Aug. 11, 2025

Families Fill Steel Lake Park for Kids Day

Kids Day was a fun-filled day of adventure, creativity, and non-stop entertainment. Families braved the gloomy skies to fill Steel Lake Park last week to enjoy fantastic stage performances, inflatable rides, and fun activities from a vast array of local vendors. The day was packed with laughter and memory-making moments from start to finish.

Thank you to our incredible Parks and Recreation team for your efforts in putting together this memorable event. All the smiles made the day truly special for everyone in attendance!

If you missed Kids Day or simply want to relive the memories, watch our fun event recap video.

National Night Out Events Bring Federal Way Community Together

Neighborhoods across Federal Way came together last week for National Night Out, celebrating 26 years of building safer, stronger communities through partnership and connection.

This annual event gives residents a chance to engage with Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire, neighbors, and local businesses. Nearly 30 neighborhoods hosted events ranging from BBQs and ice cream socials to karaoke and water balloon fights, all in the name of unity and fun.

Community pride grows brighter every year. Together, we’re making Federal Way a more connected, caring place to live.

Community Festival Celebrates Diversity of Federal Way

The City of Federal Way, in partnership with the Federal Way Diversity Commission, hosted the Federal Way Community Festival on Saturday at Town Square Park. It was a vibrant, day-long celebration of the diverse cultures that make our city so unique.

The festival featured an array of cultural performances, global cuisines, local art displays, and a lively kid zone, creating a joyful space for families and neighbors to come together. As one of the most diverse cities of its size in the nation, the Federal Way Community Festival was a powerful way to celebrate and honor the rich cultural tapestry of diversity within our city.

Free Back to School Haircuts Offered at Town Square Park on Aug. 22

The City of Federal Way is partnering with local community hairstylists to provide free back-to-school haircuts to local residents on Friday, Aug. 22, from 12-7 p.m. at Town Square Park. The haircuts are available to kids ages five to 18.

The event features a DJ and other entertainment as well as coffee and ice cream available for purchase. Please consider bringing a food donation to support the Multi-Service Center.

Fusion Gala Hosted at Dumas Bay Centre

FUSION hosted its summer gala on Saturday at the always-beautiful Dumas Bay Center. The gala’s theme this year was “Waves of Change,” which matched the scenery of the nearby Puget Sound.

The night included lively games, sea-inspired dinner and drinks, 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 Federal Way 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 Attends U.S. Masters Swimming Summer Nationals

Mayor Jim Ferrell stopped by the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center last week for the U.S. Masters Swimming Summer Nationals, where more than 1,100 swimmers from across the country competed in a variety of events.

It's exciting to see a national event of this caliber right here in our backyard. We’re fortunate to have a world-class facility that continues to attract top-tier competitions like this one.

Mayor Ferrell Attends State of the Chamber Event at the PAEC

Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the 2025 State of the Chamber at this month’s Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the PAEC. President and CEO Rebecca Martin discussed the many ways the Chamber is working to help promote and connect businesses for success in and around Federal Way.

Our city is in the midst of a transformation that will only accelerate once the downtown light rail station opens later this year. Working together to build a stronger business community is an essential part of ensuring we have the future we all deserve in Federal Way.

Featured Upcoming Event

Federal Way Farmers Market Open

through Oct. 25

The Federal Way Farmers Market is held at The Commons each Saturday through 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.

FWPD Hosting Community Gun Buyback Event on Aug. 16

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) is hosting a Community Gun Buyback event on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall. Anyone with a firearm may turn them in at this event and receive cash compensation.

Participation in this event is voluntary and anonymous. Participant names and license plates are not recorded. Buyback values range from $25 to $300 depending on the type of firearm.

Money will be given for firearms only, though ammunition will also be accepted. FWPD is under no obligation to collect an item presented for trade. The on-site supervisor has discretion and the final say regarding whether FWPD collects an item.

Participants are limited to 10 eligible firearms per vehicle in exchange for money. If a participant has more than 10 guns, the participant may turn in the remaining firearms for no compensation or return later in the event (go to the end of the line) to turn in more guns for compensation.

If funds appropriated for this event run out before the event concludes at 5 p.m., the event will remain open for anyone who wants to safely turn in their guns, but no compensation will be given. 

Public Comment Open for Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan

The City of Federal Way's 2026-2031 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan Update is open for public comment. We will also be hosting an open house about the plan on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m. on Zoom. You can register online now.

This plan focuses on:

• Pollution Prevention: Preventing pollutants and runoff from entering Federal Way waters.
• Infrastructure Protection: Maintaining and upgrading pipes and other facilities to prevent sinkholes and flooding.
• Property Conservation: Acquiring, protecting, restoring, and improving properties to protect critical areas in the natural environment.
• Stream & Habitat Protection: Mitigation strategies to create healthy buffers around our waterways. 

Questions about the Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan? Email SWM@federalwaywa.gov.

Aug. 12 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Aug. 12, 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

Repair Café Event on Aug. 23

Join us for our free Repair Café on Saturday, Aug, 23, at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Our fixers will do their best to make your items usable again.

Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening.

Rainfest at Steel Lake Park on Sept. 14

Join us for Rainfest, a free, family-friendly community event that brings fun and learning together in support of a healthy environment. It will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steel Lake Park.

This event features:

• Local environmental groups
• Sustainability workshops
• Kid-friendly activities
• Concessions

Try the Federal Way Parks and Recreation New Discovery App

There is a new way to explore our parks in Federal Way! Agents of Discovery let's you explore parks, solve fun challenges, and earn digital rewards, all through a free app that turns your walk into an adventure.

Current Missions are available at:

• Town Square Park – Fun Facts of Federal Way!
• Steel Lake Park – Learn About Parks!

It is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Make an imPAECt at the PAEC on Sept. 18

Join Arts Foundation Federal Way for an evening dedicated to advancing arts in our region at Make an imPAECt on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Performing Arts and 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 to inspire students through the Arts4Youth program, support local artists, and build a vibrant, inclusive future for the South Sound.

Summer Movie Series at the PAEC

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting a Summer Movie Series in collaboration with Arts Foundation Federal Way.

Join us for our next movie when we watch "The Parent Trap" on the the PAEC big screen on Friday, Aug. 22.

All movies begin at 6 p.m. and include pre-movie activities.

PAEC Presents the 2025-26 Season

The 2025-26 PAEC Presents season takes you on a cultural journey across continents—from the Pacific Islands and Pacific Northwest to China, Ireland, South Africa, and beyond.

This season’s artists bring their stories, heritage, and world-class talent to Federal Way for an unforgettable year of global performance.

And for the first time ever, you can experience the entire season—and save—with our new ticket packages.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Aug. 15: 60s Flashback Show
• Sept. 12: ABRA Cadabra - A Tribute to ABBA
• Sept. 16: PAEC Presents: Jake Shimabukuro
• Sept. 20: 2025 Team O NPC/IFBB Sasquatch Pro-Am
• Sept. 29: Electric Elton - A Tribute to Elton John

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

The Chair at Knutzen Family Theater

Aug. 30 & 31

On Time Ministries is hosting "The Chair," an inspirational Christian comedy stage play, at the Knutzen Family Theater at Dumas Bay Centre on Aug. 30 and 31.

"The Chair" introduces us to Brother Bob and his wife, Clara, who are church-going people. Tragedy strikes in their lives that leaves Brother Bob with a speech impediment as Clara tries to find out what happened.