From river-day escapes and cold ones on a patio to live music and sunset views- here's your no-kids-required playbook for summer in the Chippewa Valley.
Live Music & Summer Festivals
Blue Ox Music Festival
A beloved annual roots and folk festival held at a wooded lakeside venue outside Eau Claire. On-site camping, top-tier Americana acts, and a crowd that's there purely for the music.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Varies- check website for 2026 tickets | Find out more
Country Jam USA & The Eau Claire Event District
One of the biggest outdoor concert venues in western Wisconsin, hosting national acts and major festivals all summer long. VIP packages available.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Varies - check website for 2026 lineup | Find out more
Free Thursday Concerts at Phoenix Park
The city's riverfront park hosts a free summer concert series most Thursday evenings. Bring a blanket, grab a drink nearby, and enjoy the river views.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free | Find out more
Craft Beer & The Bar Scene
The Brewing Projekt
A Eau Claire staple known for experimental sours, hazy IPAs, and a riverside deck that's hard to beat in summer. Food trucks rotate through regularly.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free to enter, drinks vary | Find out more
The Joynt
A Water Street institution with decades of history on its walls, a legendary jukebox, and cold pints at prices that won't hurt you.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free to enter, drinks vary | Find out more
The Fire House
Drafts under $5, free popcorn, and a packed events calendar — trivia, drag shows, live music, and more throughout the summer.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free to enter, drinks vary | Find out more
Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen
Self-pour taps by the ounce, river views, and espresso martini flights that have developed their own following. Open late on weekends.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free to enter, drinks vary | Find out more
Wine, Bourbon & Cocktail Bars
3rd & Vine
Some of the best charcuterie boards in the area, a great bottle selection, and a warm neighborhood-bar energy that's hard to fake. Dog-friendly patio.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free to enter, drinks and food vary | Find out more
Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe
Outstanding cocktails, bourbon flights, a strong NA menu, and a dog-friendly covered patio right in the heart of Altoona's Front Porch Place.
Distance: Just minutes from Villa Diann
Price: Free to enter, drinks and food vary | Find out more
Outdoor Escapes
Big Falls County Park
Waterfalls, sand beaches, rock scrambling, and river swimming along the Eau Claire River. A local favorite for tubing and summer afternoon hangs.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Small day-use fee | Find out more
Phoenix Park & the Chippewa River Trail
A beautifully restored riverfront park with walking trails, a lit pedestrian bridge, wildflower gardens, and a weekend farmers market. Free and walkable from downtown.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free | Find out more
Carson Park
A peaceful peninsula park on Half Moon Lake with wooded trails, fishing, and great kayaking. No entrance fee and plenty of space to spread out.
Distance: 5 miles, 10–15 minutes from Hillcrest Estates
Price: Free | Find out more
Patio Dining Worth Knowing About
Cowboy Jack's Saloon
Happy hour 4–6 PM with half-price flatbreads and appetizers. One of the best patio setups in Altoona.
Distance: Just minutes from Villa Diann
Price: Varies | Find out more
44 North
A spacious sports bar and grill with a great patio that comes alive at night. Perfect for groups.
Distance: Just minutes from Villa Diann
Price: Varies | Find out more
You're Already in the Right Spot
Hillcrest Estates and Villa Diann put you minutes from the best of what Eau Claire and Altoona have to offer this summer- great taprooms, riverfront trails, live music, and one of the best emerging dining and nightlife scenes in western Wisconsin. Come see what summer here actually feels like.
Learn more about Hillcrest Estates | Learn more about Villa Diann
