International Festival Celebrates Renton's Diverse Cultures

Renton’s is starting its second year and this weekend’s activity line-up looks like it is going to be a “must see" event. Better yet, it is free for the family. Here's a sneek-peek of the event: 

The festival is located at the Greater Highlands Center at the Plaza, in the Renton Highlands – where the is located.

The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday with a ribbon-cutting and an exotic ceremonial Lion Dance. The festival will run daily through Sunday evening.

The weekend promises to be full of fun activities for everyone said event coordinator, Roxanne Hanson.

“I’m excited that the festival has grown this year, thanks to the committed group of volunteers that have made it happen,” she said. “The Night Market at the festival will showcase the event by illuminating the evening starting at dusk with Chinese Lanterns."

The festival is designed to showcase Renton’s diversity and give attendees a chance to experience international cultures, cuisine and entertainment.

On tap for the event are numerous live bands performing at the Tulalip Resort Casino Sponsor Stage. You can hear the sounds of Kaze Daiko (Japanese Taiko Drumming), Mexican, Salsa & South American music, and see the Chinese Huayin Performing Arts Group.

In addition to live music, attendees can visit vendor booths showcasing arts and culture in jewelry, crafts, gifts and accessories. To tempt your palate, the festival will host Mexican, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines as well as a beer garden, sponsored by Heineken.

On Saturday, the must-see activity is the Speedway Collison and Sound Tech Automotive Showcase. Hanson said the show continues to grow "much larger than expected," even at press time.

More than 100 Exotic Euro cars highlighting the finest in modified show cars, and auto sound will be on display. Prizes will be given for Best of Show, Best of Paint and Best of Entertainment. The prizes will be awarded based on people’s choice, and prizes will be awarded to those who vote in the competition.

New this year, Hanson said, is the SeaFair Float and an inflatable soccer field for the kids to play on.

“As this festival grows,” Hanson said, “I hope that next year many more cultural groups will reach out to us, so we can highlight even more of Renton’s international cultures and its growing diversity.”

Festival hours are Friday from 3–9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parking is available behind the Highlands Shopping Center, but watch for street closures. Overflow parking is at , which is a short walk to the festival.

Dignitaries scheduled to preside over the ribbon cutting include Mayor Denis Law, CEO Bill Taylor, the Chairman and CEO of the Viet Wah Group, Duc Tran, Executive Director of Tet in Seattle Khanh Vu, and Michael Nguyen, Executive Director of Renton International Festival (event organizer).

Also on hand will be Kenneth Kettler, CEO of Tulalip Resort Casino). Brittney Henry will also be at the ribbon-cutting.

For more information about the festival, click here.

Event Title Sponsor for the second year is Tulalip Resort Casino.

Corporate Sponsors: Snoqualmie Casino, HACT, Speedway Collision & Sound Tech Lynnwood, and .

Platinum Sponsors: , , Western United, SG Seattle Grove,

Marketing Partner:

*Editor's Note: This article has been updated from a previous version.