BATTER UP? The Eaux Claires music and arts festival could finally return, if the festival social account's latest post is any indication. (Photo above is from Volume One's photoset from the 2018 festival)

Editor's note (Dec. 12) -- Well, here it is, folks: On Friday, Dec. 12 around noon, the Eaux Claires social media accounts confirmed the festival's dates (and, seemingly, its location) through a video post.

The musicians (Alex and Calder of UW-Eau Claire's Blugold Marching Band), playing at Eau Claire's historic Carson Park baseball stadium, turn around to reveal a simple message: "Eaux Claires / July 24 + 25." 

With the last Eaux Claires music festival held back in 2018, folks in the Chippewa Valley have long wondered what's next – if anything – for Eau Claire native Justin Vernon's (Bon Iver) collaborative, arts-immersive event.

Well, that answer is likely in reach, as the official Eaux Claire's social media platform (@EauxClaires) shared a teaser this afternoon. According to sources at the top of the Eaux Claires team, the festival will make its return to the Chippewa Valley in July 2026.

Eaux Claires shared the above image today, Dec. 9, on it social media accounts. No other posts have been made at this time.

The socials post shared earlier today includes a score sheet of the notable 1908 baseball anthem, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (Swing Version) by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, paired with a stamp of the Eaux Claires logo in the shape of a baseball home plate.

As the teaser indicates, it is likely the festival could be held at Eau Claire's own historic Carson Park baseball stadium (100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire). While details of the potential summertime festival have not yet been confirmed, fans have long questioned what could become of the pre-COVID era fest.

The festival's website – eauxclaires.com – simply leads to an email sign-up page. Ominous, eh?

Shore Fire Media, Bon Iver's PR team, has not provided additional comment at this time of this story's publication.

This is a developing story with future updates to come from Volume One • Check out previous coverage from the former Eaux Claires festival seasons online here