Eau The Places We'll Go Podcast
Get ready to explore Eau Claire like never before! And in a city with so many unique stories, we're ready to share them. Eau the Places We’ll Go takes you behind the scenes of Eau Claire's biggest events, must-visit attractions, and one-of-a-kind experiences through conversations with the people who make them happen. From festival organizers to event creators, farmers to runners, this podcast is your all-access pass to the energy, creativity, and passion that make Eau Claire unforgettable. Whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor planning your next trip, get ready to explore Eau Claire like never before—one episode at a time.
Episode 14: Downtown Eau Claire's Signature Music Event
A staple on the area entertainment calendar is theEau Claire Jazz Fest, returning this April. Executive Director Quentin Volk details the numerous educational components and opportunities with top flight musicians for thousands of regional students that weekend. The headliner concerts at The Pablo and the noteworthy Jazz Crawl in downtown that has become the envy of many communities nationwide. He also discusses how their goal is be like Disneyland, and provides so many options, there is no way a patron can do it all.
Episode 13: Big Time Football is Coming to Eau Claire
Known nationally for elite competition and high-energy showcases, Pylon 7on7 Football has become one of the premier platforms for young athletes to be seen, and now they’re bringing that spotlight to our area and The Sonnentag Center on March 14 & 15. Erica from Pylon 7on7 details what this event is and why Eau Claire was chosen as one of the sites. We also learn what exactly is 7 v 7 football and where do theathletes come from and how there have been over 3k Division I alumniand over 300 NFL players who have played in their events since 2006. 12 of the last 13 Heisman Trophy Winners havelinage back to Pylon 7on7.
Lucas from Visit Eau Claire also joins us to share insightsinto how he and the team helped to secure this event, and the potential impacts it will have.
Episode 12: Banbury Art Crawl
Grab your walking shoes and that sense of wonder as we preview the 2026 Banbury Art Crawl with coordinator Mindy Huntress. This free and family-friendly event started in 2008 and continues to highlight both local and regional artists with a colorful event that turns Banbury Place into an open art gallery and art fair, complete with live music and food. As a full-time artist herself, Mindy also gives us a glimpse into what it means to be a local, professional artist. The 2026 Banbury Art Crawl takes place February 6th & 7th.
Episode 11: Bragging about Eau Claire
Bragging about our area’s highlights is the job of Visit Eau Claire’s Senior PR Manager, Luke Alexopoulos. He pulls back the curtain on how Eau Claire is marketed to the region and the world, from showcasing different events to telling the stories of the communities. He talks tourism, economic impact, and what it really takes to get people to put Eau Claire on their travel map.
Whether you’re a local who already loves it here or someone curious about the region, you’ll get insight into our town.
Episode 10: Strolling downtown
The heartbeat of a community is downtown and Eau Claire isno different. This area of the community has seen spectacular growth over the past 20 years, and during the holidays inparticular, shines with lights and activity. Erin Klaus is a downtown business owner and president of Downtown EauClaire Incorporated, a non-profit that assists and markets this slice of the city. She joins us to share insights into downtown, what events are coming up and yes…she talks parking as well.
Episode 9: Inside the Sonnentag Center with the New General Manager
Long dreamed of in the community, The Sonnentag Center opened in late 2024 with the goal of serving as a hub for athletics, concerts, conferences and community gatherings in the region. Interim General Manager Steve Kirk talksabout the intricacies of this multi-faceted space from its unique fieldhouse to the event center/arena. The ways thecenter is accessible to the community and the effort to connect with as many local users as possible while simultaneously working to bring in outside groups. And the collaborative effort they have with other area event spaces to enhance the area’s overall entertainment eco-system.
Episode 8: UWEC Homecoming 2025
Once every Fall, everyone in the area is a BLUGOLD with the annual UW-Eau Claire Homecoming. This year marks the 100th Homecoming celebration and Joann Martin '15 with Student Activities and Gary Barta '79 the Alumni Association Board President tell us what makes this such a special event
They note all to look forward to from the morning parade returning to Water Street, a new live concert following the football game, various meet-ups and the I Love the 90s show at The Sonnentag.
They also highlight the importance of connecting both the older alumni and those only a few years removed from attending classes with the event. And showcasing the synergy the university and the city as a whole have had in burgeoning growth the last 20 years.
Episode 7: Great Gourds & Big Vibes: Inside Altoona's Ginormous Pumpkin Festival
The third annual Ginormous Pumpkin Festival returns to River Prairie in Altoona on Saturday,y September 27th. Officially one of the world’s largest “bigpumpkin” weigh-off competitions, the full day event has become a staple in the community, featuring a fun run, pumpkin decorating, a pet costume contest, and much more. City administrator -and big pumpkin growing veteran- Mike Golat gives us the details on the 2025 edition of the event. We also learn why the City of Altoona takes the lead on establishing many events throughout the year. We also talk about the brand new container park dubbed “The Yard” and the arrival of this new public engagement space to the valley.
Episode 6: Multi-Cultural Festival
Eau Claire is a collection of diverse cultures, and each August, they are showcased at the annual multi-cultural festival. A full day of immersing visitors into varying cultures through food, music, games and exhibits. Committee member Marisol Cisneros tells Scott about why the opportunity to showcase cultures is important, the ways immersion helps build bridges through shared experience.
Episode 5: Ride Across Wisconsin
Nearly 1,000 visitors will converge in Eau Claire this July for Ride Across Wisconsin. This event, put on by the Wisconsin Bike Federation, celebrates its 10th Anniversary and is making its first visit to the region. Heather Rainer, with the Wisconsin Bike Federation, tells us why Eau Claire was selected, what the community can expect, and how the focus of the event is on showcasing the communities it's held in.
Episode 4: U.S. Kubb Championships
How did KUBB not only grow in interest, but become a partof the identity of Eau Claire? The nickname “Kubb Capital of North America” isn’t just a marketing slogan; it is accurate, as our community is known by players far and wide. Eau Claire is home to the country’s largest tournament and the second largest in the world!
Eric Anderson with the U.S. Kubb Championships, talks to us on the newest “Eau the Places We’ll Go” presented by Visit Eau Claire.