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29; Fresh Faces open stage fundraiser on Thursday, May 30; the family-friendly 6th Annual Pride Parade in downtown Opelika at 6 p.m. followed by a party with Denali at the AU Alumni Center at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31; and the family-friendly 6th Annual PrideFest at Auburn’s Kiesel Park noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. Vendors invited to sign up now. For more information, visit prideontheplains.com.
SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON JUNE 4
Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On June 4, Conner Lorre will deliver stunningly accurate voice impressions of Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Alan Jackson, Lee Greenwood and many more. The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.
SUMMERNIGHT DOWNTOWN ART WALK
The 2024 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, June 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Auburn. The festival features the work of local and regional artists, live music, merchant specials, children’s activities and a culinary contest. Presented by the City of Auburn/Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn Arts Association, Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church and the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association. Visit auburnsummernight.org for sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information.
TOUCH A TRUCK
Opelika Main Street will host a Touch-a-Truck event beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, in downtown Opelika.
BURGER WARS
The 10th Annual Burger Wars will be held Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in historic downtown Opelika. Hosted by the Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, this event raises money to support those in need in our community, including the Food Bank of East Alabama. Tasting tickets will go on sale on the corner of North Railroad Avenue and 8th Street beginning at 10:45 a.m. Don’t miss the Big Bite Battle between the Opelika and Auburn fire departments at the Railyard on North Railroad at 1 p.m.
SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON JUNE 11
Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On June 11 the high-energy band Route 66 will perform pop, rock and dance music, with audience participation encouraged. The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.
SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON JUNE 18
Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On June 18, the band GP38 will perform a mix of country, southern & classic rock. Opelika’s own Chris McDaniel will have everyone singing along, dancing and having a good time. The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.
GET OUTDOORS EVENT
A Get Outdoors event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lee County Fairgrounds, 2408 Lafayette Parkway in Opelika. The free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, a bounce house and exhibits of RVs and campers by Camping World, 4x4s and boats by Southern Mud and
4×4 trucks and accessories by H&W.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE SUMMER CAMP
Missoula Children’s Theatre, a world-renowned children’s touring theatre for more than 50 years, will be back in Opelika for Summer Camp June 24-28. Registration is open to young people in kindergarten through 12th grades. Cost is $200, with a 10% discount for additional family members. Camp is limited to 60 campers, and every camper will be cast in the production of “Gulliver’s Travels in Space.” Register at www.opelikacommunitytheatre.com. For more information, contact Opelika Community Theatre by calling (334) 400-9660 or emailing opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail.com.
SUMMER SWING CONCERT ON JUNE 25
Every Tuesday evening, Opelika Parks & Rec hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika, featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment including gospel, soul, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, folk and community band music. On June 25 the band Muse returns for a 34th year on the Summer Swing bandstand. Together for 46 years, Muse will perform fan favorites by artists such as the Eagles, Beatles, Crosby Stills & Nash, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell and more.The Opelika High School Band Boosters offer hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.
71st ANNUAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION
Celebrate Independence Day with Opelika Parks & Rec at the 71st Annual Freedom Celebration on Wednesday, July 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Opelika High School. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, musical entertainment and activities for the whole family. The Silver Wings Parachute Team will perform at 7:15 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Orthopedic Clinic and the Kiwanis Club of Opelika.
EXTREME POWERSPORTS BIKE NIGHT
Extreme PowerSports will host Bike Night at Hey Day Market on Thursday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., with proceeds supporting Storybook Farms. Adrenaline-seekers will enjoy the display of power sports, and there will be free gelato from Saint Bernardo’s Gelato Cart, demos from the Mini Grom and Slingshot clubs and a ticketed raffle.
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
The Lee County Alumni of Alabama State University is holding a membership drive. Increased membership will allow the group to offer more scholarships and support financial and other vital needs for student success at ASU, as well as will foster a sense of pride, visibility and connection to the community. For more information, contact President Dwight E. Howard at (334) 745-7293.