The White Center Business District is getting a major glow up, and the community is invited to celebrate the official lighting activation during the May, Rat City Art Walk on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

This special evening will mark an exciting milestone for the neighborhood as new lighting improvements throughout the White Center business district are officially unveiled.

The project was made possible through King County Local Services’ Participatory Budgeting Program, where community members voted in 2024 to invest $700,000 toward improving lighting and safety in the neighborhood.

The Rat City Art Walk has become one of White Center’s most vibrant monthly community events, featuring more than 70 local artists across 27 participating businesses and venues.

Each month brings a unique mix of rotating art, live music, pop-up vendors, food specials, and interactive community experiences that celebrate the creativity and diversity of the neighborhood.

May’s event will feature a social justice-themed art show at Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, free live music at Tim’s Dusty 45s with performances by The Evanstones.

Community members are encouraged to begin exploring the art walk at 5:00 PM, supporting local artists and small businesses throughout the evening. At 7:30 PM, attendees are invited to gather at the neighborhood kiosk outside Tim’s Tavern for a short community walking tour highlighting recent neighborhood investments and improvements.

The tour will include updates on road and infrastructure improvements, remarks from local leaders, and recognition of the partnerships that helped bring the lighting project to life.

Speakers are expected to include:

• King County Councilmember Theresa Mosqueda

• Local Services Director Leon Richardson

• Crystal Chindavongsa from the King County Executive’s Office

• Representatives from the White Center Business Alliance

At 8:00 PM, the new neighborhood lighting installation will officially be turned on, symbolizing continued investment in White Center’s safety, walkability, and vibrant arts culture.

Following the art walk and light activation, attendees are encouraged to continue the celebration at “Night Walk” hosted at 2 Fingers Social.

Beginning after 8:00 PM, the late-night gathering will showcase the newly illuminated neighborhood and extend into the Seattle side of White Center.

The event will feature live art, local vendors, a live DJ, and food and drink specials for artists, creatives, and night owls alike. The Rat City Art Walk takes place every third Thursday from April through September and continues to grow as a grassroots celebration of art, culture, and community in White Center.

Event Details:

Rat City Art Walk & Lighting Activation Thursday, May 21, 2026

Art Walk begins: 5:00 PM

Community Walking Tour: 7:30 PM

Lighting Activation: 8:00 PM

Afterparty “Night Walk” at 2 Fingers Social immediately following

For more information, follow Rat City Art Walk and participating White Center businesses on social media. Or Ratcityartwalk.org