Renton River Days announces 2026 festival dates
Published on April 24, 2026
RENTON, WA (APRIL 24, 2026) - The countdown begins! Renton River Days is Renton's most beloved summer tradition. Dates are set for July 23-26, marking 40 years of community pride, connection, and unforgettable experiences. After welcoming more than 25,000 attendees in 2025, the 2026 celebration is gearing up to be the biggest and most vibrant festival in its history.
For 40 years, Renton River Days has been more than a festival; it’s a tradition woven into the heart of the community. Families, neighbors, and visitors gather along the Cedar River to celebrate what makes Renton special: connection, culture, and shared pride.
A four-day celebration of everything Renton
WHEN:
- July 23: Senior Day Picnic (Festival Kick-Off)
- July 24–26: Full Festival Weekend
WHERE: The festival spans Renton’s signature parks and gathering spaces, all connected by the Houser Way corridor:
- Liberty Park
- Cedar River Park
- Renton Community Center
Additional festival locations include:
- Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park – Friday night concert & drone show
- NEW: Legacy Square – River Nights in Downtown Renton
- NEW: Talbot Hill Reservoir Park Pickleball Courts – Pickleball Tournament
Festival highlights that bring the energy
This year’s Renton River Days is packed with free entertainment, local flavor, and new experiences designed to bring the community together.
- FREE festival admission with live music, family activities, and community experiences
- Friday Night Concert (July 24, 7:30 p.m.): The Kennydales
- Drone Show (July 24, 9:30 p.m.): “Through the Decades” lights up the sky
- NEW: River Nights at Legacy Square – evening entertainment in Downtown Renton (lineup TBA)
- Main stage performances at Liberty Park featuring:
- 13 Til Midnight (Taylor Swift tribute)
- Naked Giants
- The Hipsters
- Steve Aliment & Annie O’Neil
- …and more to be announced
- Saturday Community Parade featuring the iconic Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt & Drill Team
- Summer Craft Bazaar all weekend long showcasing local artists and makers
Be part of the magic: Sponsorship opportunities now open!
Businesses and organizations are invited to join this milestone celebration. Sponsorship opportunities for Renton River Days 2026 are now available. Explore options at the official festival website: rentonwa.gov/riverdays
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 109,700 (2025), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014 & 2026) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Nextdoor pages.