This Week in Renton: Call for chalk artists for Renton River Days
Published on June 13, 2025
If you visited Renton River Days last year, you might have walked by dozens of artists focused on some amazing sidewalk art. We’re thrilled to announce that the Chalk Art Competition is back and bigger than ever!
We can’t wait to see who will take home this year’s People’s Choice Award and Judge’s Selection Award. Maybe it’ll be you or someone you know! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners as voted by the public. Prizes include:
- $1,000 for 1st place
- $500 for 2nd place
- $300 for 3rd place
The competition runs Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Cedar River Park Drive behind Renton Community Center. Chalk is provided. Skilled artists of all ages are invited to register by July 16.
This event is made possible by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the cash prize is donated by Allied Arts of Renton as part of the city's Renton River Days festival.
Excited for Renton River Days as much as we are? Get involved with other opportunities like the parade, Summer Bazaar, volunteering, and more at rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
Help Pack the Place at Big Island Poke
Since 2016, Big Island Poke has been delighting Renton with fresh, Hawaiian-inspired poke. Let's rally together to support this slice of aloha and keep the good vibes flowing!
Join us at Big Island Poke at 235 Rainier Ave. S. on Tuesday, June 17, from 12 to 2 p.m. to "Pack the Place" and support one of Renton’s great local spots!
Here's how you can make a difference:
- Bringing a friend (or two!)
- Ordering your favorite dish, or finding a new one
- Sharing a photo on social media to spread the word
Your support helps our city's small business community, keeping it vibrant and resilient. Let's pack the place and show how much we care!
Know before you go! For the latest project impacts as part of the Rainier Ave. Phase 4 project, sign up for the weekly newsletter or follow along on the project webpage.
Solera and Astra Apartments Grand Opening
If you travel on Sunset Boulevard in the Highlands, you will have noticed major construction over the past four years. Groundbreaking began in August 2021, and the grand opening of both Solera and Astra apartments is on Saturday, June 21, from 2 to 6 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting and speeches at 2 p.m., followed by a public vendor fair featuring local businesses, community booths, food trucks, live music, and property tours to connect renters and future renters with resources and information about the property and area
The Solera and Astra apartments will bring nearly 600 new apartment homes to the Renton Highlands area, helping address Renton’s growing population and housing needs.
This event is made possible by a partnership with DevCo Residential Group, Evergreen Impact Housing Fund, and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department.
Summer Concert Series at Coulon Park
Get ready to rock out at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park with the 2025 Summer Concert Series.
Renton Parks & Recreation and four music groups will be hosting several free evening concerts from June to August for everyone to enjoy. The concerts take place on select Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Coulon Park’s Kidd Valley Stage.
- June 26: Boogie Boulevard
- July 10: Point of Sail
- July 31: Scott Lidenmuth
- August 14: Between 2 Gregs
Don’t forget that there will also be a live concert performed by The Kennydales and drone show as part of Renton River Days on Friday, July 25, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Coulon Park’s current hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Exception of July 4, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Dogs and bikes are not allowed at the park.
This series is in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, Renton Municipal Arts Commission, Ivar’s Seafood Bar, and Kidd Valley.
Invite Renton Police Department for National Night Out
Ready to bring your neighborhood together? The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings. Here are four steps from our Renton Police Department on how you can start a National Night Out event in your community!
Step 1: Start the idea Talk with neighbors and community members about hosting a local event. Come up with some ideas and/or a theme:
- Food theme, potluck, cookie exchange
- Games – trivia, awards, talent show, ice breaker activities to get to know your neighbors
- Contribution to the community – food collection, clean-up, garden planting
- Form a Neighborhood Watch Group – focus on crime prevention
Step 2: Build a team Find volunteers and create a way to communicate and stay connected.
Step 3: Divide & conquer Host a planning meeting to assign roles — think food, entertainment, location, fundraising, promotion, vendors, and more!
Step 4: If needed, apply for funding The city’s Parks and Recreation Department’s Neighborhood Program is offering grants to cover the cost of food for your National Night Out event.
Whether you choose to host a simple backyard cookout, association meeting, or a block party, National Night Out brings neighbors and first responders together to build community and help keep neighborhoods safe.
Learn more and apply at rentonwa.gov/nno.
Event producer for Legacy Square needed!
The city is looking for qualified event production individuals or teams to lead the activation of Legacy Square, a new public space downtown, during summer 2026. This includes designing and managing a full schedule of community-focused events and special programming from June through September 2026 with a focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Find the full request for proposal and site plans at rentonwa.gov/bids. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 27.
More about Legacy Square Legacy Square will be a new community space downtown, located at the gravel lot at the corner of South Third Street and Logan Avenue South, next to Gateway and Piazza Parks. The space will feature:
- Futsal court
- Grassed gathering area
- Large video screen for sports viewing
- Stage with live entertainment and performances
- Children’s play structure
- Art displays
- Space for food trucks and small business opportunities
- Family activities
- Cultural events
Learn more on the project’s Your Voice Renton page at yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/legacy-square.
Northbound I-405 closure this weekend
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is closing Northbound I-405 this weekend from Sunset Boulevard Northeast/SR900 (Exit 5) to Coal Creek Parkway Southeast (Exit 10) from 11:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 to 4 a.m. Monday, June 16.
WSDOT contractor crews will be paving and installing drainage crossings and noise wall panels.
Plan ahead and expect delays.
Learn more about the project and closure here.
Celebrate Juneteenth in Renton
We’re celebrating Juneteenth several different ways this year and you’re invited to come celebrate and learn.
Join us for the reading of the Juneteenth Proclamation during the city council meeting on Monday, June 16, at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall.
Then, join us for the city’s first Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, at 9 a.m. in the upper parking lot at Renton City Hall. Pastries and coffee will be provided.
Small Business Health & Wellness event at Valley Medical Center
Small businesses are invited to join Startup425, Valley Medical Center and the city for a workshop on June 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley Medical Center’s Medical Arts Center.
Learn more and RSVP today at startup425.org
This event is hosted by Startup425 and supported by the city’s Community & Economic Development Department.
Around Renton
- Renton River Days applications are now open. Be part of the festival by visiting rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
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The Renton Farmers Market has MOVED! Find the market at its new temporary location on Williams Avenue South between South Second Street and South Third Street. The market is open every Tuesday until September 30 from 3 – 7 p.m. rentonfarmersmarket.com
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The 2026 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan is looking for your feedback. Learn more and fill out the survey at rentonwa.gov/pros.
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Renton City Council meets every Monday (excluding fifth Mondays and holidays) at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall’s seventh floor council chambers. Find the agenda and sign up to speak at rentonwa.gov/council.
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June 15 – Renton City Concert Band: Lights, Camera, Music, 2 p.m. Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Buy tickets at Senior Activity Center, Renton Community Center, or at the door.
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June 17 – Pack the Place: Big Island Poke, 12 – 2 p.m. Big Island Poke, 235 Rainier Ave. S. Hosted by the Community & Economic Development Department.
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June 18 – Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, 9 a.m. Renton City Hall Upper Parking Lot, 1055 S. Grady Way. Hosted by Executive Services Department. Free.
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June 21 – Solera and Astra Apartments Grand Opening & Vendor Fair, 2 – 6 p.m. Astra Apartments, 2955 NE 11th St. Hosted by DevCo Residential Group, City of Renton Community & Economic Development Department, Evergreen Impact Housing Fund. Free.
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June 25 – Neighborhood BBQ 2025 Series, 3 – 6 p.m. Heritage Park, 233 Union Ave. NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation and the South Union Neighborhood Association. Free. RSVP today.
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June 26 – Startup and Small Business Coworking, 2 p.m. Valley Medical Center Medical Arts Center, 4033 Talbot Rd. Hosted by Startup425 and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department. Free. Register here.
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June 26 – Summer Concert: Boogie Boulevard, 6:30 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Kidd Valley Stage, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
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June 30 – Family Fun 2025 Entertainment Series: Tee Off for Fun This Summer, 11 a.m. Heritage Park, 233 Union Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
- July 10 – Summer Concert: Point of Sail, 6:30 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Kidd Valley Stage, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
In other news this week