Good morning, Eau Claire.

The city of Eau Claire is seeking volunteers for the Clearwater Winter Parade that will be held Friday, December 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the theme (Under the Sea).

City crews are building a new playground at Mt. Simon Park on the north side using a $300,000 donation from the Jane Honadel Estate—officials say weather permitting the playground may open for families in a couple weeks.

Officials proposed a new Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins development at 10 West Madison St. (the former Dollar General site) near the Chippewa River with a drive through and outdoor seating along the Chippewa River State Trail.

The planning commission will review the plan in November and construction will begin in spring 2026 with the site expected to open in fall next year (pending approval).

Local seniors gathered Friday morning at Chippewa Valley Technical College for the sold-out “Age Your Way” conference — organized by the Cardinal Community Learning Center — to learn about aging issues and community services that can improve their daily lives.

Over a dozen advocates gathered outside Eau Claire Chippewa Valley Technical College early Friday morning to protest a state budget that cut child care funding from a proposed $480 million to only $110 million for a final year of investment — they feel the move fails Wisconsin’s kids — and they plan to rally for increased funding in the next budget cycle in 2027.

Construction is underway for the first house in the controversial Orchard Hills development — located off Deerfield and Mischler Roads after Eau Claire annexed the land from the Town of Washington.

The project faces strong opposition from the township and area residents.

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.

First Fridays Faculty Recital Series: Under the Influence

7:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $5-$15 — Experience an evening of chamber music inspired by diverse composers performed by UW-Eau Claire's talented faculty.