Updated May 2026 to reflect current event dates and new additions for the summer season.
Thinking about moving to Eau Claire or Chippewa Falls? One of the best parts of life in the Chippewa Valley is the thriving community events scene—especially in the summer! Whether you’re a long-time local or relocating to the area, summer here is all about live music, food festivals, and making the most of the warm weather. This guide will help you plan your must-do summer bucket list while giving you a taste of what makes this area such a great place to call home.
Summer-Long Concert Series 🎶🌆
Locations:
· Owen Park (Tuesday Night Blues)
· Phoenix Park (Sounds Like Summer – Thursdays)
· River Prairie Park (Kickin’ It Country – Mondays & Rock’n On The River – Wednesdays)
Why You’ll Love It: Free weekly concerts featuring local and regional artists with a laid-back, community-friendly atmosphere.
Local Tip: Pack a blanket, snacks, and your favorite drinks. These shows are perfect for picnic-style evenings!
Cinder City Days 🎡🎟️
Location: Cinder City Park, Altoona, WI
Date: June 4-7, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: A family-friendly weekend of carnival rides, a beloved community parade, a car show, and small-town charm right here in the Chippewa Valley.
FATFAR: Frenchtown Annual Tube Float and Regatta 🛟🌊
Location: Chippewa River, Chippewa Falls (ending at Loopy’s Grill and Saloon)
Date: June 28, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: You read that right. The world’s largest one-day tubing event happens right here in Chippewa Falls. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people launch tubes, canoes, kayaks, and creative floats into the Chippewa River and float their way downstream to Loopy’s. Live music, food, and a backyard party await at the end. It’s a true Chippewa Valley bucket list experience.
Local Tip: Loopy’s rents tubes and floating coolers and runs shuttles to the launch point. No glass or styrofoam on the river, and life jackets are always a good idea. Check their website for the official date once it’s announced!
Blue Ox Music Festival 🎶🌲
Location: The Pines Music Park, Eau Claire, WI
Date: June 25-27, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: Now in its 12th year, Blue Ox delivers a weekend of bluegrass, roots, and Americana music set against Wisconsin’s gorgeous tree canopy with camping options among the pines. This year’s lineup features Charley Crockett, Marcus King Band, The Dead South, Kurt Vile and the Violators, and so many more.
Local Tip: The venue’s forest setting offers great shade and space. It’s perfect for families, and kids 13 and under get in free with a paid adult!
Hoofbeat Country Fest 🎸🤠
Location: Chippewa Valley Festival Grounds, Cadott, WI
Date: June 25-27, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: Formerly known as Country Fest, Hoofbeat is the country’s largest party in a hayfield! Three days, 40+ bands, and 7,500 campsites under Wisconsin skies. This year’s headliners include Kane Brown, Bailey Zimmerman, and Jason Aldean.
Local Tip: Campsites fill fast. Book early if you want to stay onsite!
Summer Jam 🎤🔥
Location: Eau Claire Event District
Date: June 19-20, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: Two days of rock, pop, and country classics right here in Eau Claire, with performances from Styx, Bret Michaels, Third Eye Blind, Gin Blossoms, and more. Plus, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, every retired and active-duty veteran gets a free ticket. 🇺🇸
Northern Wisconsin State Fair 🌿🐄
Location: Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls, WI
Date: July 8-12, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: A classic Wisconsin fair experience with carnival rides, farm animals, live music including headliners Sawyer Brown, Sugar Ray, and Uncle Kracker, plus all the deep-fried fair food you could ever want.
Local Tip: Buy tickets early for headlining concerts. They tend to sell out fast!
Country Jam 🎶🌆
Location: Eau Claire Event District
Date: July 16-18, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: One of the Midwest’s premier country music festivals with big-name headliners including Koe Wetzel, Riley Green, and Jordan Davis. And just like Summer Jam, veterans get a free ticket this year as part of the America 250 celebration.
Local Tip: Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. It’s always a hot one!
Rock Fest 🎸🤠
Location: Chippewa Valley Festival Grounds, Cadott, WI
Date: July 16-18, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: The largest rock and camping festival in the U.S. returns to the hayfield with headliners Limp Bizkit, Gojira, and The Offspring, plus 50+ bands across multiple stages.
Local Tip: Plan ahead. Lodging and camping fill up months in advance, and several ticket categories are already sold out.
Chalkfest at UW-Eau Claire 🎨👨🎨
Location: UW-Eau Claire Campus Mall
Date: August 1, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: Watch the campus sidewalks transform into stunning chalk art masterpieces created by talented local and regional artists. It’s completely free and one of the most uniquely Eau Claire events of the whole summer.
Local Tip: Come early to see the artists in action, then return later to view the finished artwork. Rain date is August 2 if needed.
Eaux Claires Festival
Location: Carson Park, Eau Claire
Date: July 24-25, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: After an 8-year hiatus, the legendary Eaux Claires Festival is back in Eau Claire! Founded by Eau Claire’s own Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, this two-day celebration of music, indie spirit, and Midwest creativity returns to the beautiful grounds of Carson Park. This year’s lineup features Daniel Caesar, Lil Yachty, Kevin Morby, Monica Martin, and so many more.
Local Tip: This one is a bucket-list event for Eau Claire locals. Tickets have been selling fast since they went on sale in February, so grab yours as soon as possible!
Ashley for the Arts 🎤🎨
Location: Memorial Park, Arcadia, WI
Date: August 6-8, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: A unique combo of big-name concerts, art vendors, and family-friendly activities in a beautiful small-town setting. One of Wisconsin’s largest charity events and a Chippewa Valley staple.
Pure Water Days & Riverfest 🚣️🎆
Location: Downtown Chippewa Falls & Riverfront Park
Date: August 8, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: Celebrate Chippewa Falls’ heritage with a parade featuring 70+ floats, live entertainment, food trucks, a beer tent, 50+ arts and crafts vendors, and giant inflatables at Riverfront Park.
Local Tip: Start the day with the Pure Water Days Races at the Chippewa Falls YMCA in the morning, then head downtown for the parade and festivities!
OneFest 🎵🙏
Location: Chippewa Valley Festival Grounds, Cadott, WI
Date: July 31-August 2, 2026
Why You’ll Love It: A Christian music festival with worship, live bands including For King + Country, Crowder, Ben Fuller, and Matt Maher, and a welcoming family atmosphere. Sunday admission is free for worship.
Next Steps
Thinking about relocating? Between the music festivals, community events, and small-town charm, there’s no better place to put down roots. Let’s find your family’s next adventure together! Reach out today and subscribe to my newsletter for all things local and real estate.