The Bottling Plant Event Center is entering a new chapter this fall, as owners Scott and Julie Brown expand community programming at the historic downtown Opelika venue with a lineup of seasonal events — including the building’s first traditional Oktoberfest celebration.
The Browns, who purchased The Bottling Plant in June 2025, are adding new events alongside returning favorites such as Wine Down Wednesdays, with the aim of giving residents and visitors more reasons to come downtown throughout the year.
“This building has always been about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what we want to continue doing,” said Scott Brown, co-owner of The Bottling Plant Event Center. “We want The Bottling Plant to be a place where the community can gather, celebrate and make new memories. With Auburn’s longtime Oktoberfest not taking place this year, we saw an opportunity to carry that tradition forward in Opelika while creating something that feels authentic to our community.”
From Coca-Cola bottling line to event venue
Built in 1938 as a Coca-Cola bottling facility, the plant produced, bottled and distributed Coca-Cola products across the region for decades and was a fixture of Opelika’s economy. The facility closed in 2007; the building was converted into an event venue and reopened in 2010, keeping its industrial character while making room for weddings, concerts, fundraisers, conferences and celebrations.
The owners
Scott and Julie Brown moved to the Auburn-Opelika area in 2017 and opened Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew in downtown Opelika in 2019. Scott, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer with 28 years of service, handles operations at The Bottling Plant, while Julie leads the venue’s creative side, designing its seasonal spaces and guest touches.
Additional details about Oktoberfest and the rest of the fall calendar are expected in the coming weeks. More information is available at bottlingplanteventcenter.com.
Source: press release from Auburn-Opelika Tourism, August 5, 2026.
Opelika Daily News — Midweek Report, August 5, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
