RENTON EVENTS: What’s happening in May?
Published on May 01, 2026
May is heating up —get involved this month with family fun, senior programs, business events, and more!
Find all events at any time on the city’s website. Make sure to use the ‘Add to Calendar’ function to save the events you are most interested in.
Find more community events and submit your own on the Visit Renton website.
Pet Gala
Saturday, May 2 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway)
Step onto the green carpet and strike a pose with some of Renton’s most stylish pets! Whether you come dressed up, dressed down, or completely sideways, make sure to bring your best look for the Pet Costume Contest—exciting prizes await.
The first 100 guests will receive a SWAG bag curated by Poochie & Purrada just for our furriest friends, and everyone can enjoy the pet spa and enrichment activities throughout the event. Don’t miss Renton’s inaugural Pet Gala—an afternoon of glamour, fun, and celebration for pets and the people who love them.
Register at rentonwa.gov/petgala.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Spring Track & Field Meet
Sunday, May 3 | 1 – 5 p.m.
Renton Memorial Stadium (1000 S. Third St.)
All are welcome at Renton Rec's Spring All-Comers Track and Field Meet. Try out a new event or go for a personal record (PR) with other members of the community at the beautiful Renton Memorial Stadium.
Participants can compete in as many track events as they would like.
Register at rentonwa.gov/springtrackfield26.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Senior Public Safety Miniseries – Session 5: Connection and Community
Wednesday, May 6 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Renton City Hall (1055 S. Grady Way)
Meet Wally, one of Renton Police Department’s wellness dogs that brings comfort and connection to the officers and community. Participants will also learn about community engagement programs with police and fire and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Register here. Ages 50 and up.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Police Department and Renton Regional Fire Authority.
Renton Business Information Session
Thursday, May 7 | 3 – 4 p.m.
Renton Library (100 Mill Ave. S.)
Join us on May 7 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Renton Library (with a virtual option available) for the next Renton Business Information Session. This session will focus on safety, street closures, and what businesses can expect as we prepare for a busy summer and increased activity tied to FIFA 2026.
Hear directly from city staff, including the Police Department and Public Works, on how the city is preparing and what it means for your business. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and plan ahead.
All Renton businesses are welcome. Stop by, stay informed, and be part of Renton’s 2026 journey.
No registration required. Virtual option available.
Learn more at rentonwa.gov/bizinfosessions.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Community and Economic Development Department.
Startup425 Accelerator Cohort 4 Demo Day
Tuesday, May 12 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Renton Technical College (3000 NE 4th St.)
Join us for an inspiring evening at the Startup425 Accelerator Cohort 4 Demo Day, where innovation and entrepreneurship take center stage! This event showcases the hard work and vision of our cohort of startups, who have spent weeks refining their business strategies, developing innovative solutions, and building momentum for growth.
Hear from dynamic founders as they pitch their companies and unveil the businesses they’re bringing to life. From tech-driven solutions to creative ventures, these startups represent the future of our community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with founders, investors, and industry leaders, and celebrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Register at startup425.org.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Community & Economic Development Department and Startup425.
Refuel Your Ride – Celebrate Bike Everywhere Month!
Wednesday, May 13 | 4 – 7 p.m.
May Creek Trailhead (4260 Lake Washington Blvd N.)
May is National Bike Month—let’s ride, Renton! Celebrated since 1956 and championed by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month is all about getting outside, getting active, and rethinking how we move through our community.
Celebrate with Parks, Recreation, and Public Works staff for: Refuel Your Ride! Ride to our booth at the May Creek Trailhead along the Eastrail (4260 Lake Washington Blvd N). Join us and:
- Grab FREE swag
- Get a quick bike inspection
- Share your ideas for the future of Renton’s trails
- Learn what exciting improvements are on the way
Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or your daily commute, this is a fun opportunity to roll through, refuel, and roll forward with us!
This event is in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
2026 Scout Night
Wednesday, May 13 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Renton Fire Department #14 (1900 Lind Ave SW)
Get ready for a fun, hands-on evening where kids can learn real-life safety skills and explore careers in public safety! All youth up to 5th grade are welcome, bring your friends, family, and scout groups!
Participants rotate through interactive stations led by our community partners, where they can earn badge or patch requirements while building practical skills.
Activities include:
- Firefighter & police tools, gear, and careers
- Emergency preparedness
- Calling 9-1-1
- Home fire escape planning
- Basic CPR & first aid
- Knot tying
- Home safety
- Bike & water safety
- Fingerprinting
- And more!
Parking is limited, please carpool if you can.
Registration required at rentonrfa.com/scoutnight.
This event is in partnership with Renton Regional Fire Authority and the city’s Police Department.
Recycling Event: Metal & Styrofoam Collection
Saturday, May 16 | 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Renton Technical College Parking Lot 3 (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave NE)
Each year, the City of Renton holds recycling collection events open to all residents.
Items accepted at the May 16 event include:
- Scrap metal and appliances
- Styrofoam blocks and peanuts
- Plastic bags and bubble wrap
- Donation opportunity: Arts and crafts supplies
Check out the 2026 Recycle Events flyer for more information or call 425-430-7396.
Additional recycling events will take place on June 6 and September 12.
Find more details at rentonwa.gov/recycleevents.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Public Works Department.
Coworking & QuickTools for Business with Startup425
Tuesday, May 19 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Luther’s Table (419 S. 2nd St. #1)
Looking to jumpstart your business, make progress on your goals, and connect with other local entrepreneurs? Join us for our monthly coworking series at Luther’s Table, third Tuesday of each month, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Coffee is provided!
Register at startup425.org.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Community and Economic Development Department, Startup425, and Luther’s Table.
What’s Brewing with Ed
Tuesday, May 19 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Four Generals Brewing (229 Wells Ave. S.)
Join Renton Chief Administrative Officer Ed VanValey and city leadership for conversations.
This event, open to all ages, gives you the opportunity to learn about city projects and initiatives and ask questions!
Please RSVP on Facebook, Nextdoor, or by emailing communications@rentonwa.gov.
This event is in partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer Ed VanValey, city’s Communication and Engagement Division, and Four Generals Brewing.
2026 Renton Career Fair
Wednesday & Thursday, May 20 - 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Renton Technical College (3000 NE Fourth St.)
The 11th Annual Career Fair will bring together students, alumni, and community members to meet 60+ employers from a variety of industries, including business, childcare, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Employers will be looking to recruit and interview, and some are hiring immediately!
Register at rentonwa.gov/careerfair.
Learn more and find business registration information here.
This event is in partnership with Renton Technical College, the city’s Community and Economic Development Department, Renton Chamber of Commerce, and Renton School District.
Container Gardening Dos and Don’ts
Thursday, May 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual class
Learn the best plants and watering techniques for gardening in pots in Western Washington, and also the biggest mistakes that people make when trying to grow container gardens in our area. Class will include some of the best plants and design ideas sure to inspire your own garden. Instructor: Marianne Binetti.
Register at rentonwa.gov/containergardeningclass. Ages 18+.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Public Works Department and Saving Water Partnership.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25 | 1 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park (1000 S. Third St.)
Be part of the City of Renton this Memorial Day at Veterans Memorial Park to honor U.S. military veterans and reflect together as a community. This community event brings people together to recognize and appreciate the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, share appreciation, and honor their legacy.
Do you have a special U.S. military veteran you’d like to honor? The City’s A Tribute to U.S. Military Veterans – Engraved Tile Program offers a meaningful way to recognize their service and legacy at the park.
Learn more or participate here.
This event is in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.