Happening the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this special day encourages consumers nationally to think local, shop local, and support the unique shops that give our neighborhoods their personality.
You can actually see the small business vibe throughout the city. Nearly three-quarters of Renton’s businesses operate out of spaces of 4,000 square feet or less, a clear sign of small business activity.
From cozy restaurants and charming retail shops to professional services, small manufacturers, personal care providers, cultural enterprises, and passionate homegrown entrepreneurs—these businesses are the soul of Renton’s six vibrant business districts. When we support them, we’re not just making purchases; we’re investing in our community’s workforce development, economic growth, and future.
Read more about how the city is celebrating Small Business Saturday this year and how you can get involved.
Recognition of award-winning business in Renton during Renton City Council
During Monday evening’s council meeting, we highlighted two businesses and organizations each with a proclamation.
The first proclamation celebrated Small Business Saturday. The proclamation was accepted by TiQuida Spellman, director of Baile Dior Studios. Last month, the studio was named King County Creative Economy Small Business of the Year.
Baile Dior Studios promotes the benefits of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) through performing arts.
Help kick off the holiday season and Small Business Saturday on November 29 with the newly refreshed Visit Renton app. If you already have the Visit Renton app but it has not updated, please download the new app from your app store.
Many of these limited-time promos will be happening Friday through Sunday, so this holiday weekend is the perfect time to explore!
Continue to use the Visit Renton app all holiday season for all your planning and shopping needs.
Bring in the holiday cheer with Renton’s annual tree lighting event
With construction in progress at Piazza Park, the tree lighting will be held at the Renton History Museum from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cider, listen to carolers, and, for the first 75 youth attendees, receive a free ornament kit!
Recognizing decades of artistic excellence in Renton
The proclamation was accepted by Ned Mueller, a longtime Renton resident and accomplished fine artist. Mueller is a Designated Master Artist and was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.
Mueller has been making art for the last 81 years and shared his appreciation of a previous Renton Studio Art Tour, which the city helped organize earlier this year.
Find Mueller and other Renton artists in the Artists Sunday® Holiday Studio Tour!
Invest and celebrate in your local artist: Participate in Artists Sunday ® Holiday Studio Tour
This special event spotlights local artists, creators, and performers during the holiday shopping season, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to shop local, meet artists, and experience unique, hand-crafted art.
Through the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, the City of Renton is partnering with 24 local artist studios to open their doors from Small Business Saturday, November 29, to December 31, 2025.
Visitors are invited to explore studios across Renton, collect puzzle pieces, and complete a city-wide holiday puzzle.
Participants in the Holiday Artist Studio Tour will:
- Visit 24 local studios and collect a unique puzzle piece from each participating artist
- Be entered into a drawing to win an original piece of artwork (with purchase)
- Experience artist studios firsthand and learn about their creative process
- Complete the puzzle by December 31 for a festive challenge
Participation in the Holiday Artist Studio Tour and Artists Sunday are both free and open to the public. The City of Renton encourages residents to plan their visits by checking studio hours and locations on the Visit Renton website.
About Artists Sunday®
Artists Sunday®, held the Sunday after Thanksgiving, supports local artists and highlights the impact they have in enriching communities and the economy. The event encourages consumers to shop with local artists, makers, and creators to purchase handcrafted items and artistic experiences for the holidays. Participation is free and includes thousands of artists, galleries, and creative organizations nationwide. Learn more at ArtistsSunday.com.
Support your community: Why Small Business Saturday matters
Over the years, the city has worked with small businesses in Renton to highlight why supporting them matters, not only for the individual business but for our community and local economy. Hear directly from some of these business owners on why small businesses matter on our YouTube channel.
Your support keeps money in our local community, creates jobs, and strengthens small business owners. It’s a way to celebrate and invest in the unique products and services they provide.
We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, an enjoyable Small Business Saturday, and get creative and invest in your local artists during the city’s first Artists Sunday event.