This Week in Renton: It's Salmon SEEson!

Published on September 26, 2025

It's Salmon SEEson with a plush sockeye salmon wearing polarized glasses

For thousands of years, salmon have swum up the Cedar River to spawn. This natural cycle of life has connected the river and everyone who calls this land home.   

Indigenous peoples have long celebrated and valued these salmon runs, making them a sacred part of our region’s history and culture. 

For decades, Renton has been a place of gathering to watch and learn about the salmon and we’re happy to continue this longstanding tradition.

To help you learn more about this precious resource, we're casting the spotlight on three local organizations and programs that are providing educational opportunities to learn and see salmon in the Cedar River. 

It’s Salmon SEEson!

The WRIA 8-led Salmon SEEson program provides the public with opportunities and locations for people to see salmon in local streams and rivers.   

Want to catch salmon in action? The Salmon SEEson website provides a map and details for self-guided viewing locations as well as in-person interpretive viewing opportunities across King County. 

Witness the Cedar River Salmon Journey! 

During October, the Cedar River Salmon Journey program will bring trained naturalists on-site to three locations within Renton city limits to help you spot salmon and help answer your questions. 

Find Seattle Aquarium naturalists between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the following locations on select weekends. 

  • Renton Library: October 4-5, 11
  • Cedar River Park: October 4-5, 11-12 
  • Riverview Park: October 18 

Schedule subject to change. Learn more at seattleaquarium.org/crsj. 

Celebrate at the Cedar River Salmon Festival!

The Enviornmental Science Center’s second annual Cedar River Salmon Festival is happening Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Liberty Park.  

The family-friendly festival, in partnership with Renton Parks & Recreation, will be held inside and outside of the Enviornmental Science Center building (1119 Bronson Way N.) behind the Renton Library. 

On Saturday, October 25, grab your costumes and check out Fish or Treat! for more family-friendly salmon fun.  

Visit envsciencecenter.org/events for more learning opportunities! 

 

Is your vehicle salmon-friendly?

As salmon return to the Cedar River, it's the perfect time to make sure your vehicle is salmon-friendly. 

Motor oil, coolant, and other fluids are needed for vehicles, but can threaten our streams and rivers! 

While our Public Works Department maintains the city’s stormwater systems through onsite cleaning and repairs and protects water resources through projects, programs, and policies, it takes ALL of us working together to keep pollution out of these waterways.  

Here are five easy ways to make a difference and welcome salmon back home!  

  • Don’t Drip and Drive! After driving to warm up the engine, place a piece of cardboard beneath your car overnight to spot any drips. If you see a leak, it’s time to fix it 
  • Use commercial car washes, when possible, where water gets treated before returning to our waterways.  
  • See a spill? Call 425-430-7400 to report it, or call 911 if the spill is a hazardous material.  
  • Recycle used motor oil and filters for free at your local Renton AutoZone or O’Reilly automobile retailers. Learn more at rentonwa.gov/shiftgreen.  

Check out the Public Works Department’s new Stormwater Management Plan and find more stormwater tips at rentonwa.gov/stormwater.  

 

Costume swap returns this Saturday! 

Renton’s annual Halloween Costume Swap is back to promote reusability and community! 

Donate your clean, gently worn costumes of all sizes by today, September 26, at Highlands Neighborhood Center (before 6 p.m.), Renton Community Center (before 5 p.m.), and Renton City Hall (before 4 p.m.). 

Then, join Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the Public Works Department tomorrow morning on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Highlands Neighborhood Center to pick up costumes and accessories for you or your family. Be sure to show off your new look in the designated photo area! 

Costume donations are not required to pick up a costume. However, this event can only run when donations are made, so please consider donating and sharing the word with your local community.  

 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Renton

During Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated September 15, 2025, through October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Councilmember Ruth Pérez then read the proclamation in Spanish.

The proclamation was accepted by Consejo Counseling & Referral Service’s Executive Assistant Kenia Cosio. Consejo Counseling, headquartered in Renton, has provided compassionate care to the local Latinx community for over 45 years. Some of their services include mental health, substance use, domestic violence, sexual assault, and transitional housing support. 

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance began as a week in 1968, but was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.   

Read the full proclamation at rentonwa.gov/proclamations.  

 

Registration for Scout Night closes soon!

Renton Regional Fire Authority and Renton Police Department invite all K-5th grade youth to an exciting and interactive Scout Night on Tuesday, October 7.  

This free event (registration required) is open to all K-5th graders and will introduce kids to: 

  • Firefighter and police tools, gear, and careers  
  • Emergency preparedness  
  • Home fire escape planning  
  • Basic CPR & first aid  
  • Knot tying  
  • Fingerprinting  
  • And much more!   

Kids will also get to meet local heroes from King County 9-1-1, DEA, Medic One, King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Washington Poison Center, City of Renton Emergency Management, AFIS, and other community safety partners.  

Register at rentonrfa.com/scoutnight by Monday, October 1.

 

September is National Service Dog Month! 

During Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone also designated September 2025 as National Service Dog Month.  

The proclamation was accepted by Canine Companions volunteer Lee Cummings and service dog Barbie. Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that rescues and trains dogs to help veterans with PTSD and children with autism. 

In the United States, approximately 70 million adults have a disability and only 16,000 service dogs from accredited training programs exist nationwide.  

National Service Dog Month aims to educate the community about the benefits of service dogs, the growing need, and laws protecting their handlers. 

Read the full proclamation at rentonwa.gov/proclamations.

 

Around Renton

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 

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. 

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is open for registration. Learn the basic knowledge and skills to take action during an emergency at rentonwa.gov/CERT. 

September 27- Halloween Costume Swap, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. Hosted by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the Public Works Department. Free.  

September 30 – Renton Farmers Market Closing Day, 3 – 7 p.m. Williams Avenue South between South Second Street and South Third Street. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. 

October 2 – Community Emergency Response Team, 6 – 9 p.m. Renton Regional Fire Authority Station #14, 900 Lind Ave. SW. Hosted by Renton Regional Fire Authority and the Executive Services Department. Free. Seven-week commitment. Register here. 

October 7 – Scout Night, 6 – 8 p.m. Renton Fire Station #14, 1900 Lind Ave. SW. Hosted by Renton Regional Fire Authority and Renton Police Department. Free. Register here. 

October 8 – Cedar River Salmon Festival, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by Enviornmental Science Center and Renton Parks & Recreation. Supported by Renton Public Works. Free.  

October 24 – Truck-or-Treat: Sensory-Friendly Stroll, 5 – 5:45 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register here. 

October 24 – Truck-or-Treat: Walk-Thru Spectacular, 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register here. 

October 25 – Senior Holiday Craft Bazaar, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free admission. 

October 25 – Halloween Costume Contest at the Olde Fashioned Halloween Scavenger Hunt, 1 – 4 p.m. Cugini Florists parking lot, 413 S. Third St. Hosted by Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free. Register in-person on event day from 1 – 3 p.m. 

 

In other news this week 

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