Justin Vernon Will Perform As ‘Bon Dylan’ In 2026 Eaux Claires Fest
enveloped by local backdrops familiar to us Chippewa Vallians, the festival co-founder reveals new rehearsal tracks and reflections on ‘what I wanted to have been’
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Mike O'Brien
On a cold February night that saw the official lineup announcement for the 2026 Eaux Claires Festival, one lucky attendee – while trying to score a winning pull tab – won a prize that included an unfamiliar artist: Bon Dylan.
Who is Bon Dylan, locals and the superfans of Reddit have continued to ask for months. Well, as of today, the Eaux Claires co-founder has unveiled this and more – with reflections on the mysterious name present in the summer festival lineup.
In a new video posted on social media Thursday morning, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver shared that he – along with a company of former bandmates and friends – will perform as Bob Dylan with songs from every era, for one night only.
“Oh, it was about a year ago. Bob Dylan came through town. I went with my dad and about 16 of my friends,” Vernon said in the video. The scene, seemingly Big Falls County Park in Eau Claire, featured a rocky landscape and crashing waves, over which Vernon provided narration.
“I’ve lived here for 44 years; It’s been too long to remember since the town felt that together,” he continued.
Behind the narration, listeners can hear Bon Iver’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s 1997 track, “Not Dark Yet” – recorded during a Bon Dylan rehearsal earlier this March.
The Bon Dylan ensemble has been stated to be the only concert event Vernon has planned for this year, a media release shared.
With “Bon” at the helm, he will also be joined by a band of close friends, longtime Chippewa Valley instrumentalists and frequent collaborators: JT Bates, JP Brooks, Camaja Byrd, Sean Carey, Phil Cook, Ben Lester, Michael Lewis, Katira Lutterman, John Pieter, Courtland Pickens and Jeremy Ylvisaker.
Though there was discussion on the potential to feature Bon Iver songs at the July 24-25 festival, we’ll leave it to Vernon to share his reflections:
“I haven’t felt much like being what I’ve been… Or what I wanted to have been. Or what I’ve become. So I thought it’d be cool to try to be Bob Dylan for a night,” Vernon said.
He hopes the festival’s return will create a new communal space – akin to the former Bob Dylan concert at the Sonnentag Center (1075 Menomonie St., Eau Claire) – where people, both locals and visitors, can unite to celebrate the best of the Chippewa Valley.
As the spring dew turns into summer heat and July draws near, we will just have to wait and see what new unveilings will be in store – as Carson Park (100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire) gears up for thousands of eager festival guests, ready to listen in.
View the reveal of "Bon Dylan" online via the Eaux Claires social media platforms (@eauxclaireswi). Follow along with Volume One online for continued updates on the summer 2026 Eaux Claires Festival.