Celebrate the end of summer in Auburn and Opelika!

August 21, 2025

Celebrate the end of summer in Auburn and Opelika! Explore Lake Martin, Auburn football, dining, and local events for the perfect Labor Day weekend.

End of summer guide to Auburn, Opelika & Lake Martin

As summer draws to a close, Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, are alive with energy. The end of August brings a unique blend of seasonal events, back-to-school excitement, and the anticipation of Auburn University football. Whether you are a resident, student, or visitor, there are countless ways to enjoy this transitional time of year in the Auburn-Opelika area.


Back-to-School Season at Auburn University

The return of Auburn University students in late August brings fresh excitement to the community. Local restaurants, coffee shops, and downtown favorites bustle with activity as new and returning students settle in. Popular gathering spots like Toomer’s Corner, the Auburn University Arboretum, and downtown Opelika become vibrant hubs of activity, making this a great time to explore the area and connect with the community.


Auburn Football Season Kickoff

Few traditions define Auburn quite like football. While the first home game is just around the corner, late August is filled with preparations and anticipation. Fans are busy stocking up on orange and blue at J&M Bookstore and other local retailers. Tailgating traditions, fall schedules, and the excitement of cheering at Jordan-Hare Stadium are all top of mind, making this one of the most exciting times to be in Auburn.


Late-Summer Outdoor Activities

The Auburn-Opelika area offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors before cooler weather arrives. A few local favorites include:

  • Chewacla State Park – Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or enjoying a refreshing swim.
  • Town Creek Park in Auburn – A scenic spot for walking, picnicking, or visiting the Auburn Farmers Market.
  • Opelika Municipal Park – A family-friendly destination for playground fun and seasonal community events.
  • Lake Martin – Just a short drive from Auburn and Opelika, Lake Martin is a popular late-summer destination. Visitors can enjoy boating, paddleboarding, or relaxing lakeside before the fall season begins.


Labor Day Weekend in Auburn-Opelika

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and is a favorite time for both locals and visitors to celebrate. Many families head to Lake Martin for one last summer getaway filled with water sports, lake cruises, and barbecues. In Auburn and Opelika, the long weekend is also a chance to enjoy local dining, attend community events, and prepare for the start of football season. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the holiday weekend.


Things to Do at Lake Martin

If your end-of-August plans include a trip to Lake Martin, here are a few must-visit spots and activities:

  • Chimney Rock – A well-known gathering spot for boaters and swimmers.
  • Wind Creek State Park – Perfect for camping, hiking, and enjoying scenic views of the lake.
  • Lake Martin Marinas – Stop by local marinas like Harbor Pointe or Kowaliga for boat rentals and supplies.
  • Kowaliga Restaurant – A lakeside dining favorite known for great food and stunning views.
  • Chuck’s Marina – A casual hangout with pizza, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Boating & Water Sports – Rent a pontoon, go tubing, or spend the day paddleboarding on the lake’s clear waters.


Local Events and Community Highlights

Late August is a wonderful time to participate in community events across Auburn and Opelika. Highlights often include:

  • Summer Night Downtown Art Walk (Opelika) – A celebration of local artists, live music, and cultural experiences.
  • Auburn Farmers Market at Town Creek Park – Featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors.
  • Opelika Main Street Events – From live music to downtown pop-ups, Opelika offers a calendar full of activities that showcase its small-town charm.


Dining in Auburn and Opelika

Exploring Auburn and Opelika’s food scene is a must at any time of year, but the end of August provides the perfect excuse to enjoy local dining before football weekends take over. A few top picks include:

  • Amsterdam Café (Auburn) – A local favorite for both brunch and dinner.
  • The Hound (Auburn) – Known for its hearty, Southern-inspired comfort food.
  • Zazu Gastropub (Opelika) – Offering innovative dishes in the heart of historic downtown Opelika.
  • Coffee Cat (Auburn) – A go-to spot for a morning latte or afternoon pick-me-up.


Looking Ahead to Fall in Auburn-Opelika

The end of August and Labor Day weekend mark the beginning of an exciting season in Auburn and Opelika. From Auburn University game days to cooler evenings that invite outdoor gatherings, the community is ready to embrace fall. Whether you are here for a weekend visit, beginning a new chapter at Auburn University, or enjoying life as a longtime resident, Auburn and Opelika continue to offer a vibrant mix of tradition, community, and Southern charm.

May 16, 2025
Headed to the Loveliest Village of The Plains this summer for Freshmen Orientation? Welcome! We are so glad you are here and that your student has chosen to attend Auburn University. While your student is learning all about Auburn’s campus, you have the perfect opportunity explore the city of Auburn. Auburn has so much to offer, whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or get a taste of local charm.
Sustainability at Home - 360 Management Logo
April 29, 2025
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts right at home with a few intentional choices that benefit both the planet and your wallet. In honor of Earth Day 2025, we’re sharing practical tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint, conserve resources, and make eco-friendly living a natural part of your everyday routine.
March 7, 2025
The single-family rental market is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating new opportunities for property owners. However, as demand for rental homes increases, effectively managing properties becomes more complex and time-consuming. This is where 360 Management makes a difference. We provide unmatched property solutions that maximize your investments and take the hassle out of rental ownership. Understanding the Growth of the Single-Family Rental Market The single-family rental market has grown rapidly in recent years, with several key factors driving this expansion: Rising Demand: In January 2022, U.S. single-family rent growth surged by 13%, marking the fastest year-over-year increase in over 17 years.* Investment Opportunities: There are currently 15 million single-family rental units in the U.S., the majority of which are owned by individual investors.** Shifting Homeownership Trends: The homeownership rate among millennials stands at 49%, significantly lower than Gen X and baby boomers.*** With these market dynamics in play, property owners have a unique opportunity to increase their returns— especially with the support of a trusted property management company like 360 Management . *CoreLogic Single-Family Rent Index | **May 2022 Altus Group | ***U.S. Census How to Maximize Your Investments with 360 Management Owning a rental property can be a lucrative investment, but it also comes with challenges. 360 Management stands apart from the competition by offering unmatched expertise, transparency, and service. Here’s how we help: 1. Maximizing Rental Income At 360 Management , we ensure your property generates the highest possible income by conducting detailed market analysis to set the most competitive rental rates. Our proactive marketing strategies and thorough tenant screening reduce vacancy time, ensuring a continuous income stream. Plus, we handle lease renewals and rental increases strategically to keep your investment aligned with market trends—all with zero additional fees for leasing or maintenance coordination. 2. Reducing Operational Stress Managing a rental property requires significant time and effort, but we take the burden off your shoulders. Unlike some companies that own the properties they manage; 360 Management is a true third-party management company—we are fully dedicated to serving your best interests. We handle: Tenant screening, rent collection, and lease enforcement —ensuring timely payments and responsible tenants. Maintenance and repairs —outsourced to licensed and bonded professionals, with no in-house maintenance staff profiting from your expenses. Legal compliance and risk management —so you never have to worry about unexpected legal issues. 3. Enhancing Tenant Satisfaction and Retention We believe that great communication leads to happy tenants and long-term retention. At 360 Management , we ensure: Prompt responses to tenant inquiries and maintenance requests. Proactive updates so owners and tenants are never caught off guard. A streamlined experience with online portals for rent payments and communication . Regular property inspections to maintain quality and compliance. 4. Transparent and Fair Pricing Unlike many property management companies that nickel-and-dime owners with hidden fees, 360 Management commits to transparent pricing. We collect management fees only when we collect rent—if we don’t lease your property, we don’t make money. Your success drives ours. 5. Protecting Your Investment Your rental property is an asset, and we treat it as such. We protect your investment by: Performing routine maintenance to prevent costly repairs. Ensuring legal compliance with landlord-tenant laws. Providing financial reporting so you always have clear insights into profitability. Using only licensed, bonded, and reputable vendors —unlike competitors who use unlicensed handymen and profit from maintenance costs. Why Now is the Time to Choose 360 Management  With demand at an all-time high and operational complexities increasing, now is the perfect time to partner with a management company that puts your needs first. 360 Management offers the expertise, efficiency, and integrity needed to make rental ownership stress-free and profitable. At 360 Management , we don’t just manage properties—we offer unmatched property solutions that are investment-driven and resident-focused while minimizing your stress. If you’re looking for a dedicated partner who values transparency, communication, and results, we’d love to help you take your rental property to the next level. Contact us today and let us maximize your investments. 334.887.3606 | rentals@concepttoclosing.com
Show More