Annual Events in Eau Claire
Eau Claire doesn't just host events – it creates can't-miss experiences that will build memories for a lifetime. Throughout the year, Eau Claire is pulsing with signature live music, electric festivals, and community traditions that bring people together in the best way possible.
For music lovers, annual festivals like Country Jam and Hoofbeat Country Fest get attendees stomping their boots under the summer sun. Sports fanatics can secure tickets for the Eau Claire Express, or they can even create their own teams and participate in the U.S. National Kubb Championship. And of course, the unveiling of the largest Sculpture Tour in the nation is celebrated each spring with incredible and unique new pieces brought to Eau Claire.
No matter the season, Eau Claire is buzzing with something exciting. Check out the must-attend annual events in Eau Claire below!
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January
Flying Eagles Invitational
A highly anticipated ski and snowboarding competition, drawing athletes from across the region to showcase their skills at the city’s premier winter sports venue. Learn More
U.S. Crokicurl Championship
A winter competition in River Prairie where teams battle it out on the ice in this unique blend of curling and crokinole.
February
Banbury Art Crawl
An annual celebration of Eau Claire’s local art scene, where visitors can explore galleries, studios, and live performances throughout Banbury Place.
JIG's UP Ice Fishing Contest
A fun-filled day of ice fishing on Lake Wissota, where participants compete for prizes in a variety of categories.
Fire Ball
A dazzling drag ball fundraiser event filled with music, dancing, and entertainment, benefiting the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center program.
Winter Sports Storm
An exciting weekend full of snowmobile racing, truck drag racing, a Kubb tournament, fireworks, and more extravagant winter activities.
March
Wisconsin Sports Show
A must-attend event for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring the latest in sports equipment, boats, hunting & fishing gear, docks, kennels, and recreational vehicles. The show also features a petting zoo, door prizes, presentations, and more.
April
Viennese Ball
A glamorous night of dancing, music, and fine dining, bringing a touch of European elegance to Eau Claire’s event scene.
Eau Claire Jazz Festival
A weekend celebration of jazz music featuring performances from local and national artists, workshops, and live jams. Learn More
Eau Claire Marathon
A race weekend drawing in runners from all over the region, offering multiple events including a marathon, 5K, and relay, all while benefiting local charities. Learn More
May
Eau Claire Sculpture Tour Season Reveal
The unveiling of new sculptures rotating into Eau Claire’s popular Sculpture Tour, offering art lovers a fresh look at the city’s growing collection. Learn More
River Prairie Festival
A lively, family-friendly festival celebrating the arts, music, and food in the scenic River Prairie area of Altoona, just outside Eau Claire. Learn More
Chippewa Falls SpringFest
A fun-filled festival celebrating spring with live music performances and delicious food at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.
June
Cinder City Days
An annual celebration in Altoona, WI to kick off summer with a carnival, parade, live music, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Lake Martha Days
A summer festival in Osseo, WI that the whole family will love featuring a parade, live music, a horse pull, triathlon, car show, arts & crafts show, and more. Learn More
Leinie's Summer Kickoff
A summer party hosted at Leinie Lodge, offering live music, beer tastings, and summer festivities.
Blue Ox Music Festival
A popular folk and bluegrass music festival bringing top acts and groovy fans together for a weekend of outdoor music. Learn More
Force Fields
A brand-new EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festival in Cadott, WI with a cosmic, alien-like theme. Learn More
Hoofbeat Country Fest
A country music festival showcasing top performers and offering a high-energy atmosphere for country fans. Learn More
Summer Jam
An all-encompassing new music festival featuring live performances from big-name artists at the Eau Claire Event District. Learn More
FATFAR
The world's largest one-day tubing event at Loopy's Grill & Saloon in the Town of Wheaton, just outside of Eau Claire.
July
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
A classic fair experience with carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and agricultural exhibits in Chippewa Falls, WI.
Rock Fest
One of the Midwest’s largest rock music festivals, featuring performances from top rock bands and attracting music lovers from across the region. Learn More
Country Jam
An annual country music festival with performances by major country stars, set in the heart of Eau Claire’s music scene. Learn More
U.S. National Kubb Championship
The national championship tournament for Kubb, an outdoor game of skill and strategy, inviting teams from across the country to the Kubb capital of America.
Chalk Fest
A creative, colorful festival where local artists and families come together to create stunning sidewalk chalk art masterpieces.
August
Big Rig Truck Show
A show for truck enthusiasts, featuring stunning custom rigs and showcasing the best in trucking and transportation. Learn More
Scheels Outdoor Expo
An outdoor event showcasing top national vendors for hunting, fishing, and recreational equipment. The expo also includes a Dock Dogs competition event, inviting dogs to compete for long jumps into a swimming pool. Learn More
Clearwater Jazz & Art Festival
A merging celebration of music and art in Eau Claire with live jazz performances alongside a showcase of local and regional artists.
OneFest
A faith-based music festival featuring contemporary Christian artists and creating an inspiring and community-oriented atmosphere.
September
Downtown Eau Claire Fall Festival
A lively celebration of fall with local artisans, vendors, food trucks, live music, and plenty of autumn activities. Learn More
Oktoberfest Events
The Eau Claire region is home to a variety of Oktoberfest events throughout September at local breweries, fairgrounds, and other establishments. Learn More
Chippewa Valley Book Festival
An annual celebration of literature, bringing together authors, readers, and writers for a week of engaging events in Eau Claire. Learn More
Ginormous Pumpkin Festival
The highlight of fall in River Prairie, with giant pumpkins, pie-eating contests, and a giant pumpkin drop that brings the whole community together. Learn More
October
Downtown Eau Claire Halloween Trick or Treat
An opportunity for families to celebrate Halloween and go trick-or-treating for candy at local businesses in downtown Eau Claire.
UW-Eau Claire Homecoming
A spirited weekend celebrating alumni, current students, and Blugold pride with events, tailgates, and a big game. Learn More
November
Gatsby's Gala
A glamorous and charitable event in the style of the Roaring Twenties, featuring a night of dancing, cocktails, and fundraising for a great cause.
Small Business Saturday
A nationwide initiative encouraging shoppers to support local businesses in Eau Claire, with special promotions and events to gear up for the holiday season. Learn More
Photo Credit: Downtown Eau Claire Inc.
December
Clearwater Winter Parade
A magical parade of lights and festive floats celebrating the holiday season, with music and a fireworks finale to top it off. Learn More
Santa Cycle Rampage
A quirky and fun event where participants dress as Santa and cycle through Eau Claire spreading holiday cheer.