Good morning, Eau Claire.

The Chippewa Valley Railroad Foundation will host its annual Halloween train ride at Carson Park on Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riders will donate $3 or non-perishable food to support the Feed My People Food Bank & can ride free if dressed up as the foundation aims to raise $4,000 in donations.

Registration is open for the Chippewa Valley Book Festival, which will run from Oct.

21 to Oct. 25 in Eau Claire. Community members of all ages can join over 10 free author events held mostly at L.E. Philips Memorial Public Library — with a few offsite gatherings available both in person and online.

Brian Collicott, a survivor of the bus crash on I-94 near Osseo that killed five people 20 years ago, will host a remembrance event at Loopy's Bar and Grill on October 25 to honor the victims and mark the enduring impact of that tragedy—reflecting a community effort that started with a memorial fund.

The Culver's on Golf Road in Eau Claire learned Wednesday it ranked in the top 20 of the nation's 1,000 Culver's restaurants and is now aiming for a top-5 finish with a $100,000 prize at stake.

The team has focused on guest surveys and back-of-house measures (including food safety standards) to boost its ranking through the end of October.

Officials in Eau Claire and Altoona discussed challenges from declining enrollment as roughly 70% of Wisconsin's 421 school districts have seen student numbers drop + local educators said they plan to study new measures to boost enrollment.

Earlier this year, a dozen UW-Stout graduate students visited the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School to learn about community-involved learning and Ojibwe language and culture—teaching lessons during the visit.

Program Director Angela Axelrod said UW-Stout and the school plan to arrange more visits—offering academic screening and additional teaching opportunities in the coming months.

Sen. Kelda Roys visited Eau Claire to discuss the upcoming governor race for 2026—she noted that several candidates have already announced campaigns for the open seat and outlined key challenges ahead.

Community leaders broke ground at ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital using a golden shovel, and the new $30 million facility will treat patients with strokes, brain injuries and Parkinson's disease.

The hospital in Eau Claire will create 78 full time and more than 30 part time jobs and is expected to open in late 2026 — filling a gap in local healthcare.

The ADRC is offering a six-week workshop for adults with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes at Lake Street United Methodist Church starting October 27.

The last day to register is October 20—call 715-839-4735 for details.

Across Wisconsin the fall sports season ended as Regis capped its undefeated run with a win over Neillsville/Granton to clinch the Cloverbelt title while McDonell swept Columbus Catholic for the volleyball championship.

Saint Croix Falls defeated Barron to claim the Heart O’North title as Altoona hosted Prescott and Amery faced Regis/McDonell in prep boys soccer.

Benjamin Hinz: Artist in Residence

9 PM – 12 AM — The Plus — $10 cover — Experience the kickoff of an innovative artist residency with live performances every Saturday in October.

Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown

7:30-9 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Ticket Price Online — Witness an on-stage mash-up duel featuring tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction as they determine the greatest British rock band.

UW-River Falls Falcons vs. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds Football

12-5 p.m. — Carson Park — Ticket prices may vary — Experience an exciting football matchup with pre-game festivities and a concert.

Vitamin String Quartet Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $27.03 - $65.26 — Experience the classical crossover magic of Vitamin String Quartet, known for their enchanting covers.

2025 FEED Summit

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire — Early Bird Registration available — Engage in business workshops, networking, and explore local food businesses in scenic Eau Claire.

Saving Abel Live Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $12 - $47 — Experience explosive Southern rock with hard-hitting anthems and raw emotion.

Halloween Extravaganza at Mabel Tainter Theater

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — A spooky celebration featuring a costume contest, new music arrangements, and interactive games.

The Over Unders Live at Graham Jams

7-11 p.m. — Leona's Pizzeria — No cover charge — Experience the energetic alt-rock vibe of The Over Unders, a local duo from Eau Claire.

Sesame Street Live - Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM — The Sonnentag — $45+ — Celebrate the magic of Sesame Street with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster in Eau Claire.

Blugold Marching Band Performance

7-9 p.m. — The Sonnentag — Free entry — Experience a lively performance featuring the Blugold Marching Band with a dress rehearsal and dinner beforehand.