Council Hosts Retreat at Dumas Bay Centre | | |
The Federal Way City Council held its annual Council Retreat on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Dumas Bay. The retreat provided an opportunity for Mayor Jim Ferrell and Councilmembers to step away from regular meetings and focus on long-term planning, collaboration, and goal-setting for the year ahead.
During the retreat, Councilmembers discussed the City’s strategic priorities, reviewed ongoing initiatives, and explored ways to strengthen governance and decision-making. The setting at Dumas Bay encouraged open dialogue and thoughtful discussion on how to best serve the Federal Way community.
The agenda included topics ranging from transportation infrastructure and downtown growth to the City's current and future budget. Full video of the meeting will be available on the City's YouTube channel soon.
| | Council Presents Proclamation Recognizing Religious Freedom | | At the Jan. 20 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation honoring Religious Freedom Day. Local religious leaders were invited to the event to accept the proclamation. View the full proclamation on the city website. | | Mayor Ferrell and Councilmembers Attend AWC Action Days | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) City Action Days last week in Lacey. Held annually during the legislative session, City Action Days brings together city officials from across the state to receive updates on legislative priorities, hear from insider panels, and learn about key issues facing cities.
This year’s event featured remarks from Governor Bob Ferguson and other statewide leaders. Mayor Ferrell and Councilmembers also met with the 30th District Legislative Delegation to advocate for policies that support Federal Way’s continued success.
| | Kick It With Us at the PAEC for the Kickin' It Federal Way Festival June 18-21 | | |
June is shaping up to be a big month in Federal Way.
From June 19-21, the City is hosting 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 watch parties all three days, giving fans a chance to experience the matches together in a lively, festival atmosphere.
But the action won’t stop at the screen. Kickin’ It Federal Way will also bring live performances, food trucks, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, turning the PAEC into a hub of entertainment throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re a soccer fan, a foodie, or just looking for something fun to do with the family, Kickin’ It Federal Way promises a high-energy kickoff to summer.
Learn more about the festival and what’s planned at the Kickin’ It Federal Way website.
| | Mayor Ferrell & Councilmembers Attend Good Eggs Breakfast | | Mayor Jim Ferrell and Councilmembers Melissa Hamilton, Linda Kochmar, Les Sessoms, and Jack Walsh attended the Good Eggs Breakfast last week at Emerald Downs in Auburn, hosted by Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from new King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, who spoke about King County and regional issues. | | | | |
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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
| | Feb. 20 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
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 | | 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.
| | 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.
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PAEC PRESENTS: The Peking Acrobats
on Jan. 28
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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.
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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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Jan. 28: PAEC Presents: The Peking Acrobats
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Jan. 30: Epic Queen
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Feb. 14: Songs of Black Folk
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Feb. 27: World Ballet Company: Cinderella
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March 1: PAEC PRESENTS: Mariachi Herencia de México
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.
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