Good morning, Eau Claire.

Home4Healing, a nonprofit that provides month-to-month housing for blood cancer patients at Mayo Clinic, will host a Kentucky Derby watch party at the A-T Elite Performance Center in Altoona on Saturday, May 3.

The event will offer games, live music and betting to raise funds for the organization—founded by Eau Claire resident Shannon Camlek after her battle with cancer.

The first farmers market of the season will open at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the Phoenix Park Farmers Market Pavilion in Eau Claire, where about 30 vendors will offer dairy, meat products and in-season vegetables while some fruits like strawberries and blueberries are not yet available. The market will later expand its hours and resume a token program in June to allow customers to use debit, credit and SNAP cards.

The popular downtown restaurant Galloway Grill is set to reopen in the old Galloway Grille space after a three-year closure.

Owner Brett Berg is preparing the venue with classic menu items (and local artifacts) and plans to start serving within the next two to three weeks.

On May 1, Culver’s offered $1 single scoops of custard in chocolate, vanilla, or How Now Brown Cow to benefit local FFA chapters.

The annual event—now in its 12th year—has raised nearly $7 million for agriculture education, with almost 170,000 scoops served nationwide last year.

On April 28, 2025, the National Weather Service confirmed a fifth tornado in Eau Claire County—this tornado touched down just south of Augusta and caused damage to barns and trees.

Officials noted that four other tornadoes hit the area that night, with damage ranging from broken trees to outbuildings.

A poll by the Healthy Wisconsin Alliance showed 70% of Wisconsin voters were worried about hospitals closing, with 85% of Chippewa Valley voters concerned after recent facility losses.

State lawmakers may use the results to back local providers such as the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative — a community-owned effort — to fill health care gaps.

Eau Claire Princess Day

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Best Western Plus Eau Claire Conference Center — Ticket required — Experience joy, laughter, and magic with royal songs, stories, and crafts.

Haven Church End of Year Party

6-8 p.m. — Action City — $15 — Celebrate the end of the year with pizza, soda, and trampoline fun for families at Action City.

Live Music with Sue Orfield

7-10 p.m. — The Lakely — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of soulful saxophone sounds influenced by blues, jazz, and more from a seasoned performer.

Dixon's Mother's Day Brunch

11:00 AM — Dixon's Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard — Tickets selling fast — Celebrate Mom with a delightful buffet and live music in a charming winery setting.

Cathy Reitz & 7 Swing Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing evening with Cathy Reitz and the band featuring a blend of vocals and horns.

The Beach Boys Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $83.59 - $138.60 — Experience surf rock legends Mike Love and Bruce Johnson performing classic hits from their 6+ decades of music.

1st Annual Chippewa Valley Dementia Conference

8 a.m.-4 p.m. — The Florian Gardens Conference Center — $25 // $50 with CEUs — Explore critical resources and presentations on dementia care and support.

Abstract Watercolor Class

6-8 p.m. — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — $45+ — Explore abstract watercolor techniques with a renowned artist and create a unique composition.

Pint-Sized Concert with Two High Strung

7-8 p.m. — The Brewing Projekt — Free entry — Enjoy local music, craft brews, and community spirit with Two High Strung.

Higher Ground Wrestling: The Future Clash Tournament

7:00 PM — The Plus — $15-$25 — Witness the thrilling showdown for the Future Clash Championship as Matt Honey defends his title against emerging challengers.