Aug. 4, 2025

Download the Free Eyes on Federal Way App

Take an active role in shaping a cleaner, safer Federal Way with the Eyes on Federal Way app. This easy-to-use tool lets you report everyday issues like potholes, graffiti, broken signs, or dumped furniture right from your phone. No waiting on hold or wondering if someone else will speak up!

Snap a photo, choose a category, and the app automatically tags the location, sending your report straight to city staff. You’ll get updates as it's addressed, and you can even see what other neighbors are reporting around town.

It’s free, fast, and available now on the App Store, Google Play, or online on our city website. With just a few taps, you can help keep Federal Way looking its best!

Join us for the Federal Way Community Festival on Aug. 9

The Federal Way Diversity Commission is excited to host the Federal Way Community Festival on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 12-6 p.m. at Town Square Park. Join us for a spectacular celebration of the rich and vibrant diversity that makes our Federal Way community unique! 

Don't miss out on this incredible festival that brings together the best of Federal Way. It will include a variety of food, local art, a kid zone, live music and performances, and more!

Residents Turn Up for Paper Shredding

Our paper shredding event at El Centro de la Raza last week was truly a cut above the rest! Federal Way residents took the opportunity to safely dispose of their confidential documents, helping protect their personal information and the planet.

In total, we shredded and recycled more than 9,000 pounds of paper, keeping sensitive materials out of the wrong hands and out of the landfill.

Events like these are part of our ongoing effort to support responsible and environmentally-friendly recycling across our community. We regularly host recycling events for a wide range of materials, from electronics to household goods, so stay tuned and don’t miss your chance to clear out clutter and protect the environment.

Together, we’re making a difference. Let’s keep Federal Way green!

Bloodworks Hosts Blood Drive at City Hall

The bloodmobile was on the scene! The City of Federal Way partnered with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive in front of City Hall last week. More than 20 pints of blood were collected, which included donations from 12 first time donors, that will directly help save lives for others in our region.

Blood donations drop in the summer, but the need doesn’t. One pint of blood can save three lives. Thank you to everyone who donated. If you want to donate but missed this drive, we will host another blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 25.

You can also visit the Bloodworks Northwest website to find more locations and times to donate.

We Love Our City Hosts Bike Safety Event for Federal Way Families

Families came together for a fun-filled community bike safety event last Saturday at the Family Life Center, hosted by We Love Our City.

Kids enjoyed the fresh air, got moving, and learned essential road safety skills. Thanks to the organization Bikes for Kids, children received free bikes and helmets, practiced hand signals, got basic bike repairs, and rode through a hands-on obstacle course.

A bounce house added to the fun while parents relaxed and enjoyed the day.

Federal Way is proud to support activities that keep our youth active, safe, and having a great time. Thank you to We Love Our City for your amazing support of our community.

Featured Upcoming Event

Kids Day at Steel Lake Park on Aug. 6

Join us for Kids Day on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Steel Lake Park.

Kids Day is a fantastic event designed to bring families together in the heart of our Federal Way community.

Enjoy a day of relaxation, laughter, and quality time at Steel Lake Park with games, food, entertainment, and endless fun for kids and families alike.

Lehnherr Named FWPD 2024 Volunteer

of the Year

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of our dedicated volunteer team. We currently have a committed group of 16 active volunteers who generously donate their time and talents to support our department in countless ways.

A significant portion of volunteer hours are contributed by our Vehicle Maintenance Team, which ensures patrol vehicles stay operational by transporting them to and from service providers. Additionally, volunteers assist in property and evidence, helping log, organize, and process evidence, including coordinating proper destruction procedures.

Our volunteers play a vital role in customer service by staffing the City Hall front desk, answering a wide variety of questions from court information to city programs. Some volunteers are specially trained to assist with fingerprinting for Concealed Pistol Licenses, support the Safe City Program by gathering video surveillance, and perform clerical tasks within several units of the department.

We are thrilled to recognize Tim Lehnherr as our Top Volunteer of 2024 with an incredible 351 hours donated to the department over the past year. Tim joined FWPD's volunteer program nearly 15 years ago. He began his service with the vehicle maintenance team and currently assists at the front lobby desk several days a week.

Tim is a retired fire chief and has proudly called Federal Way home since 2000.When asked about his favorite part of volunteering, Tim shared that the relationships and sense of family he’s experienced over the years have been the most rewarding.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tim and to each of our amazing volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Your dedication helps keep our department running smoothly and our community connected.

Drainage Ditch Maintenance in Federal Way

The City's Surface Water Maintenance team has been busy updating and cleaning out drainage ditches around the city. You may see our crews out doing this work in your neighborhood.

What is ditch cleaning? Ditch cleaning is a corrective maintenance method aimed at removing sediment and debris from ditches.

Why is ditch cleaning important? Regular ditch cleaning is essential to direct runoff away from road surfaces and reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution. Excess sediment and debris in ditches can hinder plant growth, increase pollution and lead to flooding.

What does ditch cleaning look like? To the left is an example of a newly cleaned ditch. Well maintained ditches positively contribute to the health of the storm water and surface water environment. 

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

Back 2 School Haircuts 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. Consider bringing a food donation to support the Multi-Service Center.

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.

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.

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: The Rocket Man - 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 Bother Bob with a speech impediment as Clara tries to find out what happened.