Business Resource Guide
Historic Downtown Chelan Association
Promotions & Events
Downtown Events
For a comprehensive list of events in the Lake Chelan Valley, visit The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
*indicates downtown street closure
-
Winterfest - Chelan Weekend*
-
-
Top Dog Parade - March 14th*
Shamrock celebration of Chelan’s Doggos. Calling all people and dogs for the Wayne Kelly Memorial Top Dog Parade. Dress yourself, your dogs, your kids, and try your hand at winning the Top Dog Award
Line up for the parade behind Wells Fargo at 11:30am and then head down Woodin Ave at 12pm!
-
Garage-a-Rama Spring Sidewalk Sale - April 17th-19th
Earth Day Festival - April 18th
Chelan Fire and Rescue Centennial Celebration - April 18th (10am)
-
Farmer’s Market opening - May 1st
Spring Wine Walk - May 2nd
Cruizin Chelan - May 31st
-
Pride Festival - June 6th
Arts Festival - June 19th-21st
-
America 250 - July 4th
Bachfest - July 11th-18th
Find Waldo - All of July
-
Cultura Car Show - August 29th
-
-
Brews on the Bridge - October 4th
Sidewalk Sale - October 3rd-5th
Fall Arts Market - October 10th
In Store Pop Ups - October 17th
Adult Trick or Treat - October 25th
Family Trick-or-Treat on Halloween - October 31st*
-
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting* - Day after Thanksgiving at 5pm
Plaid Friday - Day after Thanksgiving
Elf Day - Saturday after Thanksgiving
-
Small Town Holidays
Promotions
-
April 18th - May 2nd
Spring Into Downtown is a seasonal promotion created by the Historic Downtown Chelan Association to draw visitors into our downtown during April and May. Through events like the Garage-a-Rama sidewalk sale, Music on Main, in-store popups, and a Spring Wine Walk, we highlight the charm of shopping, dining, and experiencing Chelan in the spring. Participating merchants benefit from increased foot traffic, cross-promotion with fellow businesses, and inclusion in HDCA’s marketing efforts that reach both locals and visitors.
-
October
Fall Into Downtown is a seasonal promotion created by the Historic Downtown Chelan Association to draw visitors into our downtown during September and October. Through events like the fall sidewalk sale, Music on Main, In-Store pop-ups,Arts Market on Emerson, Adult Trick-or-Treat & Wine Walk, and Family Trick-or-Treat on Halloween, we highlight the charm of shopping, dining, and experiencing Chelan in the fall. Participating merchants benefit from increased foot traffic, cross-promotion with fellow businesses, and inclusion in HDCA’s marketing efforts that reach both locals and visitors.
-
Day after Thanksgiving
A day-long celebration of small, independent businesses across downtown. Always on Black Friday.
-
A full-day celebration of local retailers offering special deals, door prizes, and holiday giveaways throughout downtown.
-
Shoulder seasons throughout the year.
Free live-music sidewalk performances featuring local artists.
Agencies serving Downtown Chelan
-
The Historic Downtown Chelan Association is dedicated to preserving the charm and vitality of Chelan’s historic downtown. Through events, promotions, and partnerships, HDCA connects locals and visitors to the heart of the community, supporting local businesses and celebrating Chelan’s unique character. From festive gatherings to downtown beautification, HDCA works year-round to make downtown Chelan a vibrant and welcoming destination for all.
-
The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce champions the growth and success of local businesses while enhancing the quality of life in the Chelan Valley. Through advocacy, networking, events, and tourism promotion, the Chamber helps strengthen the local economy and connect businesses with the community. Whether supporting entrepreneurs or welcoming visitors, the Chamber plays a key role in making the Chelan Valley a thriving place to live, work, and play.
-
The Lake Chelan Arts Council is dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts throughout the Chelan Valley. Through public art projects, events, and partnerships, the council fosters creativity, enriches the cultural life of the community, and celebrates local artists. From murals and sculptures to art walks and workshops, the Arts Council helps make Chelan a more vibrant, inspiring place for residents and visitors alike.
-
With its stunning natural beauty, endless recreation, and small-town charm, the Lake Chelan Wine Valley is your perfect year-round wine destination that’s just a drive away.
Discover the rich soils, grapes, and award-winning wines while you take in the sweeping lake and mountain views. Our unique destination offers you the opportunity to enjoy more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms along with an abundance of activities all year round.
Plan your trip to experience wine, dining, live music, food and wine events, vineyard tours, and weddings. While you’re here you’ll also enjoy hiking, biking, boating, skiing, golfing, tennis, shopping, swimming, and much more, all with lakeside ambiance and unmatched hospitality!
-
Chelan County PUD provides reliable, affordable utility services to the Chelan community, including electricity, water, wastewater, and fiber internet. As a public utility, the PUD is committed to serving local residents and businesses while investing in renewable energy, sustainability, and infrastructure improvements. With a focus on customer service and community support, Chelan County PUD helps power the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region.
-
The City of Chelan is dedicated to serving residents and visitors by providing quality services, fostering a vibrant community, and preserving the natural beauty of the area. With a focus on public safety, infrastructure, recreation, and economic development, the City works to enhance the quality of life for all who call Chelan home or come to experience its charm. From the lake to the downtown, the City of Chelan helps shape a thriving, connected community.
For updated City of Chelan information go to:
-
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to protecting the safety and well-being of residents and visitors across Chelan County. With a focus on public safety, crime prevention, and community partnerships, the Sheriff’s Office works to uphold the law with integrity, professionalism, and respect. Through patrol, emergency response, and outreach programs, the Sheriff’s Office helps ensure Chelan remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
-
The Chelan Fire Department is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment through fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and public education. Serving the Chelan community with professionalism and dedication, the department works to ensure safety and preparedness through rapid response, prevention efforts, and community outreach. Whether responding to emergencies or promoting fire safety, the Chelan Fire Department is here to serve and protect.
-
Since 1987, the Lake Chelan Hospital (now Lake Chelan Health) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has carried on the work of the Lake Chelan Valley Ambulance Association (established 1975) by providing prompt, quality medical care and transportation. We are a community-supported public service that provides paramedic-level advanced life support to residents and visitors.
Our EMS team consists of 20 full-time staff, including 11 paramedics and 9 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), along with several per diem paramedics and EMTs. Together, we staff five ambulances and one quick response vehicle. Collaborating with local fire departments, law enforcement, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service, we respond to over 1,000 calls for assistance annually
We save lives, and we lessen suffering.
https://lakechelanhealth.org/services/emergency-medical-services/
HDCA Meetings and Resources
-
Merchant Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at Saint Andrews Parish Hall at 9am (except July).
These meetings are a place for downtown property/business owners and employees in the downtown business district to convene and build a business community that can foster events/promotions and keep business owners in contact with each other.
-
Beginning of December
-
Main Street Week is a celebration of the more than 70 towns and cities in the Washington State Main Street Program network. Through their efforts to create welcoming public spaces and preserve historic character, bolster small businesses, and bring people together downtown, these Main Street organizations truly embody the heart and spirit of their communities.
Main Street week is June 7th-14th in 2026
-
Downtown Heart & Hustle Awards will be given annually in June during Main Street Week to three businesses in Chelan’s downtown business district that embody the spirit of the downtown business community with heart, passion, and dedication.
The three winners are then nominated for an Excellence on Main Award with Washington Main Street. Washington Main Street announces Excellence on Main winners at the annual state conference in October.
The winners of the Heart & Hustle award are chosen because they went above and beyond embodying the following qualities in the previous year:
Exceptional Customer Service: The business consistently goes above and beyond for its customers, creating a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Community Engagement: The business is actively involved in local events, collaborates with other businesses, and contributes to the vibrancy of downtown life by supporting causes and initiatives that enhance the community.
Design Investment: The business invests in maintaining or improving its physical space, whether through restoration, improvements to facades and signage, or creating seasonal displays ensuring it adds to the charm and appeal of the downtown area.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The winner demonstrates creativity and hustle in growing their business, taking calculated risks, and continuously improving to meet the needs of their customers and community.
Collaborative Leadership: This business is a leader among its peers, fostering a sense of togetherness by mentoring others, working closely with the downtown business community, and helping create a thriving, connected atmosphere.
Commitment to Downtown’s Future: The business has a forward-thinking mindset, contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of the downtown area, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for generations to come.
Winners of the Heart & Hustle Award will be nominated by their peers and the Historic Downtown Chelan Association Board of Directors will choose the winners each year.
HDCA will then announce the winners during Main Street Week in June and send their nominations in to Washington Main Street for an Excellence on Main Award.
HDCA may also choose to submit other downtown Chelan businesses for the Excellence on Main award regardless of if they are recipients of the Heart and Hustle award in that year.
2025 Winners
Culinary Apple
Willow
Kelly’s Hardware
-
The Excellence on Main Awards, organized by the Washington State Main Street Program, recognizes communities, organizations, and individuals who are helping to achieve economic vitality and build sustainable communities through downtown revitalization and preservation. Awards are given in several categories, including Brick & Mortar Rehabilitation, Economic Opportunity, Entrepreneur of the Year, and more.
2025 Winner
Kelly’s Hardware
2024 Winner
Bivouac Cellars
-
PLACES is Washington’s annual statewide conference focused on the continued care of place through historic preservation, placemaking, and economic vitality, brought to you by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. The PLACES Conference allows preservationists, planners, downtown development professionals, and anyone who cares about place to dive deep into creative ideas, build their network, and inspire new solutions.
2026
Ellensburg - October 7th-9th
2025
Gig Harbor - Oct 8-10th
Licenses & Permits
-
Community Development:
This department handles business licenses, permits, and code enforcement, ensuring that businesses operate within city regulations and have the resources they need. They manage permits for building, special events, signage, and sidewalk business licenses, supporting safe and compliant business growth.
-
You can discuss your project with a building plans reviewer during regular business hours. Appointments are not required.
Permit applications are accepted between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Thursday. Closed on Friday, but will be performing inspections with 24 hours' notice.
-
The City of Chelan recognizes the unique character of its downtown area. The “Sidewalk Business License” is intended to provide for safe, efficient and convenient pedestrian and vehicle travel upon the streets and sidewalks of the city; and, to protect the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the city by controlling visual and physical clutter within the Downtown Mixed Use zoning district.
-
We encourage business owners to contact HDCA first to resolve a conflict before filing a complaint.
Any citizen or residence may report what they perceived as a code violation to the Code Compliance Officer by downloading the complaint/concern form (PDF). Please email form to codeenforcement@cityofchelan.us
-
A Banquet Permit is a permit you apply for that allows the service and consumption of liquor at a private, invitation-only banquet or gathering held in a public place or business. Examples include weddings, company banquets, retirement parties, and club, organization, or church events.
Downtown Projects
-
The HDCA Design Committee spent several years working with local architects to develop a conceptual plan for the space between the old bridge and Campbell’s.
Their goal was to create a more inviting space that gives locals and visitors better access to the PUD dock and lake.
In 2017, the HDCA presented the design to the City of Chelan, who committed $75,000 to jump start the project. Over the summer of 2017, fundraising efforts resulted in an additional $55,000. In the spring of 2018, the Chelan County PUD contributed $40,000.
With the help of our amazing community, the Woodin Avenue Landing project was completed in 2019 and is a beautiful addition to downtown Chelan for locals and visitors to enjoy.
-
Imagine Downtown Chelan is a collaborative process led by the Historic Downtown Chelan Association and the City of Chelan that involves engaging the community and gathering input from diverse stakeholders. We seek to understand the needs, desires, and aspirations of the people who will use and inhabit the space.
This includes streetscape enhancements like improving the sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting; and will address the need for better connections from the downtown businesses with amenities like parking, public restrooms, and parks.
-
Activating the alley between the Landing and Campbell’s with benches, shade, and art.
Coming in 2026!
Building Design Guidelines
-
HDCA Design Guidelines
-
In the City of Chelan code of ordinances section 17.14.040 - B2a. Architectural character standards and guidelines applicants are encouraged to consult with the Historic Downtown Chelan Association.
You can reach HDCA’s Director Aimee Sheridan through email:
Aimee@historicchelan.org
Clean and Safe streets and sidewalks
-
Pedestrian trash cans are picked up on Monday and Friday in the winter and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the summer.
-
Businesses choose their pickup day through City Hall and the street crew drive the alley each day to pick up.
-
As part of our efforts to make downtown safe, clean, active, and welcoming we regularly do volunteer clean ups.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more you can contact us here:
Drake Nelson
Drake@historicchelan.org
-
The Ambassador is the friendly, on-street representative of the Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA). Their mission is to assist visitors, support merchants, and enhance the downtown experience through hospitality, event coordination, and public safety awareness. They keep the heart of Chelan both welcoming and thriving.
-
Mike Morrison is the current Chelan County Sheriff
-
(509) 663-9911
RiverCom is a dedicated multi-jurisdictional Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) located in Wenatchee, Washington providing public safety communications in Chelan and Douglas counties. We answer and process emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency calls for service and provide dispatching services for twenty-two law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies within the two-county system. Our Telecommunicators provide the first line of contact with the public when calling for emergency and non-emergency public safety services.
-
There are two public restrooms downtown with one being at Riverwalk and the other at the cross section of Johnson and Columbia.
*Currently closed in the winters*
Nonprofit Services
-
Thrive Chelan Valley is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to ensuring that all youth in the Lake Chelan valley have everything they need to reach their full potential.
-
Chelan Valley Hope provides assistance, advocacy, and referral service to under-resourced families and individuals throughout the Greater Chelan Valley.
-
The Senior Center provides support and opportunities for its members to encourage learning activities and socialization, foster and develop programs of various kinds for the benefit and enjoyment of senior citizens, and be of service to Lake Chelan and nearby communities in other ways.
-
The Lake Chelan Food Bank serves clients in a manner which treats each person with dignity and respect and allows Individuals to choose food that helps meet their specific needs.
-
Chelan Valley Housing Trust is a 501-c3 nonprofit housing developer aiming to house local wage earners in Chelan and Manson.
-
St. Andrew's Church, built more than 110 years ago, is located in the town of Chelan at the southeastern tip of 55-mile long Lake Chelan. As the oldest permanent structure in the town, the church became the centerpiece around which the community grew to eventually become a city of approximately 4,000 full-time residents. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the authentic log church attracts many visitors from near and far. Chimes from its rustic bell tower can be heard throughout the area on Sunday mornings and special occasions.
Come join us.
-
-
The mission statement of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church is to build a welcoming joyful parish life in the image of Christ through worship, prayer, stewardship and compassionate service.
-
t Living Stone Church, we gather together on Sunday mornings not because we have it all together but because we are sinners in need of a savior. Our church is not for those who think they are righteous. It is for those who know they aren’t and want to know more about Jesus and find forgiveness in his name. We welcome anyone and everyone to come worship with us on a Sunday morning.
-
-
210 E Wapato Ave, Chelan, WA 98816
(509) 682-2025
-
Pastor Chris and his wife, Kristen, came to Chelan in March of 2016 from Richland, WA. Prior to leading our church, they worked with teens and families full time for 13 years. They both are passionate about Jesus, building lasting community and good coffee. They have been married since August of 2003 and together they have three kids, one dog and live just down the road in Chelan Falls. From our church body to the house they live in, they believe God has placed them right where He wants them. You may recognize either of them from local coffee shops. Pastor Chris is often meeting with people at various locations while Kristen substitutes and works as a health coach.
-
Church is a place where everyone is welcome to experience Jesus. At Lake Chelan Bible Church, our goal is to be Bible-based and family friendly. We believe the Bible is God's word to us and that every aspect of our lives should live according to the truth found in scripture. We strive to be a place that anyone can come to learn about Jesus. Regardless of the size or background of your family, you are welcome here.