Justin Vernon’s Eaux Claires Festival Set to Return in 2026

The beloved Eaux Claires festival, founded by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, is making a comeback in 2026, reigniting excitement for fans of indie music and artistic collaboration.

A Long-Awaited Return to Eau Claire

If you’ve been longing for the soulful magic that is Eaux Claires, you’re in luck. The festival, co-created in 2015 by Bon Iver’s own Justin Vernon alongside Aaron Dessner of The National, is officially coming back after a seven-year hiatus. Mark your calendars for July 24-25, 2026, as this cherished event will once again light up Vernon’s hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Bon Iver photo by Graham Tolbert

Though the exact venue remains under wraps, insiders speculate the festival might move from its usual spot at Foster Farms to the more intimate 2,856-capacity Carson Park baseball stadium. This shift offers a cozy yet vibrant setting to experience the festival’s signature blend of music and art.

The Mystery of Vernon’s Performance

An intriguing question hangs in the air: Will Justin Vernon take the stage himself? After his Grammy-nominated 2025 comeback album SABLE, fABLE, Vernon announced a break from live performances. Yet, recent appearances suggest that his hiatus might be loosening. Just last week, he popped up as a surprise guitarist in friend and collaborator Dijon’s band at Terminal 5 in New York. He also appeared on NBC’s Saturday Night Live with Dijon, sparking buzz that Vernon has been contemplating reviving Eaux Claires for some time.

The festival’s history is steeped in unique artist lineups and unforgettable moments, so Vernon showing up on stage would be the cherry on top for longtime fans.

Eaux Claires: A Festival Like No Other

The festival’s debut was a star-studded affair, featuring not only Bon Iver and The National but also Sturgill Simpson, Sylvan Esso, Spoon, and the Indigo Girls. Over the years, Eaux Claires expanded beyond a typical music festival, hosting everything from multi-artist Grateful Dead tributes to Big Red Machine performances (a collaboration between Vernon and Dessner themselves). One of its most poignant moments came in 2017, with one of John Prine’s last festival appearances before his untimely passing in 2020.

The festival was never just about the music; it was an artistic experiment grounded in community and creative collision.

“We at Eaux Claires have been driven by the idea that our festival would encourage music-genre-walls to melt away,” Vernon said back in 2015. “That the barriers between the stage and the audience altered, and expression and experience put above all. We have put so much thought into who should collaborate at this festival, from musicians to actors, filmmakers to visual artists. We will all share and revel in this collision of artistic force while performing in the arms of our own Chippewa River Valley.”

This mission has defined the festival, making it a haven for fans who crave more than just a concert—a true celebration of art in all its forms.

What to Expect Next

While we wait for the official lineup and venue confirmation, the return of Eaux Claires is already stirring excitement. Will the festival retain its avant-garde spirit? Will there be surprises, like the past rare collaborations and genre-blending sets? One thing is certain: fans can expect a rich tapestry of sound and art that reflects the unique vision of Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner.

Eaux Claires is more than a festival; it’s an experience where the conventional boundaries of music dissolve into pure creativity.

FAQ

• When and where is Eaux Claires returning?
  The festival is set for July 24-25, 2026, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The venue is likely Carson Park baseball stadium.
• Who founded Eaux Claires?
  Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Aaron Dessner of The National founded the festival in 2015.
• Will Justin Vernon perform at the festival?
  While Vernon has kept quiet on this, recent live appearances suggest he may return to the stage.
• What kind of artists perform at Eaux Claires?
  The festival hosts a mix of indie rock, folk, and experimental artists, including collaborations with actors, filmmakers, and visual artists.
• What makes Eaux Claires unique?
  It’s an intimate festival emphasizing collaboration and breaking down genre walls, with a deep connection to Vernon’s hometown.

Get ready to celebrate the fusion of music, art, and community once again. While you anticipate the next lineup, why not shop your favorite album cover poster to bring that festival vibe home? Visit Architeg Prints for stunning music art perfect for any fan’s space.