Auburn’s fifth AubFest entertains The Plains with local talent
Reading time: 4 minutes
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, AubFest came to The Auburn Plains for the fifth time. The DIY music festival, which highlights local talent, was held at Boggin’ on the Plains, with performances lasting from 9AM to midnight. Attendees could camp out on the park’s grounds for free following the day’s festivities.
Here are the basics of the once-a-semester festival:
- Location: 3935 US-29, Auburn, AL 36830
- This fall’s ticket price: $30
Keep reading to learn more about this Auburn tradition!
AubFest V
This fall’s AubFest marked its fifth time coming to Boggin’ on the Plains, an ATV recreation park in Auburn. The festival, founded by Auburn University student Ashley Spencer, is not affiliated with the university, although many of its students attend the event each fall and spring.
“AubFest exposed me to a side of the Auburn community I hadn’t seen before. In a part of the country where culture is dominated by traditional values, the independent, youthful and creative energy was incredibly refreshing — and reminded me of my roots in California. I would definitely go again.”
~ Luca Flores, first time AubFest attendee
Spencer loves that the festival is entirely volunteer led. To her, this means that AubFest is loved so much that the Auburn community continuously offers their help to make it possible. Spencer expressed her appreciation for her team, Aiden Calderon-Wyant, Noah Dimon, Carter Zane, Ariabel Barjis and Tyler Padgett, without whom AubFest wouldn’t have been possible.
“Every hour of free time spent is worth it. Aubfest gives our community a chance to fill the golden years of our youth with love, music and memories.”
~ Noah Dimon, Program Operations Manager of AubFest Music Festival
Spencer also loves the mix of AubFest attendees, which serves to highlight the festival’s celebration of community.
“I also love the harmonious clash of Southern culture seen at AubFest, from one end of the spectrum: a conservative off-road ATV rider to the other end: a leftist “alt” student. It is quite the spectacle to see everyone joined together at the event and it feels like such a unifying force. I am so grateful to work on a project as scrappy and loving as AubFest.”
~ Ashley Spencer, Founder and Chief Executive Organizer of AubFest Music Festival
This year’s line-up can be found below:
In addition to the music performances, a community stage showcased a variety of events: yoga, a dance class, a comedy show, arts and crafts, poetry performances + more.
“I had a blast organizing the Vibe Tent with assistance from Noah Dimon — where we were able to allow introduction of a range of entertainment and activities for the public while providing a space for people to relax and take a break from the hectic scenery that AubFest can become. Working as a team proved to bring more love, security, and passion into the project.”
~ Aiden Calderon-Wyant, Vibe Tent Director of AubFest Music Festival
Later in the night, the bonfire built near the main stage grew too large for performances to continue there, leading the crowd to migrate towards the concession stand. The change in plans did not deter the liveliness of the artists nor their audience, however.
“The love of our community was shown through the hard work of the organization committee and the artists in their efforts to continue performances despite the mishap with the fire. “The show must go on” mentality greatly represents the dedication to arts, performance, and love for each other to present their talents and appreciation of the event that the artists possess. “
~ Aiden Calderon-Wyant, AubFest Vibe Tent Director
Caroline Chesnut, a volunteer who assisted with this year’s Aubfest, says her favorite part was when things went downhill and their team kept everything going. She also loved Khari Allen Lee’s set with the fire as a background — before it got too hot.
Despite the bonfire setback, AubFest V was a success all around, leaving attendees already looking forward to the next festival.
To keep up with updates on this spring’s AubFest, make sure to check out their Instagram!
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