Grocery Outlet Hosts 80th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting | | |
The Grocery Outlet on Dash Point Road recognized the company's 80th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and community celebration on Saturday. The event included remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell and Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Becca Martin.
Independence From Hunger, Grocery Outlet's annual food drive, presented a check to the Federal Way Senior Center and Food Bank as part of the festivities. It also featured prizes, free ice cream, and fun for local community members in attendance.
| | PAEC Hosts Watercolor Festival | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center hosted a Watercolor Fest, a free family-friendly event where creativity flows as freely as the water.
Guests of all ages were invited to explore the expressive world of watercolor through hands-on art activities, including painting wooden flower keepsakes to take home and enjoying watercolor-inspired coloring pages with markers, crayons, and other creative supplies.
Throughout the event, attendees watched a featured artist bring an original work to life during a live painting demonstration, offering a unique opportunity to experience the artistic process firsthand while celebrating the power of creative expression.
| | 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!
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Parks & Recreation Fall Program
Guide Now Available
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The Federal Way Parks & Recreation Fall 2026 Catalog is here!
Make your fall plans now with exciting programs, events, and activities for all ages.
Printed copies are available in the Federal Way Community Center front lobby and at City Hall as you enter the building!
Registration is now open!
| | Automated Red Light Cameras Public Engagement: We Want to Hear from You! | | | | |
Your feedback could make Federal Way roads safer!
We are exploring the possibility of adding additional automated traffic red light cameras in Federal Way, and we want to hear from you.
Share your thoughts and even suggest locations where you think they could improve safety.
This public engagement is NOT related to the FLOCK system. It is related to the City’s automated red light camera program and its related assets.
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High Friction Surface Treatment Project
Aug. 24 through Sept. 2
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High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) installation and striping operations are scheduled at six locations throughout the City Aug. 24 through Sept. 2. The primary purpose of this project is to increase safety along major traveled curves.
To safely complete this work, each roadway will be partially closed for one day, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the scheduled construction date for that location. Please allow extra travel time and use alternate routes if possible. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while these safety improvements are completed.
Daytime Road Closures (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
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Aug. 24: South 349th St & Weyerhaeuser Way South curve, east of 30th Avenue South
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Aug. 25: South 372nd & Milton Road South curve, south of South 369th Street
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Aug. 26: South 372nd Way & 12th Avenue South curve, north of South 373rd Street
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Aug. 27: Redondo Way South curve, east of 13th Avenue South
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Aug. 28: 10th Ave Southwest curve, south of Southwest 335th Street
Nighttime Road Closure: (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
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Aug. 31: 16th Avenue South curve, east of State Route 99
| | Changes Coming to Sound Transit ST Express Bus Service on Aug. 29 | | |
Every year, Sound Transit performs an Annual Service Plan study to review existing bus and rail service with the goal of maximizing the agency’s resources, meeting the needs of the ridership, and providing world-class services.
The Fall 2026 Service Change incorporates the results of last year’s study and extensive public engagement that resulted in the largest change in ST Express ridership in recent years.
The changes include new Night Bus service to Redmond and Federal Way, modified routes and schedules, and discontinued routes in response to the expansion of the 1 and 2 Line services. The changes will be in effect beginning Aug. 29.
The following routes will have schedule changes to improve on time performance: 577, 578, 590, 592, 594, 595, and 596.
The following routes have no changes in Fall 2026: 510, 532, 542, 545, 566, 595, and 596.
Visit the Sound Transit website for a list of all of the changes and how the changes may impact your current ride.
| | 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.
| | Detective Warrick Named 2025 FWPD Detective of the Year | | |
In October 2023, Detective Shawn Warrick was appointed to the Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) and assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, responsible for investigating some of the city’s most serious felony offenses, including burglary, robbery, felony assault, and homicide. From the outset, he distinguished himself as a highly capable and motivated investigator.
During his first year in CIS, Detective Warrick pursued advanced training and consistently responded to call-outs, even when he was not the on-call detective. His initiative, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn from senior investigators accelerated his development and strengthened the unit.
Since joining CIS, Detective Warrick has investigated numerous felony cases, solving many and bringing meaningful justice to victims. He has become adept at drafting detailed, legally-sound search warrants and consistently delivers exceptional investigative work.
In 2025, Detective Warrick was selected as the lead investigator on two homicide cases, an assignment that typically requires five or more years of experience in the Major Crimes Unit. Working closely with fellow detectives, he committed himself fully to both investigations, ultimately leading to arrests in each case. He also served as the secondary detective on two additional homicide investigations, contributing to successful investigations and arrests in both.
Solving four homicide cases in a single year is impressive at any stage of a detective’s career, but accomplishing it with just over two years of experience is truly extraordinary. Detective Warrick also filed more than a dozen felony cases involving robbery, assault, and other serious crimes, demonstrating his commitment to holding those responsible accountable and seeking justice for victims and their families.
Detective Shawn Warrick is a relentless pursuer of justice, a dependable team member, and an invaluable asset to the Federal Way Police Department. For his outstanding performance and dedication, he is honored as the 2025 Detective of the Year!
| | 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.
| | Aug. 11 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Sept. 1, 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 | | 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.
| | 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!
| | 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.
| | 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.
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.
| | 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.
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