Eaux Claires Music Festival Returns to Eau Claire After 8-Year Hiatus

The popular music and arts festival founded by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon will make its comeback this summer.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After an 8-year hiatus, the Eaux Claires Music and Arts Festival is set to return to Eau Claire, Wisconsin on July 24-25, 2026. The festival, founded by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and The National's Aaron Dessner, was first held in 2015 but was cancelled in late 2018. Organizers have now announced the festival's return, with a lineup that includes acts like Dijon, Aimee Mann, Daniel Caesar, Lil Yachty, and Kevin Morby. In addition to the music, the 2026 edition will also feature literary events and collaborations.

Why it matters

The Eaux Claires Festival was a major cultural and economic driver for the Eau Claire community during its initial run, attracting over 20,000 attendees in its first year. Its return is seen as a boost for local businesses and a renewed source of regional and national attention for the city. The festival's blend of music, art, and literature also reflects the community's creative spirit.

The details

The Eaux Claires Festival was founded in 2015 by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and The National's Aaron Dessner, and was held annually in Eau Claire until its cancellation in 2018. After an 8-year hiatus, the festival is now set to make its comeback on July 24-25, 2026. The 2026 lineup includes a diverse array of musical acts such as Dijon, Aimee Mann, Daniel Caesar, Lil Yachty, and Kevin Morby. In addition to the music, the festival will also feature literary events and collaborations, with over 20 writers-in-residence participating.

  • The Eaux Claires Festival was first held in 2015.
  • The festival was cancelled in late 2018 after its 2018 edition.
  • The festival is set to return on July 24-25, 2026.

The players

Justin Vernon

The founder of the Eaux Claires Festival and the lead singer of the band Bon Iver, who is from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Aaron Dessner

The co-founder of the Eaux Claires Festival and the guitarist for the band The National.

Nick Gulig

A poet who grew up in Eau Claire and has attended the Eaux Claires Festival in the past, and will be one of the "writers in residence" at the 2026 edition.

Brittany Paulsrud

The owner of Leona's Pizzeria in downtown Eau Claire, one of the local businesses that offered special ticket codes for the 2026 Eaux Claires Festival.

Soren Staff

The guitarist and singer of the Eau Claire-based folk rock band Them Coulee Boys, who is happy to see the Eaux Claires Festival returning.

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What they’re saying

“I think that the festival, in a lot of ways, it brings a lot of recognition to a place that when I was growing up, didn't have any recognition.”

— Nick Gulig, Poet (Wisconsin Public Radio)

“It was such a staple in our community, and it's something that's been missing from our community for the last eight years.”

— Luke Alexopoulos, Senior Public Relations Manager, Visit Eau Claire (Wisconsin Public Radio)

“So that's going to be really great for all of the businesses down here, like everybody's going to see an uptick.”

— Brittany Paulsrud, Owner, Leona's Pizzeria (Wisconsin Public Radio)

“To have this come back and survive still is, I think, just a testament to the community being like, 'Yeah, we still want this, we still want to support this.'”

— Soren Staff, Guitarist and Singer, Them Coulee Boys (Wisconsin Public Radio)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Eaux Claires Festival will go on sale to the general public on Friday, following an initial pre-sale period for Eau Claire residents.

The takeaway

The return of the Eaux Claires Festival after an 8-year hiatus is a significant event for the Eau Claire community, reflecting the city's vibrant arts and music scene and its ability to attract regional and national attention. The festival's blend of music, literature, and community engagement is expected to provide a major economic boost for local businesses while also showcasing Eau Claire's creative spirit.