Community and Dougie Fir Show Up for Parks Appreciation Day | | |
Federal Way community members picked up shovels and rolled out wheelbarrows this weekend for our 20th Annual Parks Appreciation Day. It was an opportunity to beautify our parks and get them ready for the busy summer season.
Work events were hosted at Brooklake Blueberry Farm, Steel Lake Annex, and Celebration Park. Thank you to all of the volunteers who took part of their Saturday to pitch in on these efforts!
Among the volunteers was our brand new Parks and Recreation mascot, Dougie Fir. Dougie will be out at events throughout the year so don't be shy and come up to say "Hi" to our new tree friend!
| | Youth Commission Washes Cars to Support Scholarship Efforts | | |
The Federal Way Youth Commission held a community car wash fundraiser on Saturday at the Federal Way Community Center, bringing residents together for a good cause. Funds raised from the event will go toward the FirStep Scholarship, which helps eligible middle and high school students access recreational programs or receive a three-month membership to the Community Center.
Made up of passionate young leaders, the Youth Commission works to expand opportunities for local youth. The group plays an active role in advising the City Council and engaging with the community on issues that impact young people, including policies, programs, and future pathways.
Civic-minded residents in grades 9-12 are encouraged to apply for the Youth Commission if interested in filling one of the vacant positions. Visit our Youth Commission webpage for more information and eligibility requirements.
| | Community Drives Thru to Shred Documents at Red Canoe | | |
Our Public Works team partnered with Red Canoe Credit Union to host a document shredding event last week. It was an opportunity for community members to drive thru and have their important documents shredded securely at no cost.
In total, 5,600 pounds of documents were shredded at the event.
Public Works hosts a variety of free recycling and shredding events throughout the year in an attempt to reduce waste. Learn more and find out about upcoming events on our city website.
| | City of Federal Way Hosting Town Hall Meeting on April 30 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at Olympic View K-8.
Join Mayor Jim Ferrell, City Councilmembers, and City staff for updates and conversation about the direction of our city.
Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with the people working to serve our community.
All residents are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.
| | Rides, Soccer, and Fun at Kickin' It Federal Way June 19-21 | | |
Come play with us at Kickin’ It Federal Way! Our three-day celebration of soccer, culture, and community will feature a whole host of fun rides and games outside of the Performing Arts & Event Center, all for free!
Enjoy the rides and the rest of the Kickin' It Federal Way lineup, which will include FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, live performances on the outdoor stage, food truck alley, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Bring your friends and family and be part of the energy, connection, and celebration!
For full details and updates, be sure to visit the Kickin' It website.
| | Opening Day of the Federal Way Farmers Market on May 9 | | | | |
Join us on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Opening Day of the 2026 Season of the Federal Way Farmers Market.
We’re excited to move to our new location on South 316th Street between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.
On Opening Day, we will be giving away free tote bags to the first 150 visitors. Come early and take one home!
Parking is available at Town Square Park and in and around downtown Federal Way, including nearby public lots within walking distance of the market.
| | Mending Fair at Federal Way 320th Library on April 25 | | |
Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair on Saturday, April 25, at the 320th Federal Way Library from 1-5 p.m.
Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing. You can register for a timeslot online before you come. Walk-ins welcome as space allowed.
Mending is limited to visible mending. If you need a garment to be hemmed, you must be able to measure your own inseam. A tape measure will be provided.
| | April 21 City Council Meeting | | | | |
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the City's YouTube channel, or FW Channel 21.
| | Upcoming Events and Opportunities | | Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 29-31 | | | | |
The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the fourth-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 29-31, at the Performing Arts & Events Center.
This vibrant festival will celebrate the diversity of Federal Way, showcasing the talents of both adult and youth artists, while promoting artistic growth and community engagement.
The fourth-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.
| | Kickin' It Federal Way June 19-21 | | | | |
Join us June 19-21 for Kickin' It Federal Way, a three-day festival celebrating soccer, culture, and community at the Performing Arts & Event Center.
The festival will feature FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, live performances on the outdoor stage, food truck alley, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, turning the PAEC and the surrounding property into a hub of entertainment throughout the weekend.
| | I'm Hooked Kids Fishing Event on May 2 | | |
Join us for the 9th Annual Great Outdoor Experience hosted in partnership with I'm Hooked Inc. at Steel Lake Park! Spend a fun day outdoors learning about fishing, enjoying hands-on activities, and connecting with the community.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Steel Lake Park
This free, family-friendly event is perfect for youth and families who want to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying a day by the lake. Community mentors will guide participants through angler education and help make it a memorable outdoor experience.
| | Senior Health & Resource Fair on May 12 | | | | |
The Senior Advisory Commission proudly invites you to join them at the 4th Annual Senior Health & Resource Fair at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This free event will bring together 85 local vendors with direct ties to the senior community.
Thank you to our sponsors: The City of Federal Way, Vickie Chynoweth, St. Francis Hospital, Home Instead, the Federal Way Mirror, Fedelta Home Care, FUSION, and Steel Lake Presbyterian Church. Without you, we would not be able to host this event!
All ages – especially seniors! – are welcome.
| | Municipal Court Student Art Contest | | | | |
The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is
sponsoring an art contest as requested by Federal
Way Municipal Court Judge Danielle Havens
and Judge Brad Bales.
The contest is open to all students in first through eighth grade living within the boundaries of Federal Way.
Entries selected will be displayed in Federal Way Municipal Court. The hope is to give the municipal court a friendlier look for family members who are visiting the court rooms.
Entries must be received by May 1, and winners will be notified by May 8.
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Take the Diversity Commission's
Community Engagement Survey
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The City of Federal Way Diversity Commission wants to hear from you!
Please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts in this short Community Engagement Survey.
Your feedback will help us reach more in our community and help us to make our city even more welcoming and connected for everyone.
| | Provide Your Feedback on Opportunity Zones in Federal Way | | | | |
We are exploring the future of Opportunity Zones in Federal Way, and we want to hear from you!
Opportunity Zones are federally designated areas where new investment is encouraged through tax incentives, with the goal of supporting economic development, creating jobs, expanding housing options, and strengthening community-serving spaces.
Federal Way currently has one Opportunity Zone located in the downtown area with the possibility of a re-designation from the State of Washington.
| | Storm Large at the PAEC on May 1 | | | | |
Join us for Storm Large on Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.
Storm Large is a musical force of nature — part rock goddess, part cabaret siren, and all powerhouse performer. Bursting into the national spotlight on Rock Star: Supernova and later wowing audiences on America’s Got Talent, Storm has built a devoted following with her raw vocals, magnetic stage presence, and fearless storytelling.
Brought to you by Fastsigns Federal Way and Showcase Magazine!
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The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
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April 28: Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars
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May 1: PAEC Presents: Storm Large
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May 6: PAEC Presents: Step Afrika!
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 9 | | | | |
The Federal Way Library is hosting a Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 9. Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and more to help support library programming.
General Sale:
- Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pre-Sale for Members Only:
- Saturday, May 9, 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Memberships are available at the door for $5. Cash or checks only. Please bring your own bags.
| | BonsaiFest! Returns May 9-10 | | | | |
The Pacific Bonsai Museum invites the public to BonsaiFEST!, its annual free outdoor festival, on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. The event will be open to the public each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year's event marks the opening of Bonsai United, a groundbreaking new exhibition curated by Aarin Packard that brings together 36 bonsai practitioners from 15 traditions around the world, speaking in their own voices about what makes their regional approaches to bonsai distinctly their own.
| | Blue Poppy Day at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Gardern on May 16 | | | | |
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way is hosting its Annual Blue Poppy Day on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event celebrates the rare and iconic Himalayan blue poppy at peak bloom, an uncommon opportunity to see these sought-after flowers in full display.
Visitors can explore a meadow filled with blue poppies, shop an art market featuring local artists, enjoy a live performance from the Jet Cities Chorus, and visit food trucks.
A wide selection of plants will also be available for purchase in the on-site nursery.
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