PREVIEW: Outdoor Concerts In The Chippewa Valley

Summer means music in the park. Here's a look at what to expect this year.

Thursday May. 14th, 2026

James Johonnott, photos by Andrea Paulseth

While Volume One will, of course, continue to update the big 'ol events calendar (online and in print) throughout the summer, here's a look at what to expect for outdoor concert series' in the area. There are always other live music events and one-off shows – every week! – so take a look at the calendar for those.

Did we miss your favorite? Did another series just announce their lineup? Submit your events (for free!) to our calendar, here.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

Thursdays at 6pm • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire

We're back for out 18th season, folks! Volume One’s annual downtown Eau Claire concerts draw a couple thousand music-loving locals to Phoenix Park for the best in original local music, community, and pretty dang good sunsets, too.

June 4: Andy Hanson (6pm), The Foxfire Affair (6:30pm), Parker Reed & the LUcid Dreamers (7:30pm)
June 11: Jim “Doc” Miller (6pm), Colin bracewell (6:30pm), FM Down (7:30pm)
June 18: Quenten “Q” Brown (6pm), Valleykil (6:30pm), Jaggernauts (7:30pm)
June 25: Colton Warren (6pm), Creeping Charlie & The Roundups (6:30pm), Jesse Stratton Band (7:30pm)
July 2: Sage leary (6pm), Matt Cafliisch (6:30PM), Sawyer’s dream (7:30PM),
July 9: Amanda Grace (6pm), Dames (6:30pm), Nick Foytik Band (7:30pm)
July 16: Emm K (6pm), Eldest Daughter (6:30Pm), Tim Case & the drag (7:30pm)
July 30: Yomchi (6pm), Teawhyb (6:30pm), Miles blvd (7:30pm)
Aug. 6: affid4vit (6pm), The Dead Century (6:30pm), Luray (7:30pm)
Aug. 13: Songa Duo (6pm), Jojo Green (6:30pm), Cathy Reitz & 7swing (7:30pm)
Aug. 20: Emily Watkins (6pm), of the orchard (6:30pm), Pullstring (7:30pm)
Aug. 27: Joe Thielen (6pm), John Forrest & The model citizens (6:30pm), Weapons of Brass Destruction (7:30pm)

Learn more here.

Tuesday Night Blues

Tuesdays at 6:30pm • Owen Park, Eau Claire

During Eau Claire summers, every Tuesday is blues day. Tons of locals gather in shady Owen Park along the Chippewa River to take in all the blues goodness that emanates from the bandshell.

May 26 Ross William Perry
June 2 Paul Tweed
June 9 Tim Coughlin Band
June 16 Mark Cameron & Blues Factory
June 23 The Blue Notes feat. Jay Stulo
June 30 Whyte-Orfield Band
July 7 Dave Rogers & the Tonebenders
July 14 Howard ‘Guitar’ Luedtke & Blue Max
July 21 Jeni Grouws
July 28 The Brotherhood w/ Ken Valdez & Kevin Burt
Aug. 4 Jambalaya
Aug. 11 Tommy Bentz
Aug. 18 Joyann Parker
Aug. 25 Nick Foytik
Sept. 1 Mojo Lemon

Learn more here.

Music Over Menomin

Thursdays at 7pm • Menomonie Public Library, Menomonie

The Menomonie Public Library hosts this awesome annual concert series which brings together tons of music fans and artists to Menomonie for a celebration of the rich Chippewa Valley music scene.

June 11: Madlee Band
June 18: Mojo Lemon Blues Band
June 25: Songa String band
July 2: Cathy Reitz & the 7Swing
July 9: The Other Brothers
July 16: Home Grown Tomatoes
July 23: Jay Collins, Rhythm Posse and Friends
July 30: Dave’s Manual
Aug. 6: North of Dixie
Aug. 13: Balterdash

Learn more here.

Rock'n On The River

Wednesdays at 6:30pm • River Prairie Park, Altoona

This newer concert series comes to the River Prairie Park ampitheater in Altoona that focuses on rock music, whether originals or some near-and-dear classic favorites from yesteryear.

June 3: The Thundermen
June 10: HTG BandJun. 17: Divided Highway
June 24: Brianna Rae Band
July 1: The Tinglers
July 8: 40 Fingers
July 15: Margaritaville
July 22: Sage
July 29: City Lights
Aug. 5: Bumblefist
Aug. 12: Outland
Aug. 19: Crossroads
Aug. 26: The Thundermen

Kickin' It Country

Mondays at 6:30pm • River Prairie Park, Altoona

Also held over at River Prairie's ampitheater, this series puts country music in the spotlight, right on the Eau Claire river.

June 8: Blue Moon Drive
June 15: Kid Cactus & The Tumbleweeds
June 22: Ranger Rudy & The Swingin’ Wingtips
June 29: Buffalo Ridge
June 6: Half Shebang
June13: Mad Lee Band
July 20: Hillbilly Fever
July 27: Six Figures Sunrise
Aug. 3: Red Higgins & Freedom Train
Aug. 10: Bear Creek Band
Aug. 17: Eclectic Barn Boys
Aug. 24: Tucker Baker Band

Sunday Concerts at The Yard

Sundays at 12:30pm • The Yard, Altoona

The second annual live outdoor music, slated for the container park's stage.

May 17: Sue Orfield & Randy Sinz
May.24: Dave engedal
May 31: Micky Lynnes
June 7: Mcginnis & RoGers
June 14: Tommy Margarita
June 21: Sue Orfield & Randy Sinz
June 28: Steve Szydel
July 5: Dave engedal
July 12: Johnny Keyz
July 19: half Shebag
July 26: Two Frets up
Aug. 2: Nice & Easy
Aug. 9: Micky Lynnes
Aug. 16: Tommy Margarita
Aug. 23: Paul bonstrom
Aug. 30: Allison Sky

Learn more here.

Eau Claire Municipal Band

Mondays at 7:30pm • Owen Park, Eau Claire

Witness the Eau Claire Municipal Band and it’s Sousa marches, gorgeous melodies, and contemporary composition.

Learn more here.

Ludington Guard Band

Tuesdays at 7:30pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie

A community concert band that was officially organized in 1888 with roots going back to 1877. They play a variety of classical band music, marches, overtures, show tunes and novelty pieces.

Learn more here.

Durand Music in the Park

The third Wednesday each month from 3-6pm • Memorial Park, Durand

Hosted by Durand Improvement Group in downtown Memorial Park.

Learn more here.