Happy Groundhog Day! Today we will learn from a weather-predicting groundhog whether we will endure another six weeks of winter or whether we will get an early spring. If by “winter” that means the 60 to 70 degree temperatures we experienced last month in the Auburn-Opelika area, then six more weeks might not be so bad!
In addition to groundhogs, the month of February inspires ideas of love, remembering and honoring black history and recognizing our past presidents. It’s a short month, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a variety of things to do in the Auburn-Opelika area!
Here are Ryan Robert’s Top 10 events happening in the Auburn-Opelika area this February.
- Hudson Family Foundation Super Bowl Benefit Weekend, Feb. 4-5
- What: An annual fundraiser to support the Hudson Family Foundation’s various initiatives, the weekend includes a dinner party and concert on Saturday and a golf tournament, brunch and Super Bowl Bash on Sunday. For the bash, enjoy cuisine prepared by Chef David Bancroft of Acre, participate in live and silent auctions and watch the Super Bowl.
- Where: Marriott Grand National, 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika
- When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (brunch)
- Cost: Donations. Visit hudsonfamilyfoundation.com for details.
- Pancake Breakfast for Jean Dean RIF, Feb. 4
- What: Start your Saturday with delicious pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee to support Jean Dean Reading Is Fundamental and Kiwanis International.
- Where: First Presbyterian Church, 900 Second Avenue, Opelika
- When: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Cost: $5
- Bridal Expo, Feb. 5
- What: The Opelika-Auburn News hosts its annual spring Bridal Expo featuring all things weddings in one venue. Shop vendors for hair and beauty, fashion, jewelry, cakes, catering, venues, travel, photography and entertainment. Ticket sales benefit the Newspapers in Education program.
- Where: Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika
- When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
- East Alabama Arts: 42nd Street, Feb. 6
- What: The East Alabama Arts Association presents the story of a young dancer determined to audition for a Broadway musical. Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and 1933 movie by Busby Berkeley.
- Where: Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika
- When: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $25-$49
- Daddy-Daughter Date Night, Feb 8-9
- What: Dads are invited to treat their daughters (ages 12 and under) to a dress-up night of dancing and fun with refreshments, pictures, door prizes, a dance contest and more. This year’s theme is “Magical Masquerade.”
- Where: Clarion Inn & Suites University Center, 1577 S. College Street, Auburn
- When: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cost: Add your name to a wait list for tickets by emailing [email protected].
- Lee-Russell Aging Foundation Mardi Gras Walk & 5K Fun Run, Feb. 11
- What: The 12th annual Unforgettable Footsteps walk and run raises funds for quality services for elderly citizens in Lee and Russell counties.
- Where: Opelika Municipal Park, 1101 Denson Drive, Opelika
- When: 7:30 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. 5K timed fun run; 8:20 a.m. one-mile walk
- Cost: $30 registration
- Red Clay Beer Dinner, Feb. 11
- What: Ariccia Italian Trattoria will offer a special dinner with each course serviced family style and paired with an Opelika-based Red Clay Brewery beer and cider.
- Where: The Hotel at Auburn University, 124 S. College Street, Auburn
- When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cost: $35 per person
- Love in the Wild, Feb. 14
- What: A Valentine’s Day evening in the forest and under the stars. Enjoy a hike following twinkling lights, enjoy a campfire, dessert and entertainment.
- Where: Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 N. College Street, Auburn
- When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cost: $25 per couple
- 3rd Annual Boots and Bowties, Feb. 17
- What: A western-style gala to benefit The Learning Tree and the Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool. The event includes dinner from Troubadour Barbecue, complimentary beverages, music, a silent auction, gaming tables and door prizes.
- Where: Lazenby Farms, 11546 Lee Road 54, Auburn
- When: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cost: $60 per person
- Love Your Heart Run & Crank Your Heart Ride, Feb. 25
- What: The 27th annual Love Your Heart Run and the ninth annual Crank Your Heart Ride benefit the Exceptional Outreach Organization, a local non-profit supporting persons with disabilities. Runners can choose either a one-mile walk or 10K race, and cyclists can ride a 3.5, 11 or 22-mile route.
- Where: Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn
- When: 6:15 a.m. run registration, 7:30 a.m. 10K run, 8 a.m. one-mile run; 8:30 a.m. ride registration, 9:45 a.m. 3.5-mile ride, 9:30 a.m. 11 and 22-mile rides
- Cost: $25 pre-registration and $30 day-of registration
What is your February looking like? Start filling up your calendar with one of these great local events!
To keep up with what’s going on in the Auburn-Opelika area, continue to follow Ryan Roberts’ Homes Auburn blog! For all of your real estate needs in Auburn and Opelika, call Ryan at 334-750-9872, or email [email protected]!
