On Friday, July 24, the long-awaited return of Eaux Claires finally arrived. The sunbeams were bright as the gates officially opened around 11:30am at the historic Carson Park in downtown Eau Claire – a first-time host to the beloved indie arts and music festival – but the heat didn't deter ticket holders.

After all, it had been eight long years since the local festival had welcomed folks back to our slice of western Wisconsin, and so much had changed. The venue, of course, was different (the former Foster Farms venue on the outskirts of the city has since changed hands, too) and inspired the 2026 Eaux Claires baseball-themed aesthetics.

Following days of Prex Claires festivities around the downtown area – including Friday morning's Eaux Claires panel, "The Smallest Big Spaces: Building Music Communities For Us," featuring local and regional musicians, organizers and journalists (including Volume One's Evelyn Nelson) – attendees were eager to explore the grounds and experience day one's bill of musicians.

That lineup opened with a performance and blessing from Wisconsin's own Bizhiki just after noon, followed by Hotline TNT; The Union featuring Phil Cook; Black Sabbath Cover Band Rehearsal; Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen; Aimee Mann; the hastily-announced "Bon" set from a solo Justin Vernon; Aaron & Fred; day one closer and 11-piece ensemble, Bon Dylan.

We'll be diving into the festival's arts installations and vendors, Writers In Residence lineup and more in soon-to-come writeups (look out for those yet tonight and on Tuesday, July 28), but until then, here's more than 150 photos of in-action Eaux Claires goodness.