There’s nothing to do in Eau Claire during the winter, right? WRONG. While that’s a common opinion when trying to stay warm during our extended snowy season, folks of the Chippewa Valley can venture out one night a week for Winter After Hours, a (literally and figuratively) cool outdoor festival in festively-lit Boyd Park. Thanks to the city of Eau Claire Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, Mayo Clinic Health System, and a variety of other sponsors, Volume One will once again be hosting the event at 6pm each Thursday during January and February. Come on down to the park for ice skating, winter kubb, music, snowshoeing, and ice sculpting (courtesy of champion ice artists Jason Anhorn and Steve Bateman). Don’t have skates or snowshoes? No problem; rentals are on site during the event. Do you want to build a snowman? Go ahead, but it doesn’t have to be a snowman. To keep warm, check out the giant fire pit; grab a hot tea, coffee or cocoa; or step into the warming house. The restrooms and warming house are under supervision, and the whole event is built to be a family friendly affair. Mark your calendars, and keep an eye on VolumeOne.org to make sure the temperature hasn’t gotten too warm (or cold!) to party outdoors.

Winter After Hours • 6-8pm Wednesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 25 • Boyd Park, Main Street, Eau Claire • FREE • (715) 552-0457 • VolumeOne.org/winter