Renton is ready to show off its diversity in the first Renton Multicultural Festival, scheduled for late September.

The city and the mayor’s Inclusion Task Force are coordinating this two-day event that will feature local artists, music, dance, food and activities.

A 2016 WalletHub study ranked Renton as the 16th most diverse city in the nation.

“We’ve seen for the longest time that Renton has this amazing diversity as part of our community,” said Shridhar, “And for us, what has been important is to ask how can we not only celebrate this diversity and recognize it, but how can we celebrate an opportunity of all members of the community to get to know each other, to learn more about each other, to get a sense of the heritages of your neighbors, the people you work with, and give a special place and honor that diversity.”

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and will include a variety of entertainment and booths, including music, dance, stories, art and food from various ethnic communities. Shridhar said that the festival committee has been seeking for all aspects of the event to be an interactive experience.

While the details about the festival itself has yet to be announced, Shridhar said Miss Washington, Alicia Cooper, will be making an appearance.

Previously, forums, workshops and even a multicultural social event have been hosted by the Inclusion Task Force, but a festival of this magnitude is first of its kind. According to Shridhar, the festival was birthed out of task force’s desire to “celebrate diversity and bring it to the larger community.”

“When the mayor created the Inclusion Task Force, one of the things we asked the members of the task force was, ‘What are you priorities? What are something you want to see?’” she said. “It’s very interesting that this came up, without the mayor sharing that he’s had a vision for this.”

The task force was formed last year to support the city’s mission and goal to serve everybody living in the community, as well as facilitate dialogue and enhance understanding between the city and communities they represent, and make the city’s programs and services more accessible.

“We think it’s really going to be an iconic festival. It’s the first time, but it’s going to set the stage for future years,” Shridhar said.

Catch the Renton Multicultural Festival 6 -9 p.m., Sept. 30 at Carco Theater, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 1 at Renton Pavilion Event Center and Piazza Park.