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Anniversary Events
August
Friday Night Live
Friday, August 6, 6:30-9:00pm, Downtown Waukesha
Head to Downtown Waukesha for live music and food. While you're there, visit our 125th Anniversary booth where you can find info on a walking tour of downtown landmarks, view historical photographs, share your story for the City's anniversary time capsule and earn a chance to win prizes!
Tribute Tuesday Concert Anniversary Celebration
Tuesday, August 10, 6:00-9:00pm, Cutler Park
What anniversary is complete without cake? Join us at 6:00pm for a free 125th Anniversary cake celebration then stay for the free concert from 7:00-9:00 pm featuring a tribute to the Rolling Stones with the band Shattered.
Monday Night at the Movies - Throwback Monday
Monday, August 16, 7:15pm, Cutler Park
It's movie in the park time and we're celebrating the City's history with throwback feature films. Bring the family and enjoy The Land Before Time.
Grown Up Movies in the Park - Throwback Thursday
Thursday, August 19, 6:00pm - Concessions, 8pm - Movie, Cutler Park
It's movie in the park time and we're celebrating the City's history with throwback feature films. Don your best 70's Disco outfit, join us for concessions, a costume contest, and fun as we watch Saturday Night Fever (PG version).
September
Waukesha Oktoberfest
Friday, September 24, 5:00-11:00 pm & Saturday, September 25, noon-11:00pm, Frame Park
It's a little bit of Deutchland in the heart of Waukesha! Enjoy Bier, Freunde und Fun! On Saturday, September 25, lace up your running shoes and see who can run the furthest in 125 minutes at the 125 Minute Race. Registration Required.
During Oktoberfest, stop by the 125th Anniversary booth to share your memories of Waukesha for inclusion in the City's 125th Anniversary time capsule.
October
Waukesha Art Crawl
Saturday, October 2, 4:00 - 9:00pm
Head downtown to check out the work of local artists as part of a plein air competition! (Plein Air Competition starts on Monday, September 27). While downtown, view the art at local galleries and enjoy a bite to eat!
Waukesha Unlocked
Saturday & Sunday, October 9-10, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The doors to many City buildings, businesses, restaurants and more will be unlocked highlighting the City's architecture, community, history and operations. Come explore all the City has to offer!
More Information (coming soon)...
Wauk-Tober Wine and Beer Walk
Saturday, October 16, 4-7pm, Downtown Waukesha
Toast the City's 125th Anniversary with a wine or local craft beer pour while shopping at participating Downtown Waukesha businesses.
More Information (coming soon)...
November
125th Anniversary Gala
Friday, November 12, 5:00pm, Historic Courthouse 1893
Help us celebrate the 125th Anniversary year with an evening of dinner, drinks, dueling pianos, dancing and more. Registration required.
Waukesha Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 21, 4:00pm, Downtown Waukesha
Enjoy the City's classic Christmas parade through the streets of Downtown Waukesha as we pay tribute to the City's history.
More Information (coming soon)...
December
Year-End Celebration
Tuesday, December 7, 5:30pm, City Hall
Join us prior to the City Council meeting to see on display the items to be included in the 125th Anniversary time capsule. Stay for the start of the meeting at 6:30pm for the sealing of the time capsule as we conclude our 125th Anniversary Celebrations.
More Information (coming soon)...
Throughout 2021
History of Waukesha in 100 Objects, Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
The History of Waukesha in 100 Objects exhibit draws together 100 objects that tell the social, economic, and political history of the City of Waukesha. From an Italian family's ravioli pot to a Waukesha engine schematic, the History of Waukesha in 100 Objects exhibit will showcase a range of items that help tell the story of Waukesha. Visit the museum during open hours to tour the exhibit.
Past Events
January
Waukesha JanBoree
January 15-24, 2021
Help us kick-off the 125th Anniversary year with 10 days of winter fun in the City. As part of this event you won’t want to miss the unveiling of the 125th Anniversary Beer from Raised Grain Brewery on Saturday, January 16 at noon. The Goose chase scavenger hunt will also feature items highlighting the City’s 125th Anniversary.
February
City Hall Opening Ceremonies - Thursday, February 4, 2021 *Virtual Events*
Enjoy videos and a virtual tour of our new City Hall as we celebrate the official anniversary of our incorporation as a City.
10am- City Hall Flag Raising Ceremony - Watch the Video.
Noon- City Hall Virtual Open House video - Watch the Video
6:30pm- City Council Meeting 125th Anniversary Presentation and City Hall Ribbon Cutting. Watch the recording of the meeting
April
National Library Week
April 4-10, Waukesha Public Library
Visit the library this week to share your favorite library memory. Stop by on Thursday, April 8 to receive a special celebration treat & see your local library staff dressed up in period costume!
Your Library: Take & Make Kits for All Ages
Beginning April 5 (while supplies last), Waukesha Public Library
Kids, come to the Children's Area to pick up your Take & Make kit filled with a fun activity connecting you to the past. Adults, stop by the Reference Desk to get worksheets, brochures, and resources available to start exploring your family's history!
Your Library: Past and Future!
Tuesday, April 20, 11:00am, Virtual
Join the Waukesha Public Library for a discussion about our colorful past and exciting future. Author Ellen Langill and Library Director Bruce Gay will present along with time for Q&A. This is a virtual event hosted through Zoom.
Earth Day Parks Clean-Up
Saturday, April 24, 9:00 - 11:05 am, Parks throughout Waukesha
Spend 125 minutes making Waukesha better as we take care of our City for the future. Form a team and sign up to help pick up trash in a Waukesha park as part of Earth Day. Supplies will be provided. Registration required.
May
Día de los Ninos
Saturday, May 1, 10am - noon, Cutler Park
Stop by to help us wish Waukesha and the Library a very happy 125th anniversary with music, take-and-make activities, and free books while recognizing the history of Hispanic heritage in the City.
Pizza, Polka & Art in the Park
Tuesday, May 11, 5:30-7pm, Frame Park Amphitheater
Join us in celebrating the unique relationship between the City of Waukesha, School District of Waukesha, and 4k Community Partners with a party in the Park. This event will showcase what school was like 125 years ago, feature 4k artwork, offer free pizza (while supplies last) and include live polka music.
In celebration of the City's 125th Anniversary, participants will be challenged to think about schoolhouses and school supplies 125 years ago. Slates (mini blackboards) will be away to participants (while supplies last).
Historic Preservation Days
May 1 - 31, Virtual
These events bring local history to life for all ages. The Waukesha Preservation Alliance and partners are offering several activities that can be done virtually or through social distancing including a scavenger hunt, trivia, speaker event and more!
June
Buchnerfest and the Grand Opening of Buchner Park Pool
Saturday, June 12, 10am-noon; Pool Party noon - 2pm, Buchner Park
Head to Buchner Park for family friendly activities like time-period games, take & make kits, story reading, and more. After Buchnerfest, stay for the official grand re-opening of Buchner Pool at noon including a live DJ, best dressed swimmer of 1896 contest, dunk tank, and more! Registration required for Buchnerfest. The pool has free entrance admittance until 8pm.
Registration for Buchnerfest... | Buchner Pool Grand Opening...
Riverside Rhythms
Wednesday, June 16, 11:30am-1pm, Downtown Waukesha on Riverfront Street
Kick-off the summer season in Downtown with live music, food, and giveaways to celebrate the City's 125th Anniversary.
Monday Night at the Movies - Throwback Monday
Monday, June 21, 7:15pm, Cutler Park
It's movie in the park time and we're celebrating the City's history with throwback feature films. Bring the family and enjoy Aladdin (1992).
July
4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Sunday, July 4, 11am Parade, Downtown Waukesha
Sunday, July 4, 9:30pm Fireworks, Waukesha County Expo
Celebrate our City's history at our annual 4th of July Parade and Fireworks. The parade steps off at 11:00 am and winds through the streets of Downtown Waukesha. A 125th Anniversary Fireworks Salute will take place at the Waukesha County Expo Grounds.
Monday Night at the Movies - Throwback Monday
Monday, July 19, 7:15pm, Cutler Park
It's movie in the park time and we're celebrating the City's history with throwback feature films. Bring the family and enjoy Ghostbusters (1984).
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