Bringing Energy, Events, and Community to Historic Downtown Waukesha
The WDBA is a passionate group of local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners working together to create unforgettable experiences in the heart of Downtown Waukesha. Our mission? To grow our businesses, support our neighbors, and make downtown a must-visit destination.
What We Do
We’re the team behind some of Waukesha’s most loved community events, designed to draw visitors, support local businesses, and celebrate the best of what Downtown has to offer.
🎶 Friday Night Live — 12 weeks of live music, food, and fun June through August. Downtown comes alive with thousands of visitors every Friday night.
🌽 Waukesha Farmers' Market — May through October, fresh produce, local goods, and friendly faces fill Downtown every Saturday from 8 AM to Noon.
🎅 Waukesha Jolly Days — Horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, photos with Santa, Letters to Santa, the magical Tree Lighting, Lantern Stroll, and more!
🎃 Halloween Trick-or-Treat & Scarecrow Festival — Family fun and fall favorites that transform Downtown into a spooky, festive celebration.
🐰 Easter Bunny Hop — Hop from business to business, gathering goodies while supporting local shops.
✨ Sparkle Up Waukesha — A community city cleanup event where volunteers roll up their sleeves and help keep Downtown looking its best.
❄️ Partnership Events — We proudly team up with Waukesha Parks & Rec, the City of Waukesha, and other community partners for events like JanBoree Ice Sculpting and Run with the Cops.
Why Join the WDBA?
Membership means being part of a dynamic group that’s making a real impact.
Together, we:
✅ Promote our vibrant business community
✅ Collaborate on events that drive foot traffic and build visibility
✅ Tap into the rich history, culture, and beauty of Downtown Waukesha
✅ Connect, lead, and build relationships with fellow business owners
✅ Shape the future of our Downtown
Annual Membership:
Just $100 (January 1 – December 31) one of the best investments you can make in your business and community.
Membership Area
The Waukesha Downtown Business Association is focused on supporting businesses located within our designated Downtown footprint. If your business falls within these boundaries, you’re eligible to become a member and join us in shaping the future of Downtown Waukesha.
The WDBA footprint for purpose of business membership based on location will be:
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South - College Ave from N. Hartwell Ave. to the east to N. Prairie Ave. to the west.
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East – N. Hartwell Ave. from College Ave. to the south to White Rock Ave. to the north.
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West – N. Prairie Ave. from College Ave. to the south, to W. St. Paul Ave. heading north, then heading west to S. Washington Ave., then heading north to N. Washington Ave. to Lemira Ave.
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North – Lemira Ave from N. Washington Ave to the west till it dead ends at Moors Down Golf Course to the east. Drawn line from end of Lemira Ave. heading Southeast to the Western end of Albert St. Border continues along Albert St. Eastward. Drawn line from Eastern end of Albert St. to end of N. Hartwell Ave. where it meets White Rock Ave. on the eastern border.
WDBA Membership Area
Does your business fall inside the WDBA footprint?
If so, we’d love to welcome you to the association.
Join us and be part of building a thriving, connected Downtown Waukesha!
Let's Connect
Monthly Meetings:
🗓 Second Monday of each month
📍 Waukesha State Bank Community Room — 151 E. St. Paul Ave.
⏰ 6:00 PM — Perspective Members welcome!
See what membership can do for your business. Join us at a meeting — no pressure, just connection and collaboration.
What our members have to say
"The WDBA has provided an opportunity for business owners to create enthusiastic events to bring people downtown and we've had great fun doing it... Farmers' Market, Friday Night Live, Scarecrows, Carriage Rides, Trick or Treat, Live Reindeer and more! Most of these events allowed me to contribute my own creative talents and have a fun time doing it!"
Dan & Susie Taylor
People's Park
"Being involved with the WDBA has exposed us to the many other business owners in downtown and offers us many opportunities to get involved with summer activities and during the holiday events."
Pam Dennis
Chef Pam's Kitchen
"What I truly value about being part of the WDBA is the spirit of collaboration that exists among its members. There’s a real sense of teamwork—whether it’s coordinating events, cross-promoting each other’s businesses, or simply offering advice and support. This cooperation strengthens not just my business but the entire downtown district. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, thriving community where businesses can flourish, and visitors can enjoy a unique and welcoming experience."
Sarah Risser
Distinktive Merch Co.
"As a business owner in downtown Waukesha, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Waukesha Downtown Business Association. Being a member has given me a real sense of community and support, something that’s invaluable to any small business owner. It’s not just about business – it’s about making downtown Waukesha a vibrant, welcoming place that people want to visit and keep coming back to."
Josh Penning
JP Beauty
Please direct questions to any one of the Board Members:
Chris Janet - President
262-544-1500
Rosie Strauss - Treasurer
262-521-9935
Shelley Gallamore - Vice President
262-899-5462
Tami Evanoff - Secretary
414-510-3081
Sarah Risser - Digital Communications Director
262-518-8337
How to Apply for Membership
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Online Application: Complete your membership application quickly and easily online.
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Paper Form Option: Prefer a paper form? Download and complete the application, then submit it along with a check for your dues, made payable to WDBA.
Submission Options:
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Deliver to Rosie Strauss, WDBA Treasurer, at a monthly meeting.
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Drop off at Berg Management, 235 W. Broadway.
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Choose the method that works best for you and become part of our vibrant community!