The Renton International Festival kicked off Friday, a clear signal from the owner of the Viet Wah Plaza and the Tea Palace Restaurant that change is coming to a major Highlands’ shopping center.

Duc Tran is one of the driving forces behind the inaugural three-day festival. Friday, he was walking the grounds of the Greater Hilands Shopping Center on Sunset Boulevard, surveying the setting up and ready to deal with any issues.

The festival started at about 3 p.m., with a break-dance group providing the first entertainment from a stage with a good sound system.

Mayor Denis Law and other dignitaries kicked off the festival at a ribbon-cutting.

Tran explained his vision for the shopping center.

“My vision is to help develop this area into a multicultural business district in Renton and have it become an attraction to visitors when they come to the city of Renton, such as the Landing and the Chinatowns in all major cities,” he said.

Tran said he plans to upgrade and promote the shopping center.

The festival got started under warm skies; the heat promises to stick through the weekend. The event features entertainment, food and vendors.

Here is a partial schedule:

Friday, Aug. 13

• 3 p.m.-8 p.m.: Festival is open

Saturday, Aug. 14

• Noon to 8 p.m. Festival is open

• All day, with award presentation at 5 p.m.: Northwest Motiv International Automotive Showcase

• 1 p.m.-2 p.m.: The Next King of Pop, Michael Jackson Talent Search

Sunday, Aug. 15

• Noon to 8 p.m.: Festival is open

• 1 p.m.-2 p.m.: The Next King of Pop, Michael Jackson Talent Search

The three-day festival is being held at the Greater Hilands Shopping Center, 2820 Sunset Blvd. N.E., Renton. Parking is on an open field on the Harrington Avenue side of the shopping center, next to the Tea Palace Restaurant.