Hospitality on the Half Shell
Join us for Hospitality on the Half Shell, Auburn University’s premier oyster social hosted by the Event Management Capstone class in partnership with Advanced Culinary students. Experience freshly prepared oysters served every style—from timeless favorites to creative seasonal twists—alongside signature collaborations featuring student-run food concepts Bird & Batter and Bodda Biscuit.
Sip, savor, and support Auburn’s rising culinary and event talent—with the Auburn vs. Mississippi State game on the big screen, you won't miss any second-half action.
General Admission grants full access to the tasting stations, featured student food concepts, and the game watch party. Want to elevate your afternoon? Upgrade to the VIP ticket for early event entry and access to an exclusive rooftop experience.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Main Event: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
VIP Early Access: 2:30 pm
VIP Experience: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center and Hey Day Market Green Space
General Admission: $75.00
VIP Experience: $125.00
Snowflake Soiree: Holiday Cookie Decorating Experience
Are you dreaming of a shimmering winter wonderland this holiday season and then remember we live in the South? Join us to decorate beautiful snowflake shortbread cookies while learning fun piping techniques to create your own unique winter masterpieces. After all, no two snowflakes are the same!
Sip on complimentary warm apple cider holiday cocktails or mocktails, enjoy seasonal music, and make memories with family and friends as you bring your snowflake creations to life.
Take home six decorated shortbread snowflake cookies, recipes, snowflake cookie cutters, and new cookie decorating skills.
This event is perfect for guests of all ages. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Rane Culinary Science Center – Room 306
Tickets: $65 per decorating kit
About the Speaker
April Deegan Vogt is a long-time baking enthusiast. She has traveled as far as the United Kingdom to take baking and decorating courses! April is currently employed at the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, at Auburn, where she exercises her passion for curating special experiences for the community. She is eager to teach what she has learned and excited to show that anyone can decorate with buttercream icing!
Wines of the World
There’s no need to pack a bag or wait in long lines in the airport. Master Sommelier Thomas Price will show us how to taste the world in an hour. Grab a friend and let’s take our palates on a journey of discovery as we learn about wines from around the world. The class will be a bit more fundamental in nature but even the most experienced of wine drinkers are certain to learn something new and taste wines that will delight the senses!
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
6:00 PM
Trinchero Wine Appreciation Lab
Tickets: $85
About the Speaker
Master Sommelier Thomas Price has spent the last 35 years working in some of Seattle’s most prominent restaurants, including his own. Shortly after obtaining his Master Sommelier certificate in 2012, Price joined Jackson Family Fine Wines as National Director of Wine Education, in addition to working with Auburn University’s Hospitality Management program as a visiting sommelier over the last eight years. Read more about Mr. Price’s journey in this feature from Wine Spectator. Mr. Price opened Opelika Wine Company in downtown Opelika in early 2026.
The micro-credential program in Wine Studies is a short, focused program that is perfect for wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and lifelong learners who want to elevate their knowledge and credentials.
Wines of the Southern Hemisphere
Discover the bold, dynamic wines of the Southern Hemisphere in this lively micro-credential experience that pairs expert insight with hands-on tasting. From Australia’s celebrated regions to New Zealand’s standout Pinot Noir and the diverse expressions of Chile, South Africa, and Argentina, each session brings fresh flavors and fascinating stories to life.
Sharpen your palate as you compare cool- and warm-climate styles, explore terroir and winemaking techniques, and build confidence in every pour. The course culminates in an interactive final tasting and a celebratory Champagne toast—complete with a credential that showcases your newfound expertise.
Fall Semester Enrollment Now Open – Reserve Your Spot Today!
Dates: August 20, September 17, October 15, November 12, December 3, 2026
Take the elevator home!
For those wishing to make a full evening of it, guests may also take advantage of The Laurel Hotel & Spa's discounted overnight package allowing them to truly "take the elevator home."
Tickets may be transferable. No refunds or exchanges will be given the week of an event.
For questions, contact Caitlin Myers.
Learn more about upcoming events at the button below.
