1st Place: Phoenix Park
2nd Place: Owen Park
3rd Place: Campus Mall

Outdoor activities are an abundant commodity in the Chippewa Valley, but there are few that are both pleasurable and achievable for all ages and interests in the community.  Music – although moving and delightful indoors – when in an outdoor setting simply has a different feel; one that encourages communal participation and the sharing of locally bred art.  And the recent success at Phoenix Park has rejuvenated this collective interest in outdoor music. Thanks to events like The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series and The Taste of Eau Claire, Phoenix Park has been championed (once again) as the best outdoor music spot. Climbing up from a third place finish last year is Owen Park and its classic and irreplaceable band shell. The well-groomed park along First Avenue is host to various UW-Eau Claire music events as well as the yearly Coalition Blues Festival. Third place Campus Mall continues to hold an array of live music events through out the year including acts during UW-Eau Claire’s English Fest and the professor, alumni, and staff led Noon Tunes Series. – Mark Koenig