2018 Events that Shout Midwest Indie: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Silver Mine Ski Invitational,http://flyingeaglesskiclub.
SILVER MINE HILL | JANUARY 19-21
Thrill to the sight of ski jumpers from all over the world lifting off at the Silver Mine Hill during this invitational. It’s not unusual for them to soar the length of a football field. Now in its 132nd year.
Powder Keg Snowshoe and Fat-Bike Races,http://chippewaoffroad.org/
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY EXPO CENTER | JANUARY 27
It wouldn’t be a Wisconsin winter without a snowshoe race. Each year, the Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association hosts snowshoe and fat tire bike races on the Lowes Creek County Trails.
52nd Street at Eau Claire Jazz Festival,http://www.eauclairejazz.com/
DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE | APRIL 20
Downtown Eau Claire is transformed into a recreation of New York City’s historic 52nd Street, with the city’s bars and restaurants morphing into jazz nightclubs for this annual jazz festival.
10th Annual Eau Claire Marathon,http://www.eauclairemarathon.
EAU CLAIRE | MAY 6
Explore the trails, bridges and riverside views in an entirely new way. If you’re not running, cheer marathoners along as they log miles on the Chippewa and Eau Claire River route, or be the first to buy the “congratulatory” pitcher.
Blue Ox Music Festival, http://www.
WHISPERING PINES CAMPGROUND | JUNE 14-16
The rich sounds of bluegrass plus music of modern string bands fill the outdoors in this family-friendly weekend festival, one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest.
Country Fest, http://www.countryfest.com/
CADOTT, WI | JUNE 21-23
This fest is three full days of darn good country music, camping, Fest Olympics, giant games, food, drink, and photo-ops. Don’t overlook the side stages either, giving fest-goers more reasons to kick up their heels.
Fourth of July at Carson Park
CARSON PARK | JULY 4
Historic field, baseball, stadium food, games and fireworks. There’s not much more families looking to ring in Independence Day in classic style could ask for than this little slice of Americana.
Eaux Claires Music and Arts Festival,http://eauxclaires.com/
FOSTER FARMS | JULY 6-7
It’s as magical as you’ve heard. Taking place right along the Chippewa River, the diverse music, art installations, dance moves, and glowing smiles let first-time visitors know they’ve made the right decision. Now in its fourth year, this is the creative brainchild of Eau Claire native and Bon Iver frontman, Justin Vernon.
25th Annual Rock Fest, http://www.rock-fest.com/
CADOTT, WI | JULY 12-14
This festival has been rockin’ for decades. Featuring the best of active, classic and legendary rock musicians. Set on 320 acres of picturesque land with thousands of campsites. Considered the largest “rock and camping fest” in the U.S.
U.S. National Kubb Championship,http://www.usakubb.org/
EAU CLAIRE SOCCER PARK | JULY 13-15
Known as the Kubb Capitol of the U.S., Eau Claire is the home of the U.S. National Kubb Championships. For the unfamiliar, Kubb is a cross between bowling and horseshoes and is the game Vikings played. Join the “blockheads” as they compete for the Kubb King title.
Country Jam, http://www.countryjamwi.com/
FOSTER FARMS | JULY 19-21
The hottest country music stars converge in Eau Claire each year for this outdoor music festival. Rabid fans shell out for the VIP Experience to get the best seats in the house, then camp under the stars.
Chippewa Valley Restaurant Week
CHIPPEWA VALLEY | SEPTEMBER
Eau Claire is known for its Instagram-worthy dishes, so it makes perfect culinary sense that there be a celebration in honor of farm-to-table edibles and garden-to-glass libations. Special menus plus food-themed events that raise money for community causes are all part of this 10-day foodie favorite.
Light Up Eau Claire New Year’s Eve,http://www.visiteauclaire.
DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE | DECEMBER 31
Replicated in honor of Australia’s “Lismore Lantern Parade” celebrating the winter solstice, Eau Claire brings a little bit of the outback to the Midwest with its own lantern parade to ring in the new year. Live music at a variety of stages. A flourish of fireworks caps off the night.
