Federal Way Neighborhoods Host National Night Out Events | | |
Federal Way came together for another incredible National Night Out last week, with 32 celebrations held across the city.
This year's National Night Out included both returning neighborhood traditions and several first-time celebrations. Residents gathered for block parties, ice cream socials, and community events to meet their neighbors, build new connections, and spend time with Federal Way Police Department officers, public officials, and community partners.
The FWPD thanks everyone who helped make National Night Out possible.
Thank you to every resident who welcomed us into your neighborhoods. Your hospitality and commitment to building a connected community are what make National Night Out so meaningful.
| | Community Festival Brings Out Federal Way | | |
The City of Federal Way, in partnership with the Federal Way Diversity Commission, hosted the annual Community Festival on Saturday at Town Square Park. It was a vibrant, day-long celebration of the diverse cultures that make our community unique.
The festival featured an array of cultural performances, global cuisines, local art displays, and a variety of kid-friendly activities, creating a joyful space for families and neighbors to come together.
The goal of the Community Festival is to celebrate and experience the cultures of people from all over the world who reside in our region, to bring us together, and help us learn about our neighbors and their heritage.
| | Rainy Days Play Café Hosts Ribbon Cutting | | |
Federal Way continues to grow as a welcoming community for families, and the opening of Rainy Days Play Café is another exciting addition to the city's family-friendly amenities.
The Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the café's grand opening last week.
Rainy Days Play Café provides a fun and safe environment where children can enjoy a creative indoor play area while families relax with a cup of coffee or another favorite beverage. The new business offers families another great place to gather, connect, and play.
Rainy Days Play Café is located at 1200 S. 324th St. in Federal Way.
| | FUSION Hosts Annual Fundraiser Gala | | |
FUSION hosted its summer gala on Saturday with a picturesque view at the Dumas Bay Centre. The gala’s theme this year was “There's No Place Like Home,” which focused on the safety, stability, and sense of belonging that every family deserves.
The night included lively games and an array of live and silent auction items all to benefit the work FUSION does to help provide housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness in our community.
The gala also featured the attendance of Mayor Jim Ferrell, City Council members, and other local officials to support this wonderful cause. Thank you to FUSION for everything you have done for Federal Way since 1993 and your continued efforts to support some of the families most in need in our city.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Members Attend State of the Chamber Luncheon | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of the City Council at the State of the Chamber Luncheon at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center last week. It featured a conversation with Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Becca Martin.
The Greater Federal Way Chamber is working on some key initiatives to help build the business community in Federal Way. The Chamber’s focus on leadership and business retention play a role in ensuring our economy continues to thrive.
| | Bloodworks Blood Drive on Aug. 11 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Did you know it takes 1,000 donors a day to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply in the Pacific Northwest? Make a one-hour appointment for the blood drive today.
Walk-ins may be available, but spots are limited.
| | Federal Way Farmers Market Launches New Location in September | | |
The Federal Way Farmers Market is moving on up! Beginning on Saturday, Sept. 5, the Market will be held on the Civic Plaza Lawn next to the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, just up the steps from the current location on South 316th Street.
The Market is open every Saturday through Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Until Sept. 5, visit the Market at its current location on South 316th Street between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.
Whether you're stocking up on fresh ingredients, grabbing lunch, or simply enjoying a summer morning, the Federal Way Farmers Market is the perfect place to shop local, support small businesses, and connect with the community.
| | Night Construction for Street Preservation Projects Underway | | |
Night construction work is currently ongoing at two major locations in Federal Way: South 320th Street and 21st Avenue Southwest. Night work has been selected because it allows the project to be completed more safely and efficiently than daytime construction.
During the day, traffic volumes are significantly higher, making it difficult to close lanes without causing major congestion, longer travel delays, and increased safety risks for both drivers and construction crews.
South 320th Street Preservation Project (Between 1st Ave S & Pacific Hwy S)
21st Avenue Southwest Preservation Project (Between SW 320th & SW 339th)
We understand that nighttime construction can be disruptive, and we appreciate your patience while this work is being completed.
| | Traffic Safety Action Plan Public Engagement | | | | |
Help shape the future of safer streets in Federal Way!
Your input can help guide projects and priorities that make our streets safer for everyone who lives, works, and travels in our community.
Review the Traffic Safety Action Plan, and share your feedback by Sept. 4.
Read the plan and provide your feedback!
| | Aug. 11 City Council Meeting | | | | |
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Aug. 11, 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 | | Free Back to School Haircuts Offered at Town Square Park on Aug. 25 | | |
The City of Federal Way is partnering with local community hairstylists to provide free back-to-school haircuts to local residents on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 12-7 p.m. at Town Square Park. The haircuts are available to kids ages five to 18.
Multiple stylists and barbers from across the region will be donating their time and talent to help as many kids and teens as possible look and feel their best for the first day back to school!
| | Drive-Thru Recycling Event on Aug. 22 | | | | |
Join us for our free Drive-Thru Recycling Event at South King Tool Library on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this event, we are accepting appliances and electronics. We will also have document shredding on site.
Appliances:
- Drop off up to three large items.
- Accepted items: Refrigerator, freezer, stove, washer and dryer, air conditioner, microwave, dehumidifier, and small appliances.
Electronics:
- Free recycling of small to medium sized electronics, including TVs.
- Electronics, gaming equipment, monitors and cables.
| | Rainfest at Steel Lake Park on Sept. 12 | | | | |
Join us for Rainfest on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steel Lake Park. Rainfest is a free, family-friendly community event that brings fun and learning together in support of a healthy environment!
Explore engaging educational activities focused on water quality, pollution prevention, and environmental stewardship in Federal Way.
Want to volunteer or are you part of an organization interested in attending? Email us at Recycle@federalwaywa.gov.
| | Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery in The Trouble with Angels at the PAEC on Aug. 23 | | | | |
Don't miss Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble With Angels on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center!
Known for their iconic roles on Glee and The Office, Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery bring an unforgettable evening of comedy, music, and mischievous fun to the PAEC.
For a limited time, save 10% on Rear Orchestra and Balcony seats using promo code PAECNEIGHBORS at checkout. Offer valid August 10-15 only.
Get your tickets before this offer ends!
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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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Aug. 23: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels.
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Sept. 17: Queen: It's Kinda Magic
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Oct. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
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Oct. 20: An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favorite Songs
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Oct. 24: You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Take the Federal Way Library's Makerspace Survey Today! | | | | |
The Makerspace at the Federal Way Library opened in 2022, providing access to free-to-use creative tools, machinery, and classes.
Since then, the Library has added new equipment, collaborated with the community, and helped people make lots of amazing things in the Library.
Now they want to hear from you!
Take this short, online survey. Your responses will help improve services and access to the Makerspace.
| | Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosts Branch Out on Sept. 27 | | | | |
The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting Branch Out, a fundraiser in support of the museum on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 1-4 p.m.
Branch Out features a stunning selection of Museum bonsai to view and enjoy, plus live jazz by the Michael Glenn Trio.
The afternoon comes alive with performances by a variety of musical performers and a program hosted by dynamic auctioneer Matt Lorch.
It’s a celebration of living art, culture, music, and nature, all benefiting Pacific Bonsai Museum.
| | Federal Way Hawks Football & Cheer Registration Now Open | | | | |
The Federal Way Hawks, Federal Way's longest-running youth football program, has opened tackle football and cheer registration for the 2026 season.
Practices have begun and are Monday through Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Lakota Park. Roster spots are available for the following levels:
Registration fee is $300. Any questions? Contact Eileen Wilson, Operations Director, at 206-245-0272 via call or text.
| | Celebrate WA Korean-American Celebration Day at the PAEC on Aug. 16 | | | | |
The Washington State Korean American Day Celebration Foundation presents the 19th Annual WA Korean-American Day Celebration on Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.
The celebration begins at 5 p.m.
The theme for the event is "Where Korean Traditional Mask Dance Meets K-POP and Street Dance" and features a variety of cultural performances and activities for all attendees.
| | Make an ImPAECt at the PAEC on Sept. 24 | | | | |
Join Arts Foundation Federal Way for an evening dedicated to advancing arts in our region at Make an ImPAECt on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.
This free fundraiser will spotlight programs and partnerships that bring arts education, cultural events, and creative opportunities to life in our community.
Your contribution will help inspire students through the Arts4Youth program, support local artists, and build a vibrant, inclusive future for the South Sound.
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