This Week in Renton: Celebrating Lunar New Year in Renton

Celebrating Lunar New Year in Renton!

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, officially began on January 29 and is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures.   

During Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated January 29 through February 1, 2025, as Lunar New Year in the City of Renton. The proclamation was accepted by Lele (Happy) Tian, a member of the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force and a first-generation immigrant who moved from China at age 15. During the proclamation acceptance, Lele shared her appreciation, remarking on the celebration’s emphasis on “friends, family, and love.”   

This celebration is important to Renton because it reflects some of the city’s rich diversity. Renton is the 16th most diverse city in the nation, with approximately 1 in 4 residents identifying as Asian. Additionally, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog are the most commonly spoken languages after English and Spanish.  

This year is the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes transformation, wisdom, and intuition for some. May this year bring everyone wisdom, good health, and many blessings. 

Celebrate the new year in Renton! Check out VisitRenton for several Lunar New Year events this Saturday, February 1. 

Students arrive in Renton from Okinawa, Japan 

A group of high school students from Itoman City, a rural area in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, visited Renton earlier this week. Their visit was part of a cultural exchange program called "Kakehashi,” which translates to "building bridges." For some students, it was their first time traveling outside Japan. 

The program, funded by the Japanese government, provides cultural student exchanges with the United States. This year, the Kakehashi Project from Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture selected two high schools for cultural exchanges. One of the schools selected was Renton’s Lindbergh High School!  

After giving a presentation at Lindbergh High School, the students had the opportunity to tour Renton City Hall and meet Mayor Armondo Pavone. The students asked a variety of questions from what challenges come with being mayor and what’s next for Renton’s future. 

Thank you to Mr. Hiroaki Tojo and Ms. Yoko Sakomoto from the Consulate – General of Japan, Mr. Yoshito Sugai, and local organizers from the Laurasian Institute for helping make this trip possible.  

A number of students from Lindbergh High School will have the opportunity to visit Okinawa in the coming years. 

An evening of magic and masquerades with Renton Parks & Recreation  

The Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance is almost here! Bring the whole family for an enchanting evening of music, dancing, and memories next Friday, February 7, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Renton Community Center. Enjoy your favorite tunes, a photo booth, light refreshments, and a special keepsake to take home. This event is open to ages three and up, and pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Residents: $15, Non-residents: $18.  

Reserve your spot at rentonwa.gov/register. Course ID: 23721 

Bingo! Teen edition at Highlands Neighborhood Center 

Teens ages 14–17 are invited for a night exclusively for teens next Friday, February 7, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Renton Highlands Neighborhood Center. There will be bingo and other games, with a chance to win a prize, like a Stanley Cup or Polaroid camera. Other activities include hanging out at the photo station, enjoying open gym, and eating delicious food with friends. Space is limited. Teens ages 14-17: $5. Reserve your spot at rentonwa.gov/register. Course ID #23588

Around Renton 

• Winter Lights occurs nightly until February 28. Enjoy soft illuminations from 5 to 10 p.m. downtown around Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S., and from 5 to 9 p.m. at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Free.
• January 31 – Startup and Small Business Coworking, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave. S. Hosted by Startup 425. Register now. Free. 
• February 1 – Lunar New Year Celebrations. Free. 
• February 7 –  Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance, 6 – 8 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. 
• February 7 –  Teen Bingo Night, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Renton Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Ages 14-17. 
• February 8 –  Annual Black History Month Educational Forum, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Renton Technical College, 3000 NE Forth St. Hosted by Renton Technical College and the Renton King County Alliance for Justice. 
• February 13 – Be My Valentine Disco Dance, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Ages 50 & Up. 
• February 16 – 3rd Annual Black Makers & Creatives, 2 – 7 p.m. Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Register now. 

In other news this week