AubFest highlights Auburn’s DIY community
Auburn University students established AubFest in 2022 as a DIY music festival, offering a platform for local voices to be celebrated. Coming back for its sixth installment on March 22, the festival will feature an array of music, comedy, and art at Boggin’ on the Plains, an Auburn ATV recreation park serving as the venue for alternative bands, food trucks, and independent artists.
The concept of AubFest emerged during a time when Auburn lacked an alternative music scene. Ashley Spencer, the festival’s founder and a senior in environmental science, envisioned creating a festival during a particularly emotional period in her life. Spencer felt compelled to create a space that catered to individuals with diverse musical tastes.
“We want AubFest not to be an indie festival or rock festival. We want it to be a showcase of the sounds of our area,” Spencer stated. The festival’s mission is centered around introducing attendees to a wide range of local voices while supporting regional artists. The selection of bands is based on the quality and uniqueness of their music.
AubFest draws inspiration from the DIY movements of the 1970s, blending elements of punk, rock, grunge, and hippie culture to create an all-inclusive environment where individuals can freely express themselves and connect with like-minded music enthusiasts. Since its debut in 2022, AubFest has returned each fall and spring season, strategically choosing dates that promise favorable weather conditions.
The festival has experienced growth and increased popularity over the years, becoming a prime example of the DIY movement. This ethos is reflected not only in the curated lineup of musicians but also in the creativity displayed through attendees’ attire, as well as the various art forms produced in conjunction with AubFest.
Aiden Calderon-Wyant, a wildlife ecology and management major involved in the logistical planning of AubFest, highlights the event as a creative platform, empowering individuals to express themselves freely. The festival aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all attendees, amplifying the voices of those who seek to be heard.
Tyler Padgett, a hospitality management major and AubFest’s coordinator of vendors, emphasizes the festival’s non-profit nature, emphasizing its commitment to providing a platform for the Auburn community to express itself authentically. AubFest encapsulates a spirit of inclusivity, encouraging individuals to participate and embrace their individuality.
As AubFest returns this spring, it will once again showcase the vibrant local talent in music and the arts, providing a stage for the community to come together and enjoy the creativity exhibited by Auburn’s residents.