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NEWS & UPDATES

Know Before You GO!

Know Before You GO!

Arrival Information for Blue Ox 2026! It’s hard to believe this will be the 12th year the Blue Ox community has gathered, united by a shared love of music, the outdoors, and each other. As a family-owned, independent venue, your presence and support genuinely humble us. We have worked tirelessly all year to ensure your stay at The Pines is comfortable, refreshing, and unforgettable.

Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know before joining us at The Pines Music Park in just a few days!

Information below includes:

  • Tickets
  • Location + Hours
  • Arrival Info (Wednesday vs Thursday/Friday/Saturday)
  • On-Site Amenities
  • Shuttles
  • Weather Alerts
  • Tag-A-Kid Wristbands
  • Festival Bowl Rules

Tickets

PRINT AT HOME DELIVERY: Your email will have a PDF attachment which you can either print off or download to your phone.

MOBILE DELIVERY: Your email order will contain your tickets within it.

Prior to Arrival at the Gate: Make sure your tickets are at the ready. Our staff will need to scan the QR Code / Barcode on each ticket.

*Tip: Take a clear screenshot of each ticket with the QR code / Barcode in view on your phone so that you can easily bring this up for scanning from your image gallery.

How to find your Tickets:  Do a search for AFTON TICKETS in your inbox. If you haven’t received your mobile ticket(s) then please check your email account’s Spam or Junk Folder.

*You can also access your order/tickets by logging into your Afton Ticket Account HERE.

  • If you used Connect w/Facebook to checkout, click the blue Connect w/Facebook button to login.
  • If you created an account with your email then type in your email and the password you chose. If you forgot your password, here’s how to reset it.
  • If you used Guest Checkout, you can use our forgot password feature to reset your password so you can login and retrieve your tickets. Here’s how.

WILL CALL TICKETS: All guest list tickets are on will-call at the Fields Gate Ticket Booth.

*If your name is a on a list, this is where you would go to claim your wristbands. Make sure to bring your ID to check-in.

*If you are unable to locate your tickets, please stop at the will call booth. We can do a search for your name in our system and can manually check you in here.

Location & Hours:

Set your navigation to ‘Pines Music Park – Fields Gate’ for arrival 

VENUE ACCESS: Everyone entering the campground gates (main festival gates) MUST have a Blue Ox 2026 admission ticket. Kids 13 and under are free.

*NO dogs/pets allowed in the campground or festival bowl.  No matter the size, please DO NOT bring your pet.

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Fields Gate Hours: 

Thursday: 7AM – Midnight

Friday: 9AM – Midnight

Saturday: 10AM – Midnight

*No overnight parking or lining up on Crescent Ave to enter the campground (main festival gates) early.

 

Pines Gate Hours: 

Thursday: 7AM – 9pm

Friday: 9AM – 8pm

Saturday: Closed

*No overnight parking or lining up on Crescent Ave to enter the campground (main festival gates) early. After the Pines gate closes, all traffic will be diverted to the Fields Gate for entry.

Wednesday Arrivals:

*MUST HAVE A WEDNESDAY NIGHT CAMPING PASS OR RESERVED CAMPSITE.

*IF YOU DO NOT HAVE EITHER OF THESE PASSES, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW INFORMATION FOR THE DAY YOU PLAN TO ARRIVE.

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Unreserved Tent Campers / Car Camping Attendees: Use Fields Gate

CHECK-IN TIME: Wednesday, June 24th 3pm-9pm (Do NOT ARRIVE EARLY)

FIELDS GATE: Anyone with a Wednesday Camping pass MUST use the Fields Gate to be scanned in. If you arrive at the Pines gate you will be turned away and directed to the Fields Gate.

**Do NOT arrive early. If you arrive before 3pm you can either leave and come back later or wait in a line on Eagle Lane. Eagle Lane is a waiting area, not a line to get in first. Lines formed within the Fields Gate will be first come first served for entry.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR ACCESS: Wednesday Night Camping Pass (per person ages 14 years and older) + 3-day admission pass (per person 14 years and older)

*Late arrivals will NOT be allowed into the grounds if you are unable to arrive by 9pm. Check-in will open again on Thursday, June 25th at 7am.

*We encourage you to ONLY purchase Wednesday camping if you are able to arrive before 9pm on Wednesday June 24th since refunds will not be offered if you cannot arrive on time.

PURCHASE WEDNESDAY CAMPING PASS

*Priced per person and covers accommodations for camping one more night at The Pines. Kids 13 and under are free.

Camping Space: Please only take the space that you need. NO roping off or saving additional camping space for friends that have not yet arrived. We have a lot people that will need space in our unreserved areas and we want to make sure everyone has an enjoyable festival experience.

Family Unreserved Camp: Please help us conserve the very limited space in our family camping area. It may be tempting to setup in this area due to its convenience to the festival area however, we ask you to please respect the fact that families with young children have unique challenges in attending a music festival, and we would like to make it easier on them. Please save family camp for families with children.

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Reserved Campsite, Pre-Set Tent Camping and Camping Cabins

No you do not need to purchase a Wednesday Night Camping pass but EVERYONE MUST ARRIVE TOGETHER if you want to check-in on Wednesday! 

CHECK-IN TIME: Wednesday June 24th Noon-9pm; sign up is not required

*Pre-set tents and camping cabins will not be ready for move-in until 4pm

*Tip* Peak traffic times are Wednesday 3-6pm. Decrease wait times by arriving either between Noon-2:30pm or 6-9pm

FIELDS GATE: Check-in here for Reserved Fields, Any Prairie Reserved, Pre-set tent camping, camping cabin

PINES GATE: Check in here ONLY for RV Electric, Reserved Pines, Reserved Family

WHAT YOU NEED FOR ACCESS: Reserved Campsite Ticket (allows up to 6 total ages 14+ to arrive for free and everyone MUST arrive together) + 3-day admission pass (per person 14 years and older)

*’Arriving together’ means you can arrive in separate vehicles or the same vehicle but must be at check-in at the same time. **Suggestion: Determine a meeting spot nearby (such as a gas station) and then follow each other to the festival grounds so that you arrive together.**

*No meeting people at the gate. No duplicates/copies of reserved campsite tickets allowed. Once your ticket is scanned then it will NOT work for other people arriving separate from you. No exceptions.

*Unreserved camping areas will be restricted to the general public until 3:00pm*

*Late arrivals will NOT be allowed into the grounds if you are unable to arrive by 9pm. Check-in will open again on Thursday, June 25th at 7am.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday Arrivals

FIELDS GATE: Check-in here if you are tent or car camping in any unreserved area, Reserved Fields, Any Prairie Reserved, Pre-set tent camping, camping cabin

PINES GATE: Check in here ONLY for RV Electric, Reserved Pines, Reserved Family

*No, you do NOT need to all arrive together if you check-in on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

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All 3-day admission ticket holders (without a Wednesday camping pass or a reserved campsite ticket) can arrive for check-in starting at 7AM on Thursday June 25th.

All 2-day and 1-day Friday admission ticket holders can arrive for check-in starting at 9AM on Friday, June 26th.

*Reminder: 1-day Friday ticket holders MUST leave the grounds after the late night music ends. No overnight camping of any kind. 

All 1-day Saturday admission ticket holders can arrive for check-in starting at 10AM on Saturday, June 27th. *Must use the Fields gate for Saturday check-in. Saturday pass holders MUST park your car in the free overflow parking area located in the Fields and walk/cart your camping gear to your campsite. You will not be able to drive your car into the unreserved GA wooded camping area to drop off your gear (with or without a car camping pass).

 

Camping Space: Please only take the space that you need. NO roping off or saving additional camping space for friends that have not yet arrived. We have a lot people that will need space in our unreserved areas and we want to make sure everyone has an enjoyable festival experience.

Family Unreserved Camp: Please help us conserve the very limited space in our family camping area. It may be tempting to setup in this area due to its convenience to the festival area however, we ask you to please respect the fact that families with young children have unique challenges in attending a music festival, and we would like to make it easier on them. Please save family camp for families with children.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

VIEW THE BLUE OX 2026 SITE MAP HERE

  • Porta-potties available in the campground and festival bowl
  • A permanent shower building (free to all campers to use)
  • Free filtered water available in multiple locations within the festival bowl
  • Fire rings are allowed but are VERY limited and available on a first come basis. We do not sell fire rings or take reservations. We suggest that you bring your own ring if you would like to guarantee your own campfire.
  • Bags of ice and firewood available for purchase on-site
  • We have dumpsters on-site for garbage and recycling. Please adopt a leave-no-trace mentality and clean up after yourself.
  • Grills are allowed but not provided
  • View Festival Beverage Options HERE
  • View Festival Food Vendor Options HERE
  • View Festival Experiences, Activities & Workshops HERE

Cash & Credit Accepted: Blue Ox accepts both cash and credit card for beverage purchases at the Beer Tent and Lodge. Most food and hardgood vendors accept card but some only accept cash. Merch Tent accepts both cash and car payment. ATM will be available on-site.

 

Blue Ox Merch Tent Hours: 

  • Wednesday (open for pick up orders only): 5:00pm-6:00pm
  • Thursday – Saturday: 10:30am – 11:00pm

 

IMPORTANT CAMPFIRE INFO: Campfires are allowed. Number one rule is take care and tend to your fire! They must be enclosed and attended to. Please put out your fire before leaving your campsite. Add water, mix, and repeat! Fire rings are available in limited quantities throughout the campground (first-come, first-serve). We do NOT sell fire rings or take reservations/special requests for them. We suggest that you bring your own fire ring if you would like to guarantee a campfire at your site.

*If you want to bring your own firewood, its VERY important that you only bring wood purchased from a Wisconsin Certified DATCP, such as a Gas Station or Grocery Store, within 25 miles of our venue to reduce the spread of insect pests and diseases being brought into our campground.*

*Please DO NOT bring in your own wood scraps/wood from home.

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FOR THOSE CAMPING IN RVS

VIEW PDF CAMPGROUND MAP WITH SITE NUMBERS

All RVs, motor-homes, pull-behinds, trailers, pop-up campers/tear-drop campers MUST have a reserved campsite ticket for us to scan at the gate to gain access to the grounds. Please be prepared for uneven ground. Some helpful tools for leveling your RV or camper unit include jacks, a shovel, and leveling blocks of 2×6 or larger lumber.

RV Pumping & Water Services:

Cesspool Cleaners: Providing on-site pumping and water fills for RV Campers. $50 per water fill/dump (cash only)

Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-4pm.

To Schedule Service while on-site: Text your Campsite #, RV Make/Model and service needed to 715-577-9740

 

Off-Site Options:

  • The Eau Claire Water Treatment Plant (5 minutes away) offers free waste disposal 7 days a week from 7am-2:30pm. No water services available.
  • Chippewa Falls City Sewage Treatment Plant (23 minutes away) offers free waste disposal and has potable and rinse water (non-potable) available. Location: 1125 West River Street, Chippewa Falls, WI (715-726-2745)
  • Camping World in Eau Claire (13 minutes away) offers non-potable water fills for RVs. Location: 6440 Scully Dr, Eau Claire, WI. Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-7pm / Saturday 9am-6pm / Sunday 11am-5pm

 

FOR THOSE STAYING OFF SITE

We are located at 5024 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Parking: Free daily parking in the Fields is included with your admission ticket. Use Fields Gate.

Lyft/Uber: Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft are available in the Eau Claire area. Our Pick-up and Drop-off location this year is at The Fields Gate.

Hotel Shuttles: Shuttles will run regularly between multiple area hotels and the festival all weekend long. New this year, we’re excited to announce that you can purchase your 3-day hotel shuttle pass online, in advance, to save a little money. Visit our Info page to view shuttle schedule & more details

Buy an Advance Hotel Shuttle Pass Here

*Advance shuttle pass sales close Tuesday June 23rd at 11:59PM CT. After Tuesday, shuttle passes will only be available for purchase on the bus in exact cash at a higher price. 1-day shuttle passes only available purchase on the bus.

WEATHER ALERTS

Stay in the know with Blue Ox Weather Alerts! Blue Ox will email and/or text all 2026 customers with contact information on file with Afton Tickets if there are any schedule updates due to weather delays during the festival.

CLICK HERE to login to your Afton account to make sure your email/phone number on file is up-to date.

*SMS messages will come from 503-213-4177 and email notifications will come from Afton Tickets.

TAG-A-KID (WRISTBAND YOUR CHILD)

How does TAG-A-KID work?

  • TAG-A-KID is where your child will receive their wristband. We STRONGLY recommend children 16 and under have a wristband.
  • When your child receives a wristband at TAG-A-KID they must have an adult present.
  • We will register each child’s wristband with a parent or guardian’s name and number.
  • If a child is lost we will have a system in place to connect them with their caretaker.
  • If you’ve lost a child we will have a system in place to make public announcements to quickly find them

 

Location: TAG-A-KID will be located in the festival bowl near the large banjo and bubbles.

TAG-A-KID hours: Thursday – Saturday: Noon-8:00pm

*If you need assistance after hours, you can report to the first aid tent. They will have access to the emergency contact list

 

How do I come up with a “Family Safe Plan” while at the festival?

  1. Start by talking with your children about your personal family rules while at festivals or in large crowds
  2. Designate an easy meeting place to go to if one of you becomes lost.  We recommend this be the TAG-A-KID booth!
  3. Teach your children a short phrase to communicate that they need assistance, such as…”My name is Billy, my Mom’s name is Kate. I’m lost.”  Speaking up can be tricky as a child, practicing simple phrases can help!
  4. Lastly, make sure to get our child a wristband at TAG-A-KID.

 

FESTIVAL BOWL RULES 

We want you to be comfortable while hanging out with us at The Pines. To make sure everyone has an amazing experience, we have a few festival bowl rules we’d like you to follow:

Chairs are Welcome: Unlike other festivals, camp chairs are welcome here as long as they are set up in designated seating areas.

Low-Profile Shade Tents: Small personal shade structures under 4 ft tall are allowed in designated areas along the perimeter of the bowl. If possible, please try to remove these after sunset to help eliminate cord tripping hazards that are hard to see at night. Space is limited and not guaranteed for everyone.

No Hammocks in the Bowl: Last year we shifted to a ‘no hammock’ rule in the festival bowl to free up more shaded space for chairs, blankets and sightlines and have decided to continue this rule due to the overall positive feedback we received.

Standing Only Areas: Standing only areas are meant for exactly what it says. Please do NOT set up blankets, chairs or tarps in these designated zones which are located in the front of each stage. This ensures everyone who wants to stand, move and dance close to the stage has space to do so safely.

Nightly Reset: All personal items (including chairs and shade structures) should be removed from the bowl after the music ends each night. This way our volunteers have space to clean up and it gives everyone a fair, first-come shot at spots the next morning.

*We’re all a festival family here. Please be open to sharing your chair and/or shade structure with others when unoccupied. Please be respectful of other people’s property.