Back 2 School Haircuts Event Held at Town Square Park | | |
Town Square Park was packed with families last week for the annual Back 2 School Haircut Event. Kids ages 5-18 lined up for free haircuts, walking away with fresh styles and big smiles just in time for the new school year.
The event was made possible through a generous partnership between the City of Federal Way and Kristin Speakman of Bella Red Salon.
Nearly 300 children received haircuts, thanks to the incredible efforts of more than two dozen stylists and barbers who donated their time and talent.
The volunteers included: Susan Greenside and her team at Castaway Salon, Lamont Styles and students from Life Styles Barber Academy, Jennifer Mase at Nikon Salon, Nikolai Mercer at The Barber Society, Deana McFarlane and her team at Third Dimension Auburn Salon, Michele Andrews from Central Salon, Green Circle Salon, and the many other barbers and salons who showed up to donate their time!
The City is proud to support Federal Way Public Schools students and help them step into the classroom with confidence and style. The first day of school for FWPS students is this Wednesday, Sept. 2.
| | Federal Way Farmers Market Launches New Location This Saturday (Sept. 5) | | |
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.
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs Breakfast | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Good Eggs Breakfast, hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, last week. It featured a conversation with Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove.
Upthegrove discussed the commitment to protecting public lands and the challenges of wildfire, going into depth about the recent Spokane-area fires. The state has put a priority on providing more support for local, regional, and state agencies for fire prevention and response.
| | Free Financial Literacy Course Offered from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19 | | | | |
The Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, presented by the City of Federal Way with help from community volunteers and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, is offering a free nine-week course focused on budgeting, getting out of debt, saving, and building financial confidence.
The upcoming session runs Thursdays from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Federal Way City Hall.
To register, email Bill Vadino or call 253-835-2420.
| | Traffic Safety Action Plan Public Engagement Open Until Sept. 4 | | | | |
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!
| | Officer Wheeler Recognized for DUI Arrests | | |
The Federal Way Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Trent Wheeler for his exceptional work in keeping our community safe.
In 2025, Officer Wheeler led the department with 51 DUI arrests, a significant number that reflects his commitment to proactive enforcement and keeping impaired drivers off our roadways.
Driving under the influence is one of the most serious threats to public safety, putting lives at risk on our roads every day.
By taking impaired drivers off the streets, Officer Wheeler has helped prevent potential tragedies and reinforced our department’s commitment to protecting the residents of Federal Way.
We thank Officer Wheeler for his dedication and continued efforts to make our roads safer for everyone.
| | 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.
| | Coffee With Council on Sept. 19 | | | | |
Join us for Coffee with Council on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Federal Way Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
It's an opportunity for a casual morning of conversation and connection. Stop by the Civic Lawn to enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries while chatting with your City Council.
Bring your questions, ideas or just stop by to say "hello!"
Event Details:
Event: Coffee with Council
Location: Federal Way Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
| | Sept. 1 City Council Meeting | | | | |
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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
| | PAEC Presents Season: A Season That Shines Tickets Now On Sale | | | | |
Join the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center for 2026-27 PAEC Presents Season: A Season That Shines, a season celebrating the performances that inspire, connect, and illuminate our community.
This season features an exciting lineup of acclaimed artists and performances, including the thunderous rhythms of Taiko Project, the heartfelt artistry of CelloGayuem, the electrifying percussion of STOMP, the rousing folk celebration of The Wellerman, and more to come.
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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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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
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Oct. 30: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet"
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.
| | Washington BizFair for Federal Way Businesses on Sept. 19 | | | | |
Federal Way businesses looking for extra support can attend Washington BizFair on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pierce College Puyallup Campus.
BizFair is a free, annual event for current and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about the programs, resources, and technical assistance available to help start and grow a small business.
Attendees have the opportunity to learn about valuable, no-cost, small business resources in the Exhibitor Hall and attend educational seminars led by industry experts on a variety of topics including business planning, regulatory guidance, funding opportunities, and business management skills.
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