Jan. 19, 2026

Community Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. at MLK Celebration

We partnered with the Federal Way Diversity Commission to host the 2026 MLK Day Celebration at the Performing Arts and Event Center over the weekend. This year’s theme, “Turning Pain into Peace – Living out the Dream,” centered on unity, healing, and collective action.

The event featured a keynote address by Reverend Anthony Thompson, who shared his unwavering belief in compassion, hope, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Attendees also heard remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell and enjoyed performances by a variety of culturally diverse local groups.

Together, the celebration honored Dr. King’s legacy by inspiring the community to continue working toward understanding, justice, and peace.

Students from Tacoma's Science and Math

Institute Visit City Hall

Students from Tacoma’s Science and Math Institute visited Federal Way City Hall last week as part of a civics course exploring local government.

During their visit, students toured the Federal Way Police Department and observed court proceedings at the Federal Way Municipal Court before heading upstairs to meet with Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council.

The students came well prepared, asking thoughtful questions on topics including sustainability, public safety, transportation, and the role of local leadership in shaping the community.

Volunteers Come Out for Community Park Restoration Event

Local volunteers gathered at Celebration Park and Steel Lake Annex over the weekend for two mornings of hands-on park restoration fun. We partnered with the Washington Native Plant Society to bring the community together and strengthen volunteer commitment to beautifying our parks.

The cleanup was part of the Native Plant Society’s stewardship program, which educates volunteers about our region’s native plants and plant communities, and teaches how to apply this knowledge to protect and restore Washington’s natural ecosystems.

If you want to pitch in and help keep our parks looking great, keep an eye out for future park cleanup opportunities!

Mayor Ferrell Attends South King County Leadership & Volunteer Recognition Event

Mayor Jim Ferrell spoke at the annual South King County Leadership and Volunteer Recognition event, facilitated by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. He joined others to share about the importance of stepping up to help improve our community. One of the other speakers was Gerardo Guiza Vargas, Deputy Consul of Mexico.

Featured Upcoming Event

Compost Workshop on Jan. 24

Join us for a Compost Basics Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1-2 p.m. at the South King Tool Library.

This one-hour, hands-on workshop provides participants with an engaging introduction to composting, offering practical insights into compost basics, resources, and more.

This workshop includes demonstrations and real world examples to help re-think waste and reduce environmental impact through composting!

Pre-registration is required to attend.

Volunteer to Keep Our City Clean in 2026

The City of Federal Way is looking for volunteers to help keep the Puget Sound clean! Volunteering to pick up litter, mark storm drains, or sample water are all important needs to support a cleaner and brighter Federal Way! If you are interested in getting involved, contact us by email or visit our water quality webpage.

Jan. 20 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Jan. 20, 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

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.

Free Financial Literacy Course Offered from Jan. 29 through March 26

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 Jan. 29 through March 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the Federal Way Community Center. Free child care is available.



To register, email Bill Vadino or call 253-835-2420.

Mending Fair on Feb. 1

Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Federal Way Library.

Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing.

Mending is limited to visible mending.

If you need a garment to be hemmed, you must be able to measure your own inseam. A tape measure will be provided.

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.

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:

• Steel 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 PRESENTS: The Peking Acrobats

on Jan. 28

Join us for PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

From towering chair stacks and impossibly precise acrobatics to high-flying flips, foot juggling, and dynamic balancing acts, The Peking Acrobats deliver a spectacle of agility, grace, and show-stopping pageantry.

Brought to you by FastSigns Federal Way.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Jan. 28: PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats
• Jan. 30: Epic Queen
• Feb. 14: Songs of Black Folk
• Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
• March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México

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

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.