The Man From Waco Returns To The Pines In Blue Ox 2026 Lineup
Pert Near Sandstone will once again host the annual bluegrass festival, joined by Charley Crockett, Marcus King Bang, and more to-be-revealed musicians
The Blue Ox Music Festival is preparing for a return to sunny days and starry nights in the Chippewa Valley this summer — promising an intimate bluegrass and Americana music experience. The 2026 three-day event will feature dozens of artists across multiple genres, including returning favorite Charley Crockett and first-time headliners, the Marcus King Band.
Today, festival organizers announced the official lineup for the 12th annual gathering – slated for June 25-27, 2026 — at The Pines Music Park (5024 Crescent Ave., Eau Claire).
"Blue Ox Music Festival creates and fosters an inclusive sense of artistic community and has become a cornerstone of the cultural renaissance movement in the Eau Claire area," a recent press released shared. "With the vision of an intimate music and camping experience focused on bluegrass, folk, and Americana roots genres, the three-day festival creates a unique experience with an impressive lineup of notable artists, in a familial and beautiful outdoor venue setting."
Familiar festival-goers will recognize Minnesota-based Pert Near Sandstone, who will return as hosts and perform two nights throughout the weekend.
Other artists on the the bill will include I'm With Her, Valerie June, Shadowgrass, and Sierra Hull among others; many more artists are yet to be unveiled as summer 2026 draws nearer.
Crockett, the Texas-born maverick — GRAMMY® Award-nominated Americana singer-songwriter — continues to pursue his dreams without seeking permission; consistently defying expectations with each new collection of songs. With origins rooted in busking on a Louisiana sidewalk to sold-out venues worldwide, Crockett leans into a rebellious — and equally timeless — showcase of country music for the modern era. Crockett's 2024 dual-record, $10 Cowboy/Visions of Dallas, combines his recognizable "hyper-catchy hooks" and a vintage mix to remind listeners of the spaces and former artists who have shaped his performing act.
Marcus King Band will also step onto the main stage this summer, following years of successfully produced albums under the moniker, including Carolina Confessions, The Marcus King Band and — most recently — Darling Blue. The South Carolina native — and GRAMMY® Award-nominated musician — pays homage to his roots with each striking chord; the complete band ensemble promises a soulful balance of rock rhythm and blues and back-porch mountain music tunes to comfort the soul.
Chippewa Vallians will recognize the blissful and melodic ballads from regional acts including Them Coulee Boys, The Lowest Pair, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Molly Brandt, Chicken Wire Empire and other locally-rooted performers.
Blue Ox Music Festival general admission tickets are on sale now, as are a variety of camping options to fully embrace the surrounding woodsy landscapes. See the festival's ticketing webpage for more details.
Here’s the entire festival lineup announcement, courtesy of Blue Ox:
The 12th annual Blue Ox Music Festival takes place June 25, 26, 27, 2026 at The Pines Music Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Pert Near Sandstone will host Blue Ox Music Festival, as well as performing two nights.
Featuring three days of music and camping nestled within 140 beautiful acres, amongst the tall trees and rolling hills at The Pines Music Park – with a genre-bending, electrifying, artist lineup including:
Charley Crockett, Marcus King Band, The Dead South, Kurt Vile & The Violators, I’m With Her, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Sierra Hull, Valerie June, Shadowgrass, Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires, Etran De L’aïr, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Them Coulee Boys, Folk Bitch Trio, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Silverada, The Lowest Pair, The Steel Wheels, Hogslop String Band, Wild Horses, Chicken Wire Empire, Abby Webster, Johnny Mullenax, The Mighty Pines, Fabrizio, Maygen & The Birdwatcher, Roe Family Singers, Art Stevenson & High Water and Molly Brandt with many more to be announced.
Blue Ox Music Festival General Admission Tickets are on sale now – which gives guests access to all entertainment and Unreserved Tent Camping. Car Camping Passes are available for guests who prefer their car at the camp site next to their tent. Blue Ox Music Festival Reserved RV / Tent sites are available for purchase, but are in limited supply. Camping accommodations include spaces for RVs, Family and Quiet Camping, as well as special Pre-set Campsites, Camping Cabins, and Ultimate VIP.
Follow along on the road to Blue Ox Music Festival 2026 — and new announcements from the venue — through the festival's social media platforms (@blueoxmusicfestival) or online at blueoxmusicfestival.com. Check out our photoset from last year's festival here.