BATTER UP. Eaux Claires Festival organizers first announced the majority of its 2026 lineup during a local event in February. Since then, the festival has teased "and more to come!," leaving fans to speculate what other musical acts could join in. In a June 25 announcement, festival co-founder Aaron Dessner will perform with Fred again.., also confirming Lil Yachty had exited the lineup (and will instead be performing at a festival in Germany in July 25).

EDITOR'S NOTE (07/08/2026): In a social media post made on July 8, Eaux Claires festival organizers shared yet another change to the artist lineup on Saturday, July 25 at Carson Park.

"We're excited to welcome Samia to Saturday's lineup. Unfortunately, Daniel Caesar is unable to perform at Eaux Claires," the Eaux Claires update read.

Samia, the stage name of Samia Finnerty, is an American singer-songwriter whose music falls under indie pop and rock genres. Conversational lyricism and alternative sound elements can be found in Samia's 2025 record, Bloodless, among other releases.

Daniel Caesar and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) had previously collaborated on the track "Moon," featured on Caesar's 2025 record, Son of Spergy – along with additional production influences by Vernon for the contemporary R&B, neo-soul musician's "Sins Of The Father."

Caesar was set to perform on July 25 for the Eaux Claires festival; the Wisconsin stop was between tour dates in Atlanta, Ga. and Chicago, Ill. on his 2026 Son of Spergy Tour.

The updated 2026 Eaux Claires Festival lineup poster (for musical artists and writers), as shared via Eaux Claires socials on July 8.

Following at least a week of online speculation and fan discourse regarding the 2026 Eaux Claires Festival – slated for July 24-25 at Carson Park (100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire) – the event's "arts & rec department" has offered up some clarification.

Fans had speculated hip-hop and psychedelic rock artist Lil Yachty may not play Eaux Claires despite being part of the original lineup announcement, after learning the artist was scheduled to perform at the 6PM Festival in Frankfurt, Germany on July 25. 

This week, Eaux Claires organizers did confirm the artist's exit. While fans suggested various alternatives for the headlining slot, from electropop artist Slayyyter to Sylvan Esso (a group who shares musical ties with Justin Vernon, co-founder of the festival; Kevin Morby, a fellow folk rock artist on the festival lineup), the festival went its own direction.

Aaron Dessner and Fred again.. will collaborate in a joint performance on Friday, July 24. (Flier shared via Eaux Claires socials)

Indie folk and alternative rock singer-songwriter Monica Martin has been moved from the Friday, July 24 date to the following July 25 lineup – which Lil Yachty was originally slated for – and a joint performance by festival co-founder Aaron Dessner and Fred again.. is now scheduled for that Friday.

Aaron Dessner, whom Vernon alluded would return to the festival this summer at a previous Pre-Game Press Conference at Carson Park this May, shared the following statement to fans: "Hard to describe how special and full circle this will be for me."

"Hugely grateful to the wonderful person and insanely magical musician that is Fred again.. for joining me and to my dear Justin for giving us space to see what magic is in the air at this most special place," Dessner said.

Fred again.. – the stage name of Frederick John Philip Gibson – is an acclaimed DJ, singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, his website reads. With a blend of house, techno and emotive vocals, he has become known for his Actual Life debut record; a sonic evolution from everyday memories and voice notes, to dance anthems for listeners.

"I can remember exactly the scene of the first time I heard a (The) National song ... and the little glitching guitar part just haunted me," Fred again.. shared. "The music of Justin Vernon is not something I have words for and I never will. So instead, I gratefully play his festival in a fundamentally futile attempt to express even a fraction of my gratitude for the way he has shaped my entire existence."

Eaux Claires Festival Schedule Deets

In addition to these changes, Vernon – with the support of The Current and Radio Milwaukee, radio partners of the forthcoming festival – shared other details on the festival's schedule during the stations' dual "Spring Training" sessions on July 24. 

Live on the radio – during 12pm and 8pm sessions – Vernon shared music samples from performing acts and stories about his Bon Dylan visions and scheduling: "I'm not going to be myself up there; I hope to go far away into a place that studied this (Bob Dylan) unplugged record. We've got about 30 songs worked up and we will kind of decide that day, how we're feeling and what we need to play."

"It's not an impersonation, it's a personification," Vernon continued. "So with that, I want to leave some to the imagination and surprise for the folks that come out to check us out as Bon Dylan on Friday night, July 24 – playing last at the baseball stadium, Carson Park."

In light of these recent updates and the mysteries still surrounding the 2026 Eaux Claires festival, locals and travelers might be encouraged to keep tabs on regional radio broadcasts for new information yet to come.

With the arts celebration just one month away, staying tuned into community-centered partners will be key to learn what else the Eaux Claires organizers are cooking up.