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A Legacy Rekindled (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Bon Iver’s signature Eaux Claires Festival revealed plans for its return after an eight-year hiatus, blending indie sounds, hip-hop flair, and literary voices at a fresh venue this summer.[1][2]
A Legacy Rekindled
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver co-founded Eaux Claires in 2015 alongside Aaron Dessner of The National. The event quickly gained acclaim for its intimate riverside setting and curated acts that spanned folk, experimental, and beyond. It thrived through 2018 before pausing.
Organizers eyed a 2020 comeback, but the COVID-19 pandemic derailed those efforts. Now, the festival shifts to Carson Park, a historic baseball stadium, for July 24-25, 2026. This move promises enhanced capacity while preserving the community spirit that defined early editions.[1]
Friday Delivers Intimate Gems and Surprises
The opening day lineup captures Eaux Claires’ eclectic soul. Aimee Mann takes the stage with a full performance of her album Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo. Kevin Morby brings his folk-rock warmth, while Monica Martin offers soulful introspection.
Other highlights include the playful Bon Dylan – a nod to Dylan traditions likely tied to Vernon’s influences – alongside Hotline TNT’s shoegaze energy, Bizhiki’s indigenous sounds, and the Black Sabbath Cover Band Rehearsal for heavy riff nostalgia. Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen add New Orleans funk, and The Union featuring Phil Cook rounds out a diverse bill.[3][4]
- Aimee Mann (Bachelor No. 2 set)
- Bizhiki
- Black Sabbath Cover Band Rehearsal
- Bon Dylan
- Hotline TNT
- Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
- Kevin Morby
- Monica Martin
- The Union feat. Phil Cook
Saturday Builds to High-Energy Peaks
Day two escalates with rising stars and genre crossovers. Dijon and Daniel Caesar deliver smooth R&B vibes, while Lil Yachty injects playful hip-hop. Gully Boys and Gash represent local punk grit.
Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore weave ambient tapestries, the Larry Goldings Trio swings jazz standards, and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas ignite dance floors. Urban Classic Presents Revelation caps the night with a Minneapolis sound retrospective.[2]
Literature Enriches the Experience
Eaux Claires always transcended music. This year features an expansive writers-in-residence program with readings and discussions.
Notable participants include Sheila Heti, Amanda Petrusich, Benjamin Percy, and Katie Ka Vang, among nearly two dozen voices exploring prose, poetry, and collaboration.[3]
Tickets Spark Local Excitement
Eau Claire residents gained first access on February 12 through codes at spots like The Local Store, Leona’s Pizzeria, and Revival Records. Fan presale followed at 9 a.m. CST on February 13, with general sales at 11 a.m. the same day.
Passes cover both days, emphasizing the festival’s boutique feel with art installations and natural surroundings.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Eaux Claires returns July 24-25 at Carson Park after pandemic-forced pause.
- Lineup mixes indie, R&B, jazz, and tributes without Bon Iver on the bill.
- Tickets prioritize locals; check eauxclaires.com for updates.
This revival signals Eaux Claires’ enduring pull as a haven for bold curation. Fans anticipate Vernon’s touch elevating every set. What act has you most excited? Share in the comments.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Fritz is the managing director of Europe’s largest manufacturer of mobile stages Kultour and has a lot of experience in the event industry, loves music and likes to go to festivals.
