What’s your go-to karaoke song? Perhaps it’s one from Lil Yachty, Dijon, or another one of the headlining acts at the 2026 Eaux Claires festival?

On Friday, March 13, locals gathered at Leona’s Pizzeria (406 Galloway St., Eau Claire) to take part in “Auteaux Tune Karaoke,” a night of singing and dancing, hosted by a selection of the festival’s “umpires.”

Yes, the nods to baseball – an homage to the festival’s new home of Carson Park in Eau Claire – are in full swing (couldn't help myself with that one).

RT Vrieze, creative director of the festival, said the initial inspiration was to host local events every month leading up to the fest this summer – karaoke just happened to be the first one on the list.

“These events are simply to have fun and spread the word about the fest, and hope that people who wouldn't normally come to the fest hear about it (and) through these events maybe decide to come hang out this summer,” Vrieze said.

He added that Justin Vernon and friends intend to emphasize “identity” this year. After all, the festival is all based around the heart of Eau Claire and the joys of the event’s home state. Vrieze noted, “we’re doing Wisconsin things with our weird little Eaux Claires twist on them.”

In an effort to express the festival’s love letter to the city and its people, attendees – especially those who got up on the stage – had the chance to enter a raffle to win regional and local prizes.

From Milwaukee Brewers tickets and merchandise, to the coveted Eaux Claires one- and two-day passes, karaoke attendees had the chance to not only win, but understand the ripple effects of the local music scene.

“Music has really been a big thing in my life and I love karaoke,” Rylee Courtney, a karaoke participant who won passes to the 2026 Eaux Claires festival, said. “I do believe (Eaux Claires) puts together a community for people that may love music – (who) want to be a part of it and share the joy and the laughter.”

“We just need happiness, joy, and things that can bring a lighter tone to other things,” they continued. “We need each other, really. We need to rely on each other.”

This past Friday night on Galloway St., we sure had our community side by side – singing songs, drinking beer and collectively excited for the warm summertime months ahead.

The shindig won’t be the last of Eaux Claires teasers and festival-themed events, Vrieze teased. He and organizers pose the question: What kinds of Wisco-themed events do you feel best represent our beloved town, ahead of the summer fest?