Feb. 2, 2026

Booker House Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Local leaders gathered at Booker House, a new Health Through Housing residence, for a grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new facility last week.

Booker House provides 86 units of permanent supportive housing for people exiting chronic homelessness, pairing stable housing with on-site health care and supportive services.

Developed in partnership with King County and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS), Booker House reflects a shared commitment to dignity, health, and long-term stability — and honors the legacy of housing justice leader Harold G. Booker.

Mayor Ferrell Attends U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C.

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined mayors across the country in attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., last week. The Conference of Mayors is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.

It was an opportunity for Mayor Ferrell to meet with colleagues from around the country and have important discussions with our federal delegation on the issues most impacting our community.

City Partners with FUSION & Calvary Lutheran Church to Provide Shelter

The City of Federal Way and the Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team coordinated with FUSION and Cavalry Lutheran Church to provide overnight shelter to our unhoused residents during our most recent extreme cold event.

Due to damage at the Pete Anderson House, FUSION was unable to accommodate the City’s extreme cold shelter. Together, city employees worked with the FUSION team to find another venue. Cavalry Lutheran Church responded to the call and provided rooms for overnight shelter and a place to prepare and serve warm meals for our most vulnerable residents.

From Jan. 22, through Jan.26, the FUSION team, assisted by Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers, accommodated more than 70 people. They served hot meals to even more.

Repairs on the Pete Anderson FUSION facility are expected to be completed soon, but this incredible response from across the community proves Federal Way is committed to protecting our residents. 

MLK Day Event Video Recap

We partnered with the Federal Way Diversity Commission to host our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Jan. 17. If you were unable to attend or want to relive the great performances and speeches, watch our event recap now. It features a message from Mayor Jim Ferrell, culturally enriching performances, and a variety of speeches.

Click this link to view the memorable moments. You can also watch highlights of the event.

Mending Fair Held at Federal Way

Public Library

The City of Federal Way partnered with the King County Library System and the Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) on Saturday to host a free Mending Fair at the Federal Way Library on 1st Way S. It was an opportunity for residents to have their clothing, accessories, and other meaningful items repaired at no cost.

This initiative promotes sustainability by keeping clothing and other items out of landfills, giving them a second chance and helping reduce waste.

Featured Upcoming Event

Drive-Thru Recycling Event on Feb. 7

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Recycling Event at South King Tool Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this event, we are accepting scrap metal, holiday lights and electrical cords, styrofoam, and plastic film.

We will also have document shredding on site.

This event is funded in part by a Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology and King County Solid Waste Division.

State of the City at the PAEC on Feb. 19

SAVE THE DATE: Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.

This year's theme is "A New Dawn, A New Day."

Hear an inspiring address from Mayor Ferrell as we celebrate our community’s accomplishments and share an exciting vision for the future.

This special evening is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Federal Way’s journey forward. Let’s come together to honor our city and explore what’s ahead.

Bloodworks Blood Drive on Feb. 10

The City of Federal Way is partnering with Bloodworks Northwest to host a blood drive at City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 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.

Feb. 3 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Feb. 3, 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

Family Prom at FWCC on Feb. 28

Step into a storybook evening at the Family Prom on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Federal Way Community Center. This special event is designed for children and their beloved adult heroes to share a night full of fun and memories.

Enjoy light refreshments, concessions, and celebrate your own fairytale ending together! Fairytale or semi-formal attire encouraged.

The Family Prom will run from 5:30-7 p.m. with tickets at $17 per person.

Kickin' It Federal Way June 19-21

Join us June 19-21 for Kickin' It Federal Way, a three-day festival celebrating soccer, culture, and community at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

The festival will feature FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, live performances on the outdoor stage, food truck alley, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, turning the PAEC and the surrounding property into a hub of entertainment throughout the weekend.

Call for Artists – Arts Explosion 2026

Arts Explosion is now accepting artist submissions for our annual juried art festival at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center.

Adult and youth artists from across the region are invited to apply.

Categories include 2D art, photography, 3D art, artisan work, miniatures, and a dedicated youth category for ages 15-18. Artists may submit work in more than one category.

Selected artwork will be displayed during the three-day public festival and offered for purchase. Cash prizes will be awarded, and all artwork must be delivered in person.

Applications are submitted online through CaFE.

Entry deadlines and full details are available at the application link.

City Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions

The City of Federal Way is accepting applications for those interested in serving on city boards and commissions.

The City is planning to conduct interviews at upcoming council meetings with a focus on filling open positions on:

• North Lake Management District Advisory
• Parks & Recreation Commission
• Diversity Commission
• Historic Landmark Commission
• Independent Salary Commission

Questions? Email CK@FederalWayWA.gov or call 253-835-2540.

Save the Date: 2026 Senior Health & Resource Fair on May 12

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome.

This Senior Resource Fair is intended to create a welcoming space where attendees can explore available services at their own pace. 

Further information will be provided as planning continues, ensuring the event remains organized and accessible.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Feb. 14: Songs of Black Folk
• Feb. 22: Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3
• Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
• March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México
• March 7: The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band

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

Blueberry Pruning Workshop at Hylebos Blueberry Farm on March 14

Visit the Hylebos Blueberry Farm on Saturday, March 14, for a Blueberry Pruning Seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Participants will receive instruction and an opportunity for some hands on practice and one-on-one guidance.

For those who just want to volunteer at the farm, everyone is welcome! Bring your favorite tools. Extra tools & snacks will be provided 

And Then There Were None at Centerstage Jan. 30 to Feb. 22

"And Then There Were None" comes to Centerstage each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Jan. 30 to Feb. 22.

Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. As a storm rages outside, the group becomes completely cut off from the outside world, and the killings begin…one by one, the guests are murdered; the only connecting thread being the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.

General Admission Tickets are $40 in advance (online or over the phone) and $43 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available.