Force Fields

When: June 5-6

Where: Festival grounds, Cadott

Tickets: $142-$3,399+

Following its 2025 debut at the Cadott festival grounds, “Force Fields: Episode II – The Resonance Effect” will return to the Chippewa Valley this summer from June 5-6. “Episode I lit up the soil… so The Caretakers of the hayfield are expanding the cosmic timeline.” The EDM festival has unveiled the 2026 lineup of interstellar offerings: Zeds Dead, Tape B and San Holo on June 5 – with Ganja White Night, LSDREAM and Clozee performing on June 6. Locals immersed in the regional EDM scene might recognize DOKTOR, Silver C, Ascension, Orbiix among other acts who call the Chippewa Valley home. For more information, visit forcefieldsfestival.com.

---

Summer Jam

When: June 19-20

Where: Eau Claire Event District

Tickets: $105-$1,600+

America is turning 250 this year and the organizers of Summer Jam are throwing a “birthday party” the Chippewa Valley will never forget! To celebrate the occasion, the festival will “open the gates to the men and women who have served.” Retired and active-duty veterans are eligible for a free ticket to Summer Jam this year, from June 19-20 in the Eau Claire Events District. Locals who have their tickets tickets secured are sure to enjoy musical talents on this summer’s lineup. Third Eye Blind, Styx, Gin Blossoms, The Wallflowers and more – there is no denying the draw of these seasonal anthems and the sweet melodies that will invite all to join the chorus. A set amount of tickets are in each “tier” – once the tier sells out, prices increase. For more information visit eauclaireeventdistrict.com/summer-jam-2026.

---

Blue Ox Music Festival

When: June 25-27

Where: The Pines Music Park, Eau Claire

Tickets: $159-$289+

Locals and long-distance travelers alike will return to Eau Claire from June 25-27 for the annual Blue Ox Music Festival, as it honors past festival legacies and welcomes fresh additions to the stage. First-time attendees will find campers, tents and hammocks strung up throughout The Pines Music Park, a favorite for families (Children ages 13 and under receive free entry to the festival, accompanied by a paid adult). The 2026 three-day event will feature dozens of artists across multiple genres, including headlining acts Charley Crockett, the Marcus King Band and more regional acts like Hemma and Molly Brandt. Between music sets, Blue Ox will once again offer interactive activities such as Art In The Pines, where visual art created by regional artists adorns the forest campgrounds and festival bowl. Guided tours to the festival grounds by local outdoor retailer and guide Eau Claire Outdoors will continue this summer; the offering encourages attendees to connect with the area’s waterways and natural landscapes which shape The Pines’ atmosphere. For more information visit blueoxmusicfestival.com.

---

Hoofbeat

When: June 25-27

Where: Festival grounds, Cadott

Tickets: $95-$195+

Welcome to the “wild, wild Wisco,” otherwise known Hoofbeat – the heart and soul of summer fun for country music lovers. From June 25-27, locals will boot scoot and two-step along to headlining acts including Jason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman and Kane Brown – with additional performances by country talents Nate Smith, Elizabeth Nichols and many more. Festival organizers are also ready to share all that has kept them busy in the off-seasons leading up to summer: with new VIP catering to savor, fresh art installations and more immersive experiences. This is your official sign to grab those cowboy boots, round up your loved ones and “dive into the hayfield – Hoofbeat is calling!” For more information visit hoofbeatfestival.com.

---

Country Jam

When: July 16-18

Where: Eau Claire Event District

Tickets: $135-$2,850+

At Country Jam in Eau Claire, the songs sound sweeter, stars shine brighter and yes, the beer does run colder! This tried and true country festival in the Chippewa Valley brings all kinds of vendors and activities to the grounds, such as meet-and-greet experiences, carnival rides, dance lessons and much more. This year, locals can look forward to lineup artists including Koe Wetzel, Travis Tritt, Kolby Cooper, Owen Riegling, Riley Green and many more. On July 15, ticketholders can also enjoy sweet teasers of the festival happenings, with its “Campground Pre-Party.” There, locals can snag bites from their favorite food trucks, sing their favorite songs to karaoke – with prizes in store – and enjoy even more live music as the sun sets on the horizon. General Admission tickets are for an open field area on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit eauclaireeventdistrict.com/country-jam-2026.

---

Rock Fest

When: July 16-18

Where: Festival grounds, Cadott

Tickets: $111-$173+

After a year of fiery fun with an 80-plus band roster from Rock Fest last summer, the festival will return this year with one mission: to “amplify your soul.” The two-day music fest, slated for July 16-18 at its longtime Cadott grounds, remains one of the largest rock and camping events in the United States, where dozens of artists will rock across its five stages. This summer, headbangers and riff-worshipers will have to brace themselves for the raw power of heavy metal headliners including Gojira on Thursday night, Limp Bizkit on Friday and The Offspring on Saturday. For more information visit rock-fest.com.

---

Eaux Claires

When: July 24-25

Where: Carson Park, Eau Claire

Tickets: $124-$399+

After an eight-year hiatus, the Eaux Claires music festival – with the help of Justin Vernon and friends – will return to town at a new venue: the historic Carson Park baseball stadium in the heart of Eau Claire. This winter, festival organizers announced the starting lineup for the 2026 fest, all surrounding a core premise: “more something, for more everyone.” As it stands, the lineup includes 18 artists – spanning diverse genres and a mix of local and national talent – with more to be announced ahead of July. Locals can look forward to acclaimed musical talents, from Phil Cook to Dijon, Eau Claire’s own Gash, Bizhiki, Aimee Mann and more. A new “Writers In Residence” series will complement the curated tunes, further amplifying the festival’s commitment to fresh ideas and multidisciplinary artforms. Ultimately, the long-awaited homecoming for Eaux Claires honors a spirit which defines our community and promises a “home run” of unexpected surprises. For more information, visit eauxclaires.com.

---

One Fest

When: July 31-Aug. 2

Where: Festival grounds, Cadott

Tickets: $15-$135+

OneFest, the annual three-day Christian music festival, will return to the Cadott Festival Grounds this July and August. As festival organizers shared, “It’s a time to connect with family and friends and connect with the body of Christ.” This year, OneFest will feature many well-known artists on its two stages: For King + Country, Ben Fuller, Rachael Lampa, Matt Maher and more. In efforts to bring its mission and vision to life, OneFest will once again partner with local organizations to uplift their shared messages of unity, patience, humility and joy – all through the shared connection of music. For more information, visit one-fest.com.

---

Ashley for the Arts

When: Aug. 6-8

Where: Memorial Park, Arcadia

Tickets: $32-$475+

The annual nonprofit festival, one of Wisconsin’s largest music charity events, will return to the Chippewa Valley from August 6-8 this summer. In-between this year’s headlining acts – including Lanie Gardner, Jon Pardi and Keith Urban – locals from the Valley will also perform during the weekend-long event. Two dozen-plus artists from around Wisconsin and the Midwest, including Bryce Hedtke and Pullstring, will share their greatest hits on Ashley For the Arts’ three side stages: Pavilion, Soldiers Walk and Amphitheater. As with years past, the festival will once again honors individuals and organizations – through its Community Cares Grant – whose contributions reflect the non-profit’s mission, “Showcasing the Arts. Supporting Humanity.” In addition to the musical performances, Ashley for the Arts will hold its Art & Craft Fair, family friendly activities, Painting in the Park, the Pursuit of a Cure Run and photo contests for festivalgoers from all walks of life. For more information, visit ashleyforthearts.com.