Our Renton

September 2026

Celebrating 125 Years of Renton!

RENTON’S 125TH BIRTHDAY is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of a community shaped by generations of Renton residents whose stories built this city.

Founded on September 6, 1901, Renton grew from Duwamish home‑lands at the meeting of the Black and Cedar rivers into a bustling hub for coal miners, loggers, and later workers at PACCAR and Boeing.

To kick off a full year of celebrating what makes Renton special, we’re partnering with the Renton Historical Society to host a ‘Birthday in the Park’ at Renton’s very first public park. Step back in time on Sunday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberty Park and explore Renton’s history. Enjoy games, live music, and activities for all ages. Gather with friends and neighbors, and of course, celebrate with birthday cake!

Through the Year

Because one day isn’t enough, we’ll be shining a spotlight on Renton’s past and present throughout our 125th anniversary year. Follow the city’s social media channels for historical highlights and share what YOU love about Renton at our video booth.

Visit our video booth at events throughout the year to record your own message about what Renton means to you. Your video may be shared on social media and added to a time capsule for future residents to enjoy.

You’ll also receive an official 125th anniversary button. The video booth will appear at several events, including the Renton Farmers Market, the 125th Birthday in the Park celebration, senior luncheons, and more.

Stay connected and find ways to be part of the celebration at rentonwa.gov/125th.

RDP Tips to Prevent Crime: BACK-TO-SCHOOL AWARENESS

Watch out for the kids! Slow down in school zones and stop for buses. Encourage your student to walk in groups, stay alert, and report suspicious activity near schools or bus stops.

Now Introducing... The Current: City of Renton’s Quarterly Magazine

“THE CURRENT” is Renton’s new quarterly magazine, bringing together key stories, updates, and highlights from the past several months. It’s your go‑to source for staying informed about what’s happening in the city.

From major projects and new initiatives to community celebrations and upcoming events, this physical magazine offers an easy, convenient way to catch up on everything Renton has been working on.

We recognize that not all residents are online or on social media so we wanted an all-encompassing piece that we can leave at locations throughout the city that you can flip through and read.

Pick up a copy of “The Current” at events, city locations or at select businesses. A digital copy is also available at rentonwa.gov/Current.

Our next edition will be available this fall.

Your Guide to Fall Fun in Renton

EXPLORE all classes, afterschool programs, sports, and events from September through December, including a first look at some seasonal favorites.

Find the latest Let’s Go Renton! Parks & Recreation guide for September through December on our website at rentonwa.gov/LetsGo.

Pick up a printed copy at the Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway) or Renton City Hall (1055 S Grady Way) during normal operating hours and register for fall classes and courses at rentonwa.gov/Register.

Our Parks and Recreation Department provides opportunities for neighbors to meet, families to make memories, and for people of all ages to connect and stay active.

Improvements to Oakesdale Avenue are Complete!

THE OAKESDALE AVENUE SW Pavement Preservation Project finished in June, delivering significant upgrades along this key transit corridor between SW 34th Street and SW 16th Street.

Throughout construction, crews coordinated daytime operations with nighttime paving to keep traffic moving and minimize disruptions for businesses and commuters.

Improvements to Oakesdale Avenue SW include:

New pavement surface
Utility adjustments
New channelization to support traffic calming and decrease speeding and accidents
Traffic signal modifications
Added islands
ADA‑compliant curb ramp upgrades
Updated pavement markings
Bike ramps and lanes
New signage
Restoration throughout the corridor

These upgrades provide a smoother driving surface, better accessibility, and improved long‑term durability. Oakesdale Avenue SW has experienced speeding concerns in the past, but the new traffic‑calming measures help create a safer environment for freight operators, commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians now and into the future.

The project was federally funded and completed on time. Learn more at rentonwa.gov/Oakesdale.

What’s Happening in the Valley

This project is an important step in restoring the pavement surface and in addressing current safety and speed concerns, as well as preparing for the Valley’s continued growth.

With the Seattle Sounders headquarters now in Renton, along with the Alaska Airlines training facility and a future Seattle Children’s campus, planners with the Community & Economic Development Department are developing the Valley Subarea Plan. This plan anticipates major residential, health care, and commercial development that will support the area for decades to come.

Learn more about the Valley Subarea Plan at rentonwa.gov/ValleyPlan.

Get to Gardening!

GARDENING doesn’t have to stop when the leaves start to change colors. Join our Public Works Department and Saving Water Partnership and attend our free online fall gardening classes.

Wednesday, September 9 - 6-7:30 p.m.: Less Work, Better Gardens the Natural Way
Tuesday, September 29 - 6-7:30 p.m.: Four Seasons of Color: The Year-Round Garden

Classes will be held over Zoom, and registration is required. Sign up at rentonwa.gov/register.

Community Calendar

For event details, visit rentonwa.gov/events

Renton Farmers Market

Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m. thru September

Downtown, S. Third St. & Logan Ave. S

Celebrating our 25th season! Local farmers, fresh food, friendly people!

Movies at Legacy Square

Fridays, 6–9 p.m.

Legacy Square, 510 S. 3rd Street

6 p.m. Concessions open
6:30 p.m. Pre-movie entertainment
7 p.m. Movie starts

Screenings:

SEPT 4, Crazy Rich Asians
SEPT 11, In the Heights

Concert: Golden K-Pop DJ

Saturdays, 5:30–9 p.m.

Legacy Square, 510 S. 3rd Street

5:30 p.m. Concessions & beverages
7 p.m. Concert starts
9 p.m. Programming ends

Pooch Plunge

SEPT 12 & 13, Saturday & Sunday

Aquatic Ctr., 1719 Maple Valley Hwy

Dogs will make a splash in the pool! Pet food donations will be accepted. Register at rentonwa.gov/register.

Harvest Festival

SEPT 19, Saturday, 12–9 p.m.

Legacy Square, 510 S. 3rd Street

Local brews and ciders, presentations, performances, activities, harvest market, and a Bollywood dance party! rentonwa.gov/LegacySquareEvents

Gameday at Legacy Square!

Legacy Square, 510 S. 3rd Street

SEPT 20: Seahawks vs Cardinals - 12:15 p.m. Pregame, 1:25 p.m. Kick-off

SEPT 27: Seahawks vs Commanders - 9 a.m. Pregame, 10 a.m. Kick-off

Enjoy food, beverages, and pre-grame entertainment. rentonwa.gov/LegacySquareEvents

Halloween Costume Swap

SEPT 26, Saturday, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave NE

Browse gently used costumes for all ages. No donation required to participate, but early donations help make it a success! Donate clean, gently used costumes and Halloween accessories September 1–25 at Renton Community Center, Highlands Neighborhood Center, and City Hall; see rentonwa.gov/RMAC for details