BATTING FOR THE HOME TEAM. Justin Vernon, pictured, was one of the 2026 Eaux Claires Lineup Announcement Party's umpires for the evening. He helped hand out the custom pull tabs which later revealed over a dozen acts slated for the upcoming festival.

What could be better than an evening of Chippewa Vallians coming together, braving the cold to the local dive bar, sharing warm embraces and winning a few pull tabs? Well, that's exactly the kind of vibe locals got at the 2026 Eaux Claires Lineup Announcement Party at The 410 Bar (410 Galloway St., Eau Claire) earlier this evening.

The anticipated night out began at 7pm on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the doors opening to a flood of festival organizers' friends. Eager for the night to begin, folks were able to peruse the Eaux Claires merchandise – tee shirts, hoodies and limited edition posters – available to purchase, created by Ambient Inks of Eau Claire.

The electronic-ambient music of sloslylove (musical moniker of Feng Meng Vue) provided a rhythmic backdrop as attendees hung out, grabbed a beer and – another special treat – baked goods courtesy of community organizer and poet, KD Hackworthy.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of bar drinks sloshing and old friends catching up over the nostalgia of former Eaux Claires fests – and even some hand-drawn caricatures provided by Ray Gorlin of Minneapolis – fans were soon met with the event's umpires, Justin Vernon and Asher Weisberg.

The two were sporting coordinating baseball apparel – adorned with Eaux Claires logos on both the front and back – which all event organizers soon donned as the night went on.

And then – yep, you guessed it – the main event officially began; both Vernon and Weisberg calling attendees over to The 410 Bar's main stage for a communal "pulling of the tabs."

The custom Eaux Claires Lucky 22's pull tabs were ripped – attendees collectively tearing into a new card, as guided by the evening's umpires, Vernon and Asher Weisberg – over several waves, unveiling one act after another.

Amidst the cheers and the crowd dancing (and singing) to the tune of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," winning attendees helped unveil artists tab by tab. Others excitedly rushed over to see which artists would be announced next.

In-between the announcements, Vernon shared additional updates ahead of the Feb. 12 "local presale" and shoutouts to the six participating downtown Eau Claire businesses: Volume One and The Local Store, Abraxas Wax, Revival Records, Leona's Pizzeria, The Joynt and Racy D'Lenes Coffee Lounge.

Vernon also highlighted the local and Minnesota-based mutual aid efforts, drawing attention to the tension between celebrating life and love while recognizing the vital role community observers play in supporting those affected by the continued happenings in the Twin Cities.

"This is very special, and I feel very touched that you all are here; it's good to celebrate love and life while it's happening," Vernon said. "Right down the road – and in our own community – there is a lot of bad shit that has been happening.

"I think it's important to pause and take a second and look at those things as a community, because while we're celebrating life and love, we really need to understand who is in trouble and how we can help," he continued.

Vernon directed attendees toward Hackworthy, who continued to offer baked goods and mutual aid resources during the event. Beyond mere sweets, these offerings conveyed a richer message of mutual aid, supporting rent relief for adjacent communities in both Minneapolis, Minn. and the Chippewa Valley.

"As artists and as folks who are really committed to their community, it's important to use opportunities like this to not only uplift marginalized voices, but to make space for folks who want to engage; to learn how to engage," Hackworthy said. "Solidarity is a forever kind of thing; it's a 365 (days) kind of thing. This work doesn't end ever – it's a way of living, and being a neighbor."

Eau Claire still knows how to get down, in case you were wondering.

The lineup announcement party also revealed another significant aspect of the 2026 Eaux Claires festival: its mission to honor the legacies of the Eau Claire community – Vernon's hometown.

"The festival is just one thing; we want to try and turn a mirror on this amazing community – this place that I personally grew up in that I love so very much," Vernon said. "We're going to celebrate our heritage and our culture around here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin this summer."

To encourage this spirit, a suggestion box was provided for attendees to submit their ideas, feedback and other unique proposals – things they wished to see improved, or simply "a thought that is in your heart."

As expected per the lineup party's initial announcement, The Golden Band ended the evening with a bill chockfull of country tunes. They played the classics – leaving ample room for two-stepping and line dancing, initially led by Hackworthy – and invited both friends and strangers to join in.

Close to the stage, attendees once again shared hugs, sang along to their favorite Willie Nelson tune and laughed as the night wound down.

As for the question on everyone's minds: What is the Eaux Claires Festival 2026 lineup? Well, you’ll have to check in with us tomorrow morning to learn more…

We won't give it all away, but locals are sure to recognize the iconography strewn across the lineup announcement event's promo materials and pull tabs. While the Eaux Claires logo is obvious, the rest are symbols specific to the city of Eau Claire: Walter's Beer, Woo's Pagoda and more.