April 28, 2025

Residents Dig In for Parks Appreciation Day

Community volunteers joined Federal Way officials and staff to pitch in for Parks Appreciation Day events at three of our local parks this past Saturday. Volunteers at Brooklake Blueberry Farm, Steel Lake Annex, and Celebration Park worked hard to clean up our green spaces and help make our parks the best places they can be.

Parks Appreciation Day is an annual event in Federal Way that invites community members to help with weeding, planting trees, and other activities to beautify our parks. In total, nearly 200 volunteers worked for more than 600 hours!

Federal Way Little League Hosts Jamboree

The Federal Way National Little League (FWNLL) invited Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Council Members to its leaguewide jamboree this morning at the complex next to the King County Aquatic Center. Young baseball and softball players were ready to take the field and have fun on the diamond.

On behalf of the City of Federal Way, thank you to FWNLL and its many wonderful volunteers for giving opportunities for kids in our community.

Mayor Ferrell Speaks to Comcast Employees for Day of Service

Mayor Jim Ferrell was invited to speak at El Centro de la Raza on Saturday. El Centro hosted Comcast for its employee Day of Service. More than 100 Comcast employees were at El Centro, working on more than two dozen projects, including painting, spring cleaning, landscaping, and more!

We are fortunate in Federal Way to have such a strong and active organization like El Centro within our boundaries, and we thank the volunteers for their work in keeping the organization a strong and vital resource for our community.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Pacific Christian Academy Auction

Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Pacific Christian Academy’s 40th Year Celebration and Auction last week. It was an ‘80s Prom Night theme with great live entertainment. The proceeds from the auction support the school’s scholarships, programs, and general needs. 

City of Federal Way Hosts Table at Korean School Fundraiser

The City of Federal Way hosted a table at the Korean School of Federal Way’s Eighth Annual Fundraiser Saturday night. Mayor Jim Ferrell was joined by some of our Council Members and City staff to support a good cause. Mayor Ferrell and Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer enjoyed their bento box dinner.

Featured Upcoming Event

Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale May 3 and 4

The Federal Way Library is hosting a Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 3 and 4. Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and more to help support library programming.

General Sale:

• Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Pre-Sale for Members Only:

• Saturday, May 3, 10:15 a.m. to 11a.m.

Memberships are available at the door for $5. Cash or checks only. Please bring your own bags.

Alexander Named FWPD Most Valuable Player for 2024

Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) employee Staci Alexander was recently named the department’s Most Valuable Player for 2024. Alexander currently serves as the FWPD Public Records Coordinator (PRC) and exemplifies professionalism, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In 2024, Staci faced one of the more demanding years of her career. With the departure of her counterpart, she shouldered the entire public records workload, ensuring compliance and transparency at a time when public demand for information is at an all-time high.

This challenge has been magnified by the introduction of body-worn cameras, which dramatically increase the volume and complexity of records requests. Not only did Staci meet these challenges, but she also trained the department’s new PRC — all while maintaining her own high standard of service.

Her unwavering commitment, exceptional performance, and vital contributions to the success of the FWPD made her an obvious recipient of the award.

Touch-A-Truck with Us on May 17 at

Wild Waves

Get ready for a day of big wheels and bigger smiles! The highly anticipated Touch-A-Truck family event is back and better than ever — inviting kids of all ages to climb, explore, and discover the fascinating world of trucks and the heroes who drive them.

Touch-A-Truck will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wild Waves Parking Lot. This hands-on event gives children the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the vehicles they usually only see from afar — from fire trucks and construction vehicles to transit buses and delivery trucks.

What to Expect:

• Explore Big Rigs & Cool Vehicles: From Sound Transit buses to mighty machines from Papé Kenworth and Dash Point Distributing — kids can sit in the driver’s seat, honk the horn, and learn how these trucks work.
• Massive Sand Pit Fun: Dig, build, and play to your heart's content in a giant sand play area brought to you by Quikrete!
• Tasty Treats: Grab lunch or satisfy your sweet tooth with local food and dessert trucks on-site, serving up delicious bites.
• Meet Real Truck Drivers & Operators: Learn firsthand from the people who drive, operate, and maintain these incredible machines.

We’re proud to partner with Sound Transit, Papé Kenworth, Wild Waves, Dash Point Distributing, and Quikrete — companies that keep our community moving and make events like this possible.

May 6 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 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

Federal Way Farmer's Market Opens May 10

The 2025 City of Federal Way Farmers Market will open on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Saturday before Mother’s Day. 

The market will be held at the Commons each Saturday from May 10 to Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come and enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment every Saturday!

Plenty of parking is available. WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP are all accepted.

Community Clothing Swap May 10

Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, May 10, at the South King Tool Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes and take home amazing and new-to-you items while helping reduce textile waste.

Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for Spring/summer). Items on hangers appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling.

Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 30-June 1

The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the third-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 30th to June 1st, 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 third-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region. 

Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome.

Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.

Mother's Day at Rhododendron Garden

Celebrate mom with a fun outing to the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden May 10 & 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience the garden at peak bloom as you explore 13 unique garden features. Shop from local and international artists, dine on delicious cuisine from a food truck, or browse rare and beautiful botanicals for purchase from the onsite nursery.

We hope to see you in the garden!

Blue Poppy Day at Rhododendron

Garden on May 17

The mystical Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis, will grace us with its ethereal beauty once again at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.

Come celebrate these fabulous flowers Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a feast for your eyes.

Walk through a meadow glowing with blooming blue poppies or stroll along the ADA accessible path through the blue poppy glade.

BonsaiFEST on May 10 & 11

Join Pacific Bonsai Museum this World Bonsai Day/Mother's Day Weekend, May 10 & 11, for its annual BonsaiFEST! — a free, family-friendly celebration featuring hundreds of meticulously crafted living artworks.

Shop for your own bonsai treasures, enjoy delicious food truck offerings, and let the kids unleash their creativity at the games and art station. Free parking is available across from the museum at the Garden Parking Lot

Mat Pilates at the PAEC Every Monday

Start your week with strength and movement at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center’s PAEClates class — a weekly mat Pilates session led by certified instructor Heather Hoffacker.

Held every Monday at 10 a.m., this all-levels class focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall wellness through mindful movement. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, check-in and waiver signing. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.

This is a mat-based Pilates class — no machines or reformers — so attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat, water bottle, towel, and comfortable workout attire.

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year round. Upcoming events include:

• May 4: Ode to Joy: Presented by Auburn Symphony
• May 4: Charity Concert for Ukraine
• May 6: USAF Band of the Golden West- Quartet
• May 8: Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
• May 10: Big Band Concert II - A Journey Through Time and Space

Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.

Something Rotten at Centerstage Theater

Centerstage Theatre is putting on Something Rotten! from May 23 through June 15 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.

The musical is set in 1595 where two struggling playwright brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, try to outshine Shakespeare by creating the world’s first musical.

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."

Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.