If you’re looking for things to do in Auburn this weekend, you’ve probably already realized that this town isn't just about football. Sure, the "Loveliest Village on the Plains" breathes Orange and Blue, but the mid-January vibe is different. It’s quieter. It’s more local. Honestly, it’s arguably the best time to be here because you aren't fighting 80,000 people for a table at The Hound.
Whether you're a student trying to procrastinate on that first big syllabus or a visitor dodging the winter chill, this weekend—January 16 through 18, 2026—has a weirdly perfect mix of high-energy sports and "stare-at-a-painting" culture.
The Big One: Auburn Basketball Hits the Road
Let’s address the elephant (or Tiger) in the room. Auburn Men's Basketball is playing South Carolina on Saturday, January 17. The game tips off at 6:00 PM EST and is being broadcast on the SEC Network.
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Wait. You're in Auburn and the game is away?
That’s actually a win for you. Toomer’s Corner becomes the de facto living room of the city during away games. If the Tigers pull off a win in Columbia, you’ll see the toilet paper fly regardless of the sport. It’s a tradition that honestly never gets old. If you want a seat at a bar like Skybar or Halftime to watch the game, get there by 4:30 PM. Seriously. If you show up at 5:45 PM, you’ll be standing by the door next to a drafty vent.
For the Water Rats: The Ralph Crocker Classic
If you prefer your sports indoors and humid, the 19th Annual Ralph Crocker Classic is taking over the James E. Martin Aquatic Center from Friday, January 16, through Sunday, January 18.
This isn't just a small local meet. We’re talking about swimmers from across the Southeast descending on Auburn. It’s sanctioned by USA Swimming, so the competition is legit. Warm-ups start as early as 7:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday, with the actual competition firing off at 9:00 AM. If you’ve never seen a high-level swim meet at the Martin Center, it’s loud. The acoustics in that building make every cheer sound like a jet engine. It's free to spectate usually, and it’s a great way to hide from the January wind.
Weekend Schedule at the Pool:
- Friday night: Competition starts at 5:10 PM.
- Saturday/Sunday: Prelims begin at 9:00 AM.
- Finals: These happen in the afternoons/evenings, featuring the top heats for the 13-14 and 15-over age groups.
Culture Without the Pretension
If the idea of a whistle blowing makes you want to nap, head over to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. They have a few heavy-hitting exhibitions running right now. Specifically, "Being and Belonging in American Art: 1946/2026" is a massive look at how we define ourselves. It’s open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
The museum is one of those places people always say they’ll go to "eventually." Go this weekend. It’s free. Plus, the grounds are stunning even in winter. The walking paths around the lake are great for clearing your head before the Monday grind starts back up.
Livestock and Legacies
Here’s something you won't find in a big city. On Saturday, January 17, the AU Block and Bridle Livestock Judging Contest is happening at the Beef Teaching Center on Shug Jordan Parkway.
It starts at 8:00 AM.
It sounds niche because it is. But watching students and pros evaluate livestock is a deep dive into the "Land Grant" soul of Auburn University. It’s $15 to get in if you’re participating, but often you can just catch the energy of the event if you're in the area. It’s authentic Auburn. No bells, no whistles, just agriculture and expertise.
Where to Actually Eat Without a 2-Hour Wait
Since it's not a home football weekend, your odds of getting into the local staples are much higher.
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1. Acre: If you can snag a reservation, do it. Their chicken fried steak is basically a religious experience.
2. Toomer’s Drugs: You have to get the lemonade. I don't care if it's 40 degrees outside. You drink the lemonade.
3. Irritable Bao: If they’re open (check their Instagram, they’re quirky with hours), get there early. The line is the only way to know you’re in the right place.
Why January in Auburn is Different
Most people think Auburn shuts down when the stadium lights go off in November. They’re wrong. This is when the city’s actual character comes out. You can walk through the Davis Arboretum without tripping over a tailgate tent. You can actually find a parking spot near Samford Hall.
There’s a specific kind of peace in Gold Hill and the outskirts of town this time of year. If you have a car, take a 15-minute drive out toward Loachapoka. The scenery is stark, brown, and beautiful in a way that feels very "Southern Gothic."
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Check the Weather: Auburn in January is bipolar. It could be 65°F and sunny on Friday and 34°F with a biting wind on Sunday. Layers are your best friend.
- The SEC Network Factor: Since the basketball game is on a major network, local bars will be packed. If you aren't a "crowd person," watch the game at your hotel or Airbnb and then head downtown after the final buzzer to see if the trees get rolled.
- Museum Hours: Remember the Jule Collins Smith Museum is closed on Sundays. Plan your "culture fix" for Saturday morning.
Auburn is a town built on rhythms. The rhythm of the semester, the rhythm of the seasons, and the rhythm of the game clock. This weekend is a bridge between the holiday hangover and the chaos of spring fever. Take advantage of the breathing room while you still have it.
Next Steps for Your Weekend:
- Check the official Auburn Athletics site for any last-minute time changes for the basketball watch parties.
- If you're heading to the Ralph Crocker Classic, park in the deck near the Coliseum to avoid the morning rush.
- Grab a coffee at Ross House before hitting the museum; it's a local favorite for a reason.