Dec. 14

Elf Academy at Renton Community Center: From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join in for some holiday magic. Become one of Santa’s special helpers by completing a series of fun and festive tasks. From toy-making to reindeer games, each station is designed to spark creativity, build teamwork, and spread holiday cheer. Every participant will receive an official certificate from our Head Elves, declaring them an honorary elf ready to assist Santa. Register at rentonwa.gov/register with code #22212. Located at 1715 Maple Valley Highway in Renton.

Pet Adoption Event at Eastside Veterinary Associates: The Renton Police Department Animal Control division is teaming up with Eastside Veterinary to provide adoptable dogs and cats from 1 to 4 p.m. All pets are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped, with 50% of adoption fees ($50 for dogs, $25 for cats). Located at 1700 NE 44th Street in Renton.

Battle of the Badge at Renton Technical College: This illumination event returns, with the Renton Police Department and over 30 other regional agencies. This year will be a walk-through in a new location, complete with food trucks. This is a free event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and, in line with the holiday spirit, consider bringing non-perishable food for donation to local food banks. Learn more at rentonwa.gov/battle. Located at 3000 Northeast 4th Street in Renton.

Dec. 14 & 21

Santa House at Luther’s Table: Join the Renton Downtown Partnership and St. Nick himself for free holiday photos with the family. The event will run for the first three Saturdays of December from 1 to 4 p.m. Since this year’s location is at a restaurant, furry family members are not allowed. Located at 419 South 2nd Street in Renton. Visit rentondowntown.com/events/santahouse.

Dec. 15

Winter Concert at Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center: Enjoy sounds of the season with the Renton City Concert Band and director Dr. Naomi Fanshier. The performance will be at 2 p.m., tickets can be purchased at Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, or at the door on performance day. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 425-430-6700. Located at 400 S. 2nd Street.

Dec. 17

Project Be Free presents Family Resource Night at VFW Post 1263: From 3-7 p.m., get connected with nonprofits and organizations throughout Renton and South King County that provide counseling, legal support, support groups, youth mentorship and more. This free event takes place every month on the third Tuesday. VFW Post 1263 is located at 416 Burnett Avenue South. Call 425-324-5030 or visit project-be-free.com.

Dec. 21

Free Museum Day at the Renton History Museum: Enjoy the wonders of the past with free admission to the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free museum days are every first Wednesday and third Saturday of each month. Located at 235 Mill Avenue South in Renton.

Jan. 1

Polar Bear Plunge: The icy plunge is back and there are now two location options. From 10 to 10:30 a.m., enjoy a fine dip at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, or a brisk swim at Henry Moses Aquatic Center from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Bring a towel and some dry clothes to change into, and be sure to register for both locations. Register for free at rentonwa.gov/register. Gene Coulon is located at 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. North and Henry Moses is located at 1719 SE Maple Valley Highway.

Jan. 14

The Renton American Legion Fred Hancock Post 19 Business Meeting: The Renton American Legion Fred Hancock Post 19 meets the second Tuesday of every month, except July and August, at 7 p.m. at the Post Hall, 3224 NE 12th Street, in the Renton Highlands, under the water tower. All veterans welcome. Most vets eligible for membership. America’s premier patriotic veterans organization and the prime driver of the original G.I. Bill, the Legion focuses on service to veterans and has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans, and produced many important programs for the community, children and youth.

Jan. 16

Café Vets: Monthly gathering of veterans and guests for coffee and refreshments hosted by Renton American Legion Post 19 and Auxiliary Unit 19 on the third Thursday of every month (except December) from 10 a.m. to noon. Come for coffee, camaraderie and goodies. Legion membership is not a requirement, though most veterans are eligible for membership. Post Service Officer will be on hand, in case someone needs assistance with a VA claim. No agenda, just veterans getting together with other veterans and their friends. Post Hall is in the Renton Highlands, under the water tower (3224 Northeast 12th Street).

Saturdays

Renton Parkrun at Cedar River Trail: This weekly 5K community event takes place every Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Cedar River Trail trailhead by the I-405 overpass. This free event does require registration but is meant to be a fun event where walkers, joggers, runners, volunteers and spectators can come together. For more information, visit parkruns.us/renton/ and the exact coordinates of the event are 47.4802N, -122.199W.

Have a Renton-related event coming up? Want to submit your own photo to be featured with the calendar? Email baileyjo.josie@rentonreporter.com to submit a Renton-based public event or photo to be included in our weekly events calendar.