It’s about to be that time of year again where you get together with all your buds, grab some grub, and apply not nearly enough sunscreen before getting away and enjoying some great music. Luckily, the Chippewa Valley is an amazing location that holds a ton of awesome festivals that include both great local and big name acts.

For decades now, the Chippewa Valley has been a great spot for country music fans to see some of the hottest artists and some good area bands. Country Fest is the first country music festival in the area with headliners Sugarland, Luke Bryan, and Little Big Town. The three day festival starts June 27 until June 29. If that’s not enough of a country fix, check out Country Jam a couple weeks later, July 18 through 20. Headlining Country Jam is Toby Keith, Jake Owen, and Keith Urban.

The self-proclaimed best kept secret of the upper Midwest, the Blue Ox Music Festival, runs from June 13-15 in Eau Claire. It’s definitely the best place around to get your fix of some amazing bluegrass, roots, and Americana artists. Make it a family trip, as children thirteen and under get in for free! If you’re looking for something with a little more punch, you can check out Rock Fest, July 18-20, with headliners Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Evanescence and a ton more. Closing out the music festivals in the area, OneFest is a Christian music event happening in Chippewa Falls at the end of July (26-28).

Beyond all the awesome music festivals, you can also get your music fix every week with two awesome free events in Eau Claire. Every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. in Owen Park, Tuesday Night Blues has an amazing Blues performer! With no real genre focus, Sounds Like Summer Concert Series in Phoenix Park, starts at 6 p.m. and features awesome local artists from around the area. Definitely check them out!

Festival season is fast approaching and I cannot wait. Let me know in the comments which one you’re going to and/or what you’re most excited for!