CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation is kicking off a summer filled with community events and family activities, including the return of City Market, SummerNight Downtown Art Walk, Family Splash and Float-In Movies. From live music and local vendors to poolside movie nights and water safety activities, the city’s summer lineup offers a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, explore and enjoy the season.
City Market
City Market will return for the 2026 season beginning Saturday, May 23, and continuing each Saturday through Aug. 29 at Town Creek Park. The market will be open from 8–11 a.m. There will be no market on Saturday, July 4.
Parking will be available in the gravel lot across from Town Creek Park. Vendors will begin selling promptly at 8 a.m.
City Market features live music, children’s activities and a wide selection of fresh produce, locally made goods and handcrafted items. Community members are invited to shop, explore and support local growers, makers and artisans throughout the summer.
For more information, visit auburnal.gov/citymarket or contact City Market Manager Trevor Culligan at citymarket@auburnal.gov. Find City Market on social media at CityMarketAuburnAL.
2026 SummerNight
Downtown Art Walk
SummerNight Downtown Art Walk returns Friday, June 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Auburn, inviting the community to enjoy an evening of art, live entertainment and Yacht Rock–inspired fun.
Presented by the city of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, the Auburn Arts Association, the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association and St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, the annual event transforms downtown into a vibrant arts district. Attendees can browse the Artist Marketplace, enjoy live music, shop and dine at downtown businesses and participate in children’s activities hosted at St. Dunstan’s.
Local band OTI (Outside the Inside) will headline the event with a Yacht Rock revue, bringing breezy, feel-good hits to set the tone for the summer evening.
The popular culinary contest also returns, this year featuring a nautical theme: Boat Snacks. Local bakers and food enthusiasts are invited to submit their most creative entries for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. Entries may be delivered Thursday, June 4, from 3–9 p.m., or Friday, June 5, from 8–11 a.m., to the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 222 E. Drake Ave. Winners will be announced at approximately 7 p.m. on the SummerNight stage at Toomer’s Corner.
SummerNight is a free, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event. For more information, visit auburnsummernight.org. To register for the culinary contest, visit auburnal.gov/parks/register. For questions, contact SummerNight Headquarters at (334) 501-2963.
Family Splash
The city of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to dive into summer at Family Splash, a free, family-friendly event designed to bring residents together for swimming, fun and water safety education.
On June 6, guests of all ages receive free admission at Auburn’s public pools:
- Lake Wilmore Park Pool: 8 to 11:30 a.m.
- Samford Pool: noon to 5 p.m.
Family Splash offers more than a day at the pool. Throughout the event, attendees are encouraged to visit Water Safety Stations, where staff share essential tips, demonstrations and resources to help swimmers stay safe in and around the water.
The city of Auburn encourages residents to take advantage of this special event, whether they want to cool off, spend time with loved ones or learn valuable safety practices.
For more information, visit auburnal.gov/aquatics or contact Maura Ellison at mellison@auburnal.gov.
Float-in Movies
Auburn Parks and Recreation is announcing the return of its Float-In Movies series at Samford Pool this summer, inviting families and movie fans to watch films while floating in the water under the night sky.
Guests are encouraged to bring floats and enjoy family-friendly movies from the pool deck or while relaxing in the water. The 2026 lineup includes four screenings:
- June 13 — “Alvin and the Chipmunks”
- June 27 — “The Greatest Showman”
- July 11 — An America 250-inspired feature to be announced
- July 25 — “Rio”
Doors open at 7:45 p.m., and movies begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or free with an All-Inclusive Parks and Recreation membership.
Float-In Movies offer a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere suitable for all ages. Attendees may watch from the pool deck or float in the water for an immersive viewing experience under the stars.
For more information about Auburn Parks and Recreation events, programs and facilities, call (334) 501-2930, visit www.auburnal.gov/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
