Greetings, music lovers! This summer, Eau Claire is heatin' up with a music festival scene like never before. We have venues and events feasible for country music fans, bluegrass goers, rock band jammers, and EDM enthusiasts. And now with the introduction of Summer Jam music festival, Eau Claire has an all-in-one event that covers a variety of popular genres. Think backyard barbeque vibes—you might hear country one minute, and then a pop-punk anthem to next. It’s not your typical genre-specific fest, and that’s the beauty of it.

But with something this fresh and untraditional, there can be some confusion—what do you wear? What crowd should you expect? Are there different vibes for different days? We’ve got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or just curious about checking it out, this blog is your go-to guide for tips, FAQs, and everything you need to know to make the most of your Summer Jam experience in Eau Claire.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SUMMER JAM TICKETS

The crowd at Summer Jam music festival in Eau Claire, WI

2025 Summer Jam Lineup

We've already warned you, this lineup is a mix of music legends through the decades! Rock icons Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, +LIVE+, and Collective Soul will trade riffs with pop artists Gavin DeGraw, Everclear, and MKTO, while throwback favorites Rick Springfield, Marshall Tucker Band, and Wang Chung keep the nostalgia high. With two genre-blending days, on-site camping, and Eau Claire’s summer energy in full swing, this is your cue to clear the calendar on June 20-21, 2025, and join the party! Eau Claire's inaugural Summer Jam festival will take place at the Eau Claire Event District, the same venue as Eau Claire's very own Country Jam.

A group of fans carrying their lawn chairs into the festival grounds

Things to Pack

One of the best parts of Summer Jam is that there’s no one-size-fits-all vibe when it comes to fashion. With such a wide mix of genres on stage, you’ll see an equally wide mix of styles in the crowd—everything from country-chic boots and Western hats to retro band tees and laid-back summer looks. Really, anything goes. But if you’re looking to play it safe and stay comfy, Eau Claire summers are all about shorts, sundresses, breezy tees, and colorful accessories.

Since the festival is held outdoors on grassy, somewhat uneven terrain, we highly recommend packing a good pair of comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot, whether you’re dancing up front or exploring the grounds.

And don’t forget your sun protection! A hat is a great idea—whether you’re channeling your inner country star with a wide-brimmed Western style or keeping it low-key with a casual cap. Sunscreen is also a must, especially if you're planning to soak up the sun all day.

If you’re hanging out in general admission, bring along a lawn chair so you have a place to relax between sets. Just remember: the chair bags that come with folding chairs won’t be allowed past the gates, so you’ll need to carry them in without the case. For those with VIP tickets, no need to worry. Your seating will be ready and waiting for you!

And, of course, this is Wisconsin we’re talking about. The weather can go from sunny to stormy in a heartbeat, so throw in a light jacket or poncho just in case. To give you a better idea of typical June weather conditions in Eau Claire, check out our weather page to see average temperatures. It’s always better to be overprepared than underdressed!

A guy grilling burgers at his campsite at the festival

If you’re planning to stay all weekend, booking a campsite is the perfect way to keep the vibes going day and night. Summer Jam offers on-site camping with generously sized 20' x 40' plots—plenty of space for your tent, camper, and a cozy hangout zone with your crew.

One of the biggest perks of camping? You can bring coolers, bags, and your own food and drinks—but only within the campsite area. These items won’t be allowed past the festival gates, so plan to enjoy your snacks and beverages back at your site in between sets.

Make sure to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the weekend, especially during hot afternoons. Having a stash of easy meals or grillable goodies at your site can make the experience even more fun! Once you head inside the festival, you’ll find a variety of local food vendors ready to fuel you up with everything from classic festival bites to tasty Eau Claire favorites.

Camping at Summer Jam isn’t just a place to crash—it’s a full-on experience. So bring your lawn games, set up your shade tent, and turn your weekend into one big music-fueled getaway.

A woman walking into the Residence Inn hotel with luggage and duffel bag

Lodging & Transportation

Camping’s not for everyone, and that’s totally okay! If your idea of “roughing it” includes room service and air conditioning, Eau Claire’s got you covered. There are plenty of hotels just minutes from the Summer Jam grounds, with some of the closest and most convenient options being Sleep Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, and the shiny new SpringHill Suites. Even better? These hotels are part of the official shuttle route, so you can roll up to the festival without stressing about parking or finding your car at the end of the night.

Want to soak up a little more of that downtown Eau Claire energy? Book a stay at The Lismore or The Oxbow Hotel. Both put you in the heart of the city, with walkable access to local restaurants, coffee shops, and post-fest nightlife. It’s the perfect blend of boutique comfort and small-town cool—and yes, there’s a shuttle stop nearby, too.

However you choose to stay, getting around is simple, stress-free, and built to keep the weekend vibes going strong. Just pick your home base, grab your festival crew, and let Eau Claire take care of the rest.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL HOTEL SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

Pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns served at Chick-A-Dee's for breakfast

Photo: Chick-A-Dee's Family Restaurant

Pre-Festival Essentials

Before you dive into a full day of music, dancing, and sunshine, you’ll want to start your morning off right with a solid breakfast, a strong cup of coffee, or maybe even a spicy Bloody Mary. If you’re looking to fill your plate (and your stomach), head to local favorites like Fella’s Loaded Goat, Chick-A-Dee’s Family Restaurant, or The Nucleus, where brunch is basically a local sport. If you're staying a little outside of town, Wheaton Family Restaurant or Altoona Family Restaurant serve up hearty, no-fuss breakfast classics that'll keep you full through the early sets. And, of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Eau Claire without locating an epic Bloody Mary. Find and sip on local favorites at the Alibi Lounge, Court'n House, or Mogie's Pub for a filling breakfast cocktail.

For a quick coffee run, Eau Claire’s got your caffeine fix covered. Grab a cup from local coffee spots like ECDC, Phoenix Coffee, Racy D’Lenes Coffee Lounge, or The Goat Coffee House, perfect for that early morning buzz. 

Got a little extra time before the music starts? Get a taste of Eau Claire beyond the festival grounds. Take a walk through downtown Eau Claire and check out local boutiques, record shops, and bookstores. Stroll the NEW Eau Claire Sculpture Tour and snap a few artsy selfies, or stretch your legs along the scenic Chippewa River State Trail. Summer Jam might be the main event, but there’s a whole city waiting to be explored!

Two guys playing beanbags at the festival grounds campsite

FAQs

Just a few more things to know before you pack up and head out:

  • Bathrooms and showers are available daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
  • ADA seating and parking are available—look for designated areas and signage upon arrival.
  • Pets are not allowed—please leave your furry friends at home.
  • Campfires are allowed in campsites, but only if contained in a fire ring (and you'll need to bring your own).
  • Pools are allowed in campsites, but must be no larger than 6' x 6'.
  • Campsites can accommodate a maximum of six people.

 

If you have any additional questions about Summer Jam, please refer to the FAQ page on their website, or send them an email at info@summerjamwi.com. It's about to be one HOT summer!

Experience Summer Jam in Eau Claire!

The Whole Summer Shebang in Eau Claire