News

Know Before You GO!

Arrival Information for Blue Ox 2025!

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

We can’t wait to welcome you to the 11th Annual Blue Ox Music Festival.

 

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

 

Tickets

If you chose PRINT AT HOME DELIVERY, please either print off your PDF tickets or download them to your phone. If you chose MOBILE DELIVERY, the email will contain your tickets within it. 

When you approach the gate, please turn up the brightness on your device’s screen as high as possible (to make the barcode scanning easier) and open your Mobile Tickets delivery email, so the body of that email is displayed on your screen.

When the event staff asks to see your ticket, show them the screen of your smartphone, so they can scan the barcode for each ticket you are redeeming for admission.

Finding Your Tickets: Please check your email account’s Spam or Junk folder, if you haven’t received your mobile ticket(s) in your inbox. You can 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.

 

Location & Gate Hours

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

*NO overnight parking or early lining up on Crescent Ave for campground entry will be allowed. If you arrive early, you will be directed to leave and return when we open or you can wait in a line on Eagle Lane. Getting here early does not mean you will get into the grounds in order of getting into line. Eagle Lane is a waiting area, not a line to get in first.

*Each person entering the campground MUST have a Blue Ox 2025 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.

 

Fields Gate Hours:

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, Day Parking 

Thursday: 7:00 AM – Midnight

Friday: 9:00 AM – Midnight

Saturday: 10:00 AM -Midnight

 

Pines Gate Hours:

Check-in here ONLY if you are RV Electric, Reserved Pines, Reserved Family

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM*

Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM*

Saturday: Closed – All traffic will need to use the Fields Gate

*All traffic will be diverted to the Fields Gate for entry after the Pines gate closes

Wednesday Arrivals

Wednesday Check-in: Open ONLY to those with a Wednesday Night Camping Ticket or Reserved Campsite!

Purchase Wednesday Night Camping Pass!

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

 

Unreserved Tent Campers / Car Camping Attendees: Use Fields Gate

Check-in Time: Wednesday, June 25th 3pm-9pm (Do NOT arrive early)

*If you arrive early, you will be directed to leave and return when we open or you can wait on Eagle Lane. Getting here early does not mean you will get into the grounds in order of getting into line.

Eagle Lane is a waiting area, not a line to get in first. If you want to WAIT on Eagle Lane then we suggest taking South Town Hall Road to Eagle Lane so that you are parked on the side of the road pointing in the correct direction.

The best way to get to Eagle Lane Waiting Area:

  • Arriving from the East = Off of Crescent Ave, take a right onto Curvue Road. Follow Curvue until you get to South Town Hall Road. Take a left onto South Town Hall Road. South Town Hall Road turns into Eagle Lane.
  • Arriving from the West = Take Crescent Ave then take a right onto South Town Hall Road. South Town Hall Road turns into Eagle Lane.

Those with a Wednesday Camping pass will be allowed into the venue starting at 3:00PM at our Fields Gate. Lines formed within the Fields Gate will be first come first served in terms of entry. Lines off Eagle Lane mean nothing in terms of entry since it’s just a waiting area.

 

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.

*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 26th at 7am.

*We encourage you to ONLY purchase Wednesday camping if you are able to arrive before 9pm on Wednesday June 25th since refunds will not be offered if you cannot arrive on time.

 

What you need to gain access on Wednesday:

  • Wednesday Night camping pass (per person 14 years and older)
  • 3-day admission pass (per person 14 years and older)

 

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 Camping pass but everyone MUST arrive TOGETHER

 

Check-in Time: Wednesday June 25th Noon-9pm; sign up is not required

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

 

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

*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 26th at 7am.

 

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

 

What you need to gain access on Wednesday:

  • The reserved campsite ticket is your ‘golden’ ticket into the grounds.
    • (1) Reserved ticket allows up to 6 people total (14+) to arrive for free on Wednesday.
    • Everyone must arrive TOGETHER with the reserved campsite ticket holder if you want to camp Wednesday night.
      • ‘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.**
  • 3-day admission pass (per person 14 years and older)

 

*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. Unfortunately, people took advantage of Wednesday reserved camping in the past which is why EVERYONE must arrive together and follow the above rules. No exceptions.

*Arriving together ONLY pertains to reserved campsites who want to gain access on Wednesday for free. Anyone arriving on Thursday can drive in separate from the reserved campsite ticket and would just need admission to gain access.

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

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

 

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 26th.

All 2-day admission ticket holders can arrive for check-in starting at 9AM on Friday, June 27th.

All 1-day Saturday admission ticket holders can arrive for check-in starting at 10AM on Saturday, June 28th. *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.

 

CAMPING AT THE PINES MUSIC PARK

VIEW THE BLUE OX 2025 SITE MAP HERE

 

For those Camping in any Unreserved Area:

  • Unreserved tent camping is included with all multi-day and 1-day Saturday passes.
    • Those arriving on Saturday will most likely have to camp in Prairie Unreserved but you are welcome to to set up you tent in a different unreserved area if you are able to find the space needed.
  • Space is first come first served
  • Must have a car camping pass* to park your car next to your tent or sleep in your car in any unreserved area.

*The Pines Campground will be CLOSED to all vehicle traffic at 8PM nightly (including those with a car camping pass).*

*Those with a Car Camping Pass:  We strongly encourage you to leave your vehicle parked all weekend, however if you need to leave the grounds you may do so. Upon your return you may drive back to where you were parked if you return before dark but if your space has been taken then you will have to park in the Fields Parking lot for the remainder of the weekend.

*Those without a Car Camping Pass: Car camping is SOLD OUT. If you do not have a car camping pass then you can drop off your belongings at your campsite in Unreserved Camping until 8pm on Thursday, June 26th but then must move your car to our Fields Parking lot after unloading. If you arrive after 8pm on Thursday with/without a car camping pass then you will be directed to overflow Fields parking and will have to cart/walk your belongings to your campsite. All tent campers will be allowed to drive back to their site on Sunday to pack up.

 

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)

Wednesday – Saturday: 10am-4pm.

Contact Troy on-site to schedule service! 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

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ON-SITE AMENITIES

Amenities include free showers, free filtered water, nine-hole disc golf course, full-service bar, beer tent, and food vendors.

  • View Festival Beverage Options HERE
  • View Festival Food Vendor Options HERE
  • View Festival Experiences & Activities 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

Grills are allowed but not provided.

Ice and firewood will be available for purchase at the Blue Ox Lodge

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.

*Important* 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.

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.

Shuttle Service: is also available from select local hotels. Schedule information AND pricing can be found on the Blue Ox website HERE. Shuttle will drop you off and pick you up on-site at The Pines Gate.

WEATHER ALERTS

Stay in the know with Blue Ox Weather Alerts! Blue Ox will email and/or text all 2025 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 1-2 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 2:30pm-8:00pm / Friday & Saturday 12:30pm-7:00pm

*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

New for Blue Ox 2025: Festival Bowl Reorganization >> READ MORE HERE

  • No Hammocks allowed within the festival bowl
  • Expanded standing and chair area near the pond
  • Designated walk paths

We want you to be comfortable while here at Blue Ox which is why we allow both chairs and small shade structures within our festival bowl unlike other events that may not allow this. However, in order to continue offering this comfort we do need to ask that you follow a few rules so that we have space for everyone.

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.

  1. If you would like to sit during the shows, please set up chairs within our designated ‘Chairs Only’ section.
  2. ALL shade structure must be 4ft or under and MUST be set up in the back of the bowl is the designated ‘Shade Structure’ section. Space is limited and not guaranteed for everyone.
  3. If possible, please remove your shade structure from the festival bowl after sunset. All chairs and shade structures should be taken down and removed from the festival bowl at the end of each day.