HOTELS
Our festival is located just a few miles from multiple Eau Claire hotels, including the Oxbow and Lismore which are situated in downtown Eau Claire. All hotels listed below are on our shuttle schedule. Please support our hotel sponsors — they are the closest to The Pines.
SPRINGHILL SUITES
1111 Menomonie St. (3.4 miles from Blue Ox)
Phone: 715-861-8744
Amenities include: Complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, free wi-fi and indoor pool. (Pets welcome)
GETTING TO THE VENUE
SHUTTLES
Shuttle Service
Reservations are not necessary.
Price TBD
SHUTTLES AVAILABLE FOR BLUE OX MUSIC FESTIVAL ONLY
NOT AVAILABLE FOR CAMPOUT IN THE PINES EVENTS
Rules
- Please be waiting promptly at the listed times on the Shuttle Schedule (time TBA)
- Buses will return to all locations after close of last main stage show (last shuttle leaving the festival is at 12:30 AM)
- No buses will leave unless full from 9PM to close of last main stage show.
- During weather-related emergencies, bus schedule may change.
- All buses are non-smoking.
Hotels on Shuttle Schedule
- Preferred Hotel: Springhill Suites (3.4 miles from Blue Ox)
- Preferred Hotel: Best Western Plus Eau Claire (3.5 miles from Blue Ox)
- The Lismore Hotel (Downtown; 6 miles from Blue Ox)
- Hampton Inn (3.8 miles from Blue Ox)
- Holiday Inn Express (4 miles from Blue Ox)
- The Oxbox Hotel (Downtown; 6 miles from Blue Ox)
- Quality Inn & Suites (4.2 miles from Blue Ox)
- Super 8 (4.2 miles from Blue Ox)
*Exact Shuttle Schedule Times for Blue Ox 2026 TBA
DIRECTIONS
THE PINES MUSIC PARK
5024 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office issues all traffic restrictions and rerouting policies for the festival. You may be rerouted once you get to Crescent Ave. Please follow these signs.
ARRIVAL + PARKING
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, located just off Crescent Ave near the Pines Music Park. Getting here early does not mean you will get into the grounds in the order of getting into line. Eagle Lane is a waiting area, not a line to get in first.
Parking
Free daily parking in the Fields is included with your admission ticket. If you are planning on staying off-site, please use the Fields Gate for check-in and parking.
Lyft/Uber
Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft are available in the Eau Claire area. Our pick-up and drop-off location is at the Fields Gate.
More details on arrival will be emailed to ticket holders leading up to the festival.
SITE MAP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
What are your gate hours?
3-day ticket holders can arrive starting Thursday at 7:00am. 2-day ticket holders can arrive starting Friday at 9:00am. 1-day Saturday ticket holders can arrive starting Saturday at 10:00am.
*All reserved campsites include free Wednesday Night Camping for up to 6 people (arriving together with the campsite ticket holder) per site. All attendees arriving on Wednesday must have a 3-day admission pass. Reserved campers can move-in starting Wednesday between Noon-9:00pm. *Times subject to change
*Unreserved tent campers and car camping attendees can purchase a Wednesday Night Camping pass if they want to move in on Wednesday night. All attendees arriving on Wednesday must have a 3-day admission pass. Pass will go on sale closer to the festival date. Wednesday Pass holders have access between 3:00-9:00pm. *Times subject to change.
What is your refund policy?
Blue Ox is rain or shine. All sales are final. No refunds or rollovers. Event dates, entertainment and times subject to change without notice. No pets allowed.
What time does the festival bowl open?
Campground gates open at 7AM on Thursday, 9AM on Friday and 10AM on Saturday. The Festival Bowl is open throughout the weekend once campground gates open on Thursday. The Festival Bowl closes nightly at 1AM which is also when all personal items (including chairs and shade structures) should be removed from the bowl to give everyone a fair chance at placing chairs the following morning in sought after areas. Gate times subject to change.
Is the festival kid friendly?
Yes! There are child-friendly activities at the Family Stage during the day that include crafts and entertainment. There is also an open area for other yard games. Children 13 and under are admitted free to the festival.
Who is playing at Blue Ox?
Our lineup typically does not come out until December – January each year. Join our email list and follow us on social media for updates!
When will the set times be announced?
The Set times will be available closer to the festival dates.
How do I get to Blue Ox?
The Blue Ox Music Festival takes place at the Pines Music Park (owned by Blue Ox), located at 5024 Crescent Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703.
What form of payment do you accept for food and drink?
The Beer Tent and Blue Ox lodge accepts both cash and credit/debit card. There will be an ATM on site if you need this. Most food and hard good vendors (including Blue Ox official merch) accept cards. Some are cash only.
What type of Food & Drinks will be available?
Blue Ox food and beverage vendors change year to year and will be announced (and posted in the News section) closer to the festival dates.
Tickets
How do I transfer tickets to someone else?
ONLY ACCEPT TICKETS THAT HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY TRANSFERRED THROUGH THE BLUE OX TICKETING PARTNER AFTON TICKETS! This is the only way to ensure that you have a real ticket. Instructions on how to properly transfer tickets can be found HERE! When using the transfer process, tickets will be moved from the seller’s Blue Ox/Afton Ticket account to the buyer’s Blue Ox/Afton Ticket account. *Use only purchase protected payment methods such as PayPal and make sure you send payment for goods or services, so purchase protection is in effect.
Can a General Admission pass be used for different people on different days?
No! All General Admission passes are for 1 person only, tampering with or sharing wristbands is not permitted. You will redeem your ticket at the gates and receive a wristband that you will need to keep on for the entire festival. Lost or broken wristbands will not be replaced. Single day tickets for Saturday are available for purchase for those wishing to come on Saturday only.
Do you sell ticket options without camping?
No, unreserved tent camping is automatically included for free with all admission tickets for events at The Pines Music Park.
Do you sell 1-day Thursday or 1-day Friday tickets?
No, we only sell ticket options which include the last day of the festival. Festival ticket options include 3-day (Thurs + Fri + Sat) , 2-day (Fri + Sat) and a limited number 1-day Saturday tickets.
How do I get children’s tickets?
Good news! Children 13 and under are free with a paid adult and do not need to present a ticket. Anyone over 13 years of age will be required to pay full-price.
Will tickets be available at the gate?
If the event is not sold out then 3-day, 2-day (Friday + Saturday) and 1-day Saturday tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. Please make sure to check the TICKETS page on our website to see if any of the above ticket types are sold out before arriving. *Only cards will be accepted for ticket purchases. No cash. *Please use the Fields Gate to make your ticket purchase.
Do I need to print off my ticket?
No, we accept both printed and digital tickets at the gate. If you choose digital, please try to download your ticket to your phone prior to your arrival so that it’s ready for us to scan. Once we scan your ticket barcode/QR code then you will receive a wristband which must be worn the entire weekend. To locate your ticket(s) please login to your Afton Tickets Account HERE
How do I find my ticket?
You can access your order by logging into your Afton Tickets account HERE. Make sure to check all of your email accounts, including spam and promotional folders. If you created an account with your email and forgot your password, RESET PASSWORD HERE. 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! We can also look up your order at our will-call ticket booth located at the Fields Gate.
Can I add an additional day to my ticket?
Yes. You will just have to pay the difference between your current ticket and the multi-day ticket you would like to upgrade to. You can pay the upgrade difference in advance by calling the office or simply stop at the ticket booth at the Fields Gate on the day you would like to access the festival. *Upgrade from a single day Saturday to a 2-day (Friday + Saturday) or a 3-day pass. *Upgrade from a 2-day (Friday + Saturday) to a 3-day pass.
Will this ticket be accepted for the event?
The only way to know that you are getting a genuine ticket is to purchase online from the Blue Ox Music Festival or through one of our ticket outlets. Make sure you keep your ticket in a safe place as you would cash, and protect it just like you would any other ticket! If any copies are made of the ticket, only the first scan of the barcode will be allowed entry. If more than one copy were to arrive, the barcode scanner will alert the attendant that the ticket has already been scanned.
What if I lost my ticket?
If you lose your ticket, we are able to redeem it through our system at the gates. If the ticket was won in a contest, promotion, or given to you for free, we will not be able to look it up and redeem it and you will need to purchase a new ticket. Lost wristbands will not be replaced under any circumstances, you will need to purchase another ticket.
What if I experience problems printing my ticket or other problems?
If you have not received your tickets via e-mail, check your junk email for an email from Afton Tickets. You can also contact Blue Ox at 715-602-4440 or [email protected]. Please explain what happened and we will help you with your order.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. You can split your entire order into interest free payments using PayPal PayLater. View directions here.
What is your refund policy?
Blue Ox is rain or shine. All sales are final. No refunds or rollovers. Event dates, entertainment and times subject to change without notice. No pets allowed.
Will ticket prices go up?
Yes, ticket prices increase multiple times throughout the year. Each price level is available in limited quantities. Once the price level is sold out, tickets will continue to be sold at the next price level, while supplies last.
Festival Bowl Rules
The Pines Music Park is an outdoor music venue. Events here are rain or shine.
*Smoking is highly discouraged within the festival bowl. Please be mindful of other guests and kindly step outside of the gated area to smoke.
Allowed Items in Festival Bowl:
- (Yes) Empty Water Bottles / Hydration Packs
- (Yes) Factory Sealed Water Bottles
- (Yes) Backpacks/purse/fanny pack
- (Yes) Blankets (Not allowed in standing area in front of sound tent)
- (Yes) Chairs (allowed in designated areas)
- (Yes) Wagons
- (Yes) Kids’ Strollers
- (Yes) Small Shade tents under 4 ft tall – must be set up along rear perimeter of bowl (subject to change)
*Subject to change
*All items carried into the festival gates are subject to search by Blue Ox security. All items, including chairs and shade structures should be removed at the end of the night to give everyone a fair chance at placing chairs the following morning in sought after areas. Blue Ox is NOT liable for any items left behind.
NOT allowed in Festival Bowl:
- (No) Carry-in food and beverage, including alcohol
- (No) Large EZ Up/Shade tents over 4 ft tall
- (No) Hammocks
- (No) Pets, even small ones
- (No) Glass containers
- (No) Fireworks, Tikki Torches, Kegs or Drones
- (No) Golf Carts, ATVs, Boats, Power Scooters or Dirt Bikes
- (No) Illegal substances
- (No) Firearms of any kind with or without a permit
Campground Rules
Campground Rules (permitted items)
Allowed in the Campground:
- (Yes) Food and drink (including alcohol)
- (Yes) Portable camping grills
- (Yes) Campfires (must be contained and attended at all times)
Not Allowed in Campground:
- (No) Pets (even small ones)
- (No) Glass containers
- (No) Kegs, tanks, tiki torches, fireworks or drones
- (No) Firearms of any kind with or without a permit
- (No) illegal substances
- (No) Golf carts, power scooters, dirt bikes or ATVs on-site.
- (No) Vending (sharing- Yes, Selling – No)
Camping at Blue Ox
Is tent camping included with my admission ticket?
Yes, unreserved tent camping and parking in our lot (not next to your car) is included free of charge with 3-day, 2-day and 1-day Saturday passes.
Car / RV passes are NOT included with your pass and must be purchased separately.
What are the camping check-in hours?
You must have an admission ticket that matches the day of your arrival to access the campground. Campground check-in times start Thursday at 7:00 a.m. to Midnight (for 3-day pass holders), Friday 9:00 a.m. to Midnight (for 2-day pass holders) and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (for 1-day Saturday pass holders).
Free early move-in on Wednesday afternoon (Noon – 9pm) will be available to those with a Reserved Campsite (for up to 6 people), Pre-set Tent site (for up to 2 people) or Tiny Cabin (for up to 2 people), excludes car camping, as long as each person staying at your site has a 3-day admission pass and everyone must arrive together with the reserved site ticket holder.
Those camping in a tent or car camping in an unreserved area can add on a Wednesday night camping pass (per person) to access the grounds Wednesday from 3:00 – 9:00pm. Wednesday Night camping passes will be available for purchase closer to the festival.
If you are arriving on Saturday, you will not be able to drive your car to your campsite to drop off your camping gear. You must park your car in the free overflow parking area located in the Fields and walk your camping gear to your campsite. All tent campers will be able to drive back to your campsite on Sunday to pack up.
Will there be family camping available?
Yes. We will have an area set aside specifically for family camping. If you wish to camp in the family camping area, simply follow the signs upon your arrival. There is also a non-family quiet camping area in the general unreserved section. If you are not staying with young children we encourage you to explore staying in the quiet camping area, since space in the family camping area is VERY LIMITED and fills up quickly.
Are RVs/pop-up campers allowed?
Yes! If you plan to bring an RV, pull behind/trailer, or pop-up/tear-drop camper you will need to purchase a RESERVED site. You will need to have a reserved campsite pass to gain access to the grounds. For safety reasons, your RV will need to stay in the campground for the duration of the festival. Please make sure you purchase a site that can accommodate your camping units and vehicles, Blue Ox offers sites of various sizes with the largest reserved sites located in the Prairie Reserved Camping area.
Do I need a separate pass to sleep in my car or park my car next to my tent in unreserved camping?
Yes, but you will need to purchase a car camping pass. A car camping pass does not give you in and out privileges, however if you need to leave the grounds you may do so. Upon your return you may drive back to where you were parked in General Unreserved Camping. NO vehicle traffic allowed after 8:00PM in The Pines Camping Area (Unreserved GA/Family, Family Reserved, Pines Reserved and Electric Reserved).
* There is only a limited number car camping passes available.
Please do NOT purchase a car camping pass with your Saturday ticket. Saturday arrivals must park your car in the free overflow parking area located in the Fields and walk your camping gear to your campsite. Packing a wagon will make this process easier.
Can I have a fire at my campsite?
All fires must be contained within a metal or stone fire ring, limited quantities are spread throughout the campgrounds. If you want to be guaranteed a fire ring you should bring your own. Local burning restrictions will be enforced during the festival. Restrictions can change daily and will be enforced. All wood must be purchased either on-site OR 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 disease. *Please DO NOT bring your own wood scraps/wood from home.
Can I drive back to unreserved camping if I plan to arrive on Friday or Saturday?
If you are arriving on Friday or Saturday and plan to camp in unreserved tent camping then you MUST have a car camping pass to drive back to your campsite. If you do not have a car pass then you will have to park in our Fields lot and cart/walk your belongings to your campsite. Late arrivals may be directed to prairie unreserved camping once the available pines unreserved camping areas fill up.
Can I camp with my 1-day ticket?
Those with a Saturday 1-day ticket can camp Saturday night into Sunday. Campground check-in on Saturday* is from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. *You will not be able to drive your car to your unreserved campsite to drop off your camping gear when you arrive on Saturday; even with a car camping pass. Please do NOT purchase a car camping pass with your Saturday ticket. You must park your car in the free overflow parking area located in the Fields and walk your camping gear to your campsite. Packing a wagon will make this process easier. Arriving on Saturday means you will most likely have to camp in Prairie Unreserved. All tent campers will be able to drive back to your campsite on Sunday to pack up.
Do you have showers?
Yes. We have a permanent shower building on-site. Showers are free to all campers.
Can I leave and re-enter the campgrounds?
A car camping pass/reserved campsite does not give you in and out privileges, however if you need to leave the grounds you may do so. Upon your return you may drive back to where you were parked in General Unreserved Camping or back to your reserved campsite. NO vehicle traffic allowed after 8:00PM in The Pines Camping Area (Unreserved GA/Family, Family Reserved, Pines Reserved and Electric Reserved). If you do not have a reserved campsite or car camping pass then you will be directed to park in the Fields Overflow lot.
Parking / Car Camping
How much is daily parking?
Parking is complimentary for all ticket holders in the Fields parking area adjacent to The Pines Music Park campground.
Do I need a separate pass to sleep in my car or park my car next to my tent in unreserved camping?
Yes, but you will need to purchase a car camping pass, good for vehicles 20′ and shorter in length. A car camping pass does not give you in and out privileges, however if you need to leave the grounds you may do so. Upon your return you may drive back to where you were parked in General Unreserved Camping. NO vehicle traffic allowed after 8:00PM in The Pines Camping Area (Unreserved GA/Family, Family Reserved, Pines Reserved and Electric Reserved).
* There is only a limited number car camping passes available.
Please do NOT purchase a car camping pass with your Saturday ticket. Saturday arrivals must park your car in the free overflow parking area located in the Fields and walk your camping gear to your campsite. Packing a wagon will make this process easier.
What if I don’t have a car camping pass?
If you plan to camp in unreserved tent camping and DO NOT have a car camping pass then you can drop off your belongings until 7:00PM Thursday of the festival and then must move your car to Perimeter Parking or Fields Parking lot after unloading. Individuals parked in permit parking areas are encouraged to leave their vehicles for the duration of their stay as getting back to these spots may be difficult later in the weekend. After 8:00 PM Thursday, those who do NOT possess a car camping pass will go to the Fields Parking area and will need to cart or walk their belongings to their campsite.
Do I need a car camping pass to park my vehicle at my reserved campsite?
No, cars parked within your reserved campsite DO NOT need a car camping pass but you must stay within your campsite boundaries. If your vehicle does not fit within your campsite space then can park it for free in the Fields parking lot. You cannot park your car in the road or camping areas around your campsite. Please do NOT block roads.
RV / Reserved Camping
Do reserved campsites include admission?
No, all non-electric and electric campsites are an add-on item. If you purchase a reserved campsite, you will also need to purchase a General Admission ticket to enter the campground/festival ground. Anyone accessing the campground needs their own admission ticket (kids 13 and under are free).
Do you offer RV waste disposal?
Yes, for an additional fee. Cesspool Cleaners will be on-site providing pumping and water fills for RVs. Available Wednesday – Saturday from (10am – 4pm). More information will become available to you in an arrival email which will be sent out just before the festival and within our print program given to you at check-in. *Price and hours subject to change
The Eau Claire Wastewater Treatment Plant (located down the road from us at 1000 Ferry St., Eau Claire, WI) offers free RV waste disposal. They are open 7 days a week from 7AM -2:30 PM.
*Only Non Potable water available. NOT for drinking, washing or cooking purposes
Falls City Sewage Plant (1125 W River St., Chippewa Falls, WI) has free potable and non potable water. Thank you.
Do you have water hook-ups for RVs?
No! For an additional fee Cesspool Cleaners provides on-site water fills for RVs. Available Wednesday – Saturday (10am – 4pm). More information will become available to you in an arrival email which will be sent out just before the festival and within our print program given to you at check-in. *Price and hours subject to change
Where to fill nearby: The Chippewa Falls City Sewage Plant (1125 W River St., Chippewa Falls, WI) has free potable and non potable water.
Can I camp in a tent on my Reserved Site?
Yes, tents are allowed. The main requirement is that you stay within the bounds of your Reserved Campsite.
Are RVs/pop-up campers allowed?
Yes! If you plan to bring an RV, pull behind/trailer, or pop-up/tear-drop camper you will need to purchase a RESERVED site. You will need to have a reserved campsite pass to gain access to the grounds. For safety reasons, your RV will need to stay in the campground for the duration of the festival. Please make sure you purchase a site that can accommodate your camping units and vehicles, Blue Ox offers sites of various sizes with the largest reserved sites located in the Prairie Reserved Camping area.
How many people can camp on my reserved campsite?
As long as everyone has a ticket to the event, and you are not encroaching on your neighbor’s space you can use your entire campsite to accommodate your group.
Do I need a car camping pass to park my vehicle at my reserved campsite?
No, cars parked within your reserved campsite DO NOT need a car camping pass but you must stay within your campsite boundaries. If your vehicle does not fit within your campsite space then can park it for free in the Fields parking lot. You cannot park your car in the road or camping areas around your campsite. Please do NOT block roads.
Emergencies & Weather Alerts
In the event of severe weather, a warning will be issued by patrol cars and Event Staff. Please follow instructions given. Your cooperation will ensure the safety of you and others. If you need to be notified for an emergency, your family must contact the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department.
Stay in the know with Blue Ox Weather Alerts! Blue Ox will text all current festival year customers with contact information on file via 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 and that you are opted into receive messages. You will only receive these notifications if you have opted into receiving SMS messages from Blue Ox. You have to manually check a box to opt in to receive these messages; this is not automatic.
*SMS messages will come from 503-213-4177
ADA Accessibility Information
Are Service Animals Allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed with proper identification and must remain with its owner (restrained) at all times. Pets of ANY kind are NOT ALLOWED anywhere in the festival, including the campground. ADA Service Animal Guidelines can be read HERE.
ADA Accessible Parking & Drop-off
ADA parking is available in the fields parking area (handicap stickers required) on a first come first served basis. It is very close to the entrance gates for main and side stage music, and near the ADA drop-off point.
Is ADA accessible camping available?
All Blue Ox campsites are considered to be ADA accessible. We do have a number of both reserved (for purchase), and unreserved campsites (included with GA Ticket) available which are close to festival bowl entrances. Please call our office if you would like a reserved campsite in this area. If you are planning on camping in the unreserved ADA section please notify festival staff to be directed to an acceptable campsite. The campgrounds are considered primitive and different areas of the grounds include hills and other unstable ground. Traversing the campgrounds may be challenging in certain areas.
Is ADA accessible seating available?
While our entire concert bowl is considered ADA accessible, we do not have an area specifically set aside for seating. There is no seating at this festival. You can bring a chair into the festival bowl and place it in the chair friendly area. The bowl area grading allows easy sight lines to main and side stages from all seating areas.