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Spring is in full swing, and so is the energy around arts and culture in Renton! With a sense of global excitement in the air and our community coming alive in new ways, we’re heading into May ready to celebrate creativity at every level. Here’s what’s been happening and what’s ahead from your Renton Municipal Arts Commission.
Dragon’s Landing brought the magic to Downtown for its 7th year
Downtown Renton came alive on April 12 as the Dragon’s Landing Celebration returned for its 7th year, transforming Wells Ave into an interactive corridor filled with art, color, live demonstrations, costume and craft activities, a working printing press, rune quests, and hands-on community creativity for all ages.
From dragon-themed displays and interactive booths to the costume contest and window decorating competition, the day invited people to join in the creative spirit of downtown Renton and its public art scene. Families lingered, friends gathered, and visitors discovered art, performances, and activities around every corner offering something for everyone to enjoy.
A few highlights from the day:
- A full block transformed into a vibrant, walkable art-filled street festival
- 20+ local businesses expressing their creativity through window displays
- Community booths featuring artists, makers, cultural groups, and local organizations
- More than 1,400 visitors engaging with downtown businesses, art, and activities
The excitement carried beyond the streets, with the celebration lighting up social media and the Egg Treasure Hunt bringing hundreds of participants into the experience through the new Visit Renton app.
Dragon’s Landing continues to grow as a signature Renton celebration, bringing together art, culture, and community in a way that feels welcoming, creative, and distinctly ours. Thank you to everyone who participated, created, and showed up. We can’t wait to see where the dragon lands next.
View the full photo album from Dragon’s Landing here.
Congratulations to Mason Taylor, a 10th grader from Hazen High School, for winning the Dragon’s Landing poster competition with a design that captured the energy of the event and the excitement of the upcoming World Cup games. Check out the full gallery of entries at rentonwa.gov/dragonslanding.
 Shout out to the 20 businesses who participated in the window decorating contest and helped bring downtown to life with creativity and community spirit by turning their storefronts into mini galleries.
This year’s winners were:
Erasmus’ Choice Award: The Pencil Test
Dragons of the World Award: Dubtown Brewing Company
Villager’s Choice Award (Public Vote): 8-bit Arcade
Call for Artists: Storm Drain Public Art Opportunity
Design a one-of-a-kind storm drain cover and see your work cast in metal and installed as permanent public art in Renton. Open to artists of all ages, with students especially encouraged to participate.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Click here to view the full call and submit(PDF, 183KB)
Renton Art Lounge: Pressed Flower Bookmark Workshop with Nikky Jost at Tomato Tomato Creative Space
Join local artist Nikky Jost for a hands-on creative meetup exploring the art of pressed flower bookmarks. An artist-to-artist space for creative exchange, conversation, and connection, these monthly Art Lounge gatherings offer a chance to connect in person with your Renton Arts Commission and build relationships within Renton’s creative community. The event is free, but pre-registration is required to save your space. Register here today.
Legacy Square comes to life June 6, and the celebration is just getting started.
All summer long, the Square will be filled with activation and community energy, including World Cup watch parties, movie and concert nights, an art and wine event, and the Harvest Festival. Come be a part of it all. View the full schedule of events at rentonwa.gov/legacysquareevents.
Now hiring to support the Arts in the City! The Creative Economy Specialist helps advance Renton’s arts and culture by planning and delivering creative programs, events, and public art initiatives. This role builds partnerships with local artists and community groups, supporting engaging experiences and helping coordinate communications that showcase Renton’s creative vibrancy. Apply today!
Chalk Art Competition – Renton River Days
Artists of all ages are invited to participate in this year’s official Chalk Art Competition on Saturday, July 25 at Renton River Days.
- NEW Location: Train depot stop at Cedar River Park
- Time: 10AM – 3PM (Winners announced at 4:00 PM)
Register today. Free to participate. Spots are available until full. Start planning your designs now. We can’t wait to see the creativity come to life.
PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES
Vendors wanted for the Summer Bazaar!
Are you a craftsperson or artisan with unique goods to share? The Summer Bazaar is the perfect place to showcase and sell your handmade, locally crafted, and specialty products. Connect with the community and gain exposure at one of Renton’s biggest festivals! Click here for the Summer Bazaar Application.
Co-Create Night: Garden Stepping Stones at Luther's Table
Wednesday, May 20 | 7:00–8:30 PM
Step into spring with Co-Create Night as community member Margarita Villarreal returns to guide participants in creating custom garden stepping stones. Design your own unique piece, or bring small stones or personal treasures to incorporate into your work. This is a welcoming space to create, connect, and enjoy a hands-on, creative evening together. All abilities are welcome.
Tiny Wonders, hosted by Renton Art Oasis, is a two-day celebration of small-scale art featuring local artists at Drum Roll Wine in Renton. Visitors are invited to explore a curated collection of miniature works while enjoying a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a glass of wine in hand. The event offers a chance to connect directly with artists, discover unique pieces, and experience the creativity of the local arts community. Family-friendly and full of surprises, Tiny Wonders also includes raffles and interactive moments throughout the weekend.
Fairwood Market Night returns for its opening night on May 13, bringing together a vibrant mix of local artists, musicians, cultural groups, nonprofits, and small businesses in a lively community pop-up experience. Be sure to visit the Renton Artist Spotlight tent to connect with and support local Renton artists as Fairwood comes alive with arts, culture, and collaboration to kick off the season.
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