July 6, 2026

Federal Way Celebrates Independence Day at Celebration Park with Red, White & Blues

The Federal Way community came together on Saturday to celebrate the Fourth of July with music, food, and fireworks. Thousands gathered on the Celebration Park soccer fields for the 31st annual Red, White & Blues Festival.

The event featured an exciting lineup of musical acts rocking live music on the main stage, a diverse array of food vendors, and a whole host of family-oriented activities in the leadup to a bombastic firework show that amazed the crowd!

Thank you to our outstanding Parks and Recreation team for the hard work and dedication that made this year's event such a tremendous success. As Federal Way's largest annual celebration, the Red, White & Blues Festival is a tradition our community looks forward to each year, and our Parks team continues to make it an unforgettable experience.

Annual Miles for Meso Kicks Off Fourth of July in Federal Way

Fourth of July always kicks off in Federal Way with the annual Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash. This year was no different when runners and walkers took off from the Federal Way Community Center for the 13th iteration of the race.

The 5K course took participants along the BPA Trail and through Celebration Park, offering stunning views of Mount Rainier.

This event is held yearly in memory of Dick Dyhrman, a geologist with Weyerhaeuser Company; Bud Hatley, Federal Way Public Schools Athletic Director; Bob Stewart, Federal Way High School teacher and coach; and other Washington residents who have lost their lives to mesothelioma.

Over the last 13 years, Miles for Meso has raised more than $180,000 for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

Mayor Ferrell and City Councilmembers Join in North Lake Improvement Club's Parade

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council took part in the North Lake Improvement Club's Annual Fourth of July Parade and Hot Dog BBQ last Saturday.

The festivities began at the intersection of 336th Street and 33rd Place South, where the parade made its way through the neighborhood before arriving at the North Lake Improvement Center, located east of the former Weyerhaeuser campus, with community members lining the route to cheer on participants.

The North Lake Fourth of July Parade is among Federal Way's most enduring community traditions, dating back to its first celebration in 1952.

Sample Fresh Food and Local Flavor at the Federal Way Farmers Market

Make plans to visit the Federal Way Farmers Market this Saturday! Browse farm-fresh produce, pick up gorgeous seasonal flowers, enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks, and discover unique products from more than 40 local vendors.

The market is open every Saturday through Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its new 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 Chamber Luncheon

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon last week. The monthly gathering featured a conversation with former 30th District Representative and current Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti.

Pellicciotti discussed Washington’s current budget challenges, including positives and negatives of its current position, and provided a long-term outlook on the state’s finances.

Featured Upcoming Event

Free Pressure Washing Workshop at South King Tool Library on July 11

The City of Federal Way is hosting a free Pressure Washing Workshop on Saturday, July 11, at the South King Tool Library from 1-2:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to efficiently clean outdoor surfaces like driveways, decks, siding, and fences using high-pressure water.

The class will also cover safety tips and maintenance practices to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your pressure washer.

E-Bikes vs. E-Motorcycles:

Know the Difference

Washington's new e-bike law took effect June 11, 2026. While many electric bicycles remain legal to ride without a driver's license, some high-powered electric bikes may now be classified as motorcycles under state law.

An electric-assisted bicycle must:

Have fully functional pedals

Have a motor rated at 750 watts or less

Meet Washington's Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike standards

Vehicles that exceed these limits, lack operable pedals, or can be easily modified to exceed legal e-bike speeds may be considered a motorcycle!

If your vehicle is classified as a motorcycle, Washington law requires:



A valid driver's license

A motorcycle endorsement

Vehicle registration and license plates

Compliance with all traffic laws

Before riding, make sure you know how your vehicle is classified. Riders operating improperly classified vehicles may be subject to citations and other enforcement action.

For more information, review ESSB 6110 and Washington State RCW 46.04.169.

Ride safe!

PAEC Hosting Team USA Livestream Event

on July 6

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center is hosting a livestream for the next Team USA match on Monday, July 6, at 5 p.m.

The game will be broadcast in the theater, and the PAEC is accepting reservations at The Pitch, a pop-up pub-style restaurant with multiple viewing screens.

Reservations for The Pitch will be accepted beginning 30 minutes before the match starts.

Kids Day at Steel Lake Park on Aug. 5

Join us for Kids Day on Saturday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Steel Lake Park. It's a day packed with games, prizes, stage performances, food, and so much more!

City Accepting Applications for Senior and Planning 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:

• Senior Commission

Don’t miss your chance to have a say in what’s happening in Federal Way!

Email CityClerk@FederalWayWA.gov or call 253-835-2540 with questions.

July 7 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, July 7, 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

Community Festival on Aug. 8

The Federal Way Diversity Commission and the City of Federal Way are excited to host the next iteration of community connection with the Federal Way Community Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8. from 12-4 p.m. at Town Square Park.

Federal Way will come alive with the sights and sounds of one of the most diverse populations in the region as we celebrate the cultures and communities that make Federal Way a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

This family-friendly, free festival will feature kids’ activities, food vendors, an entertainment stage, and exhibitors sharing information about employment opportunities, health care access, financial and educational services, and a variety of other business resources, nonprofit organizations, and area craft makers.

National Night Out in Federal Way on Aug. 4

Registration for National Night Out opened last week, and nearly 20 neighborhoods have already signed up to join the fun!

This annual community event brings neighbors together with the Federal Way Police Department, the Mayor, the City Council, city officials, and public safety partners for an evening of connection, conversation, and community spirit.

Whether you are planning a neighborhood gathering or a business event, no matter small or large, now is the perfect time to get involved.

Movies in the Park on July 25

Join us for a fantastic evening at Federal Way's free community movie night at Town Square Park on Saturday, July 25. The showing will include free popcorn for attendees.

On July 25, we will be showing "Superman," a reboot of the classic DC Studios hero, who gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and don’t forget to invite your friends and family.

Take the Diversity Commission's

Community Engagement Survey

The City of Federal Way Diversity Commission wants to hear from you!

Please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts in this short Community Engagement Survey.

Your feedback will help us reach more in our community and help us to make our city even more welcoming and connected for everyone.

Mary Gates Children's Theatre Camp at the PAEC July 27-31

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting Mary Gates Children's Theatre Camp: Cinderella, July 27-31.

Auditions will be held on Monday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Students grades Kindergarten through 12th as of Fall 2026 are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary.

The performance will be on the PAEC stage on Saturday, Aug. 1.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• July 27-31: Mary Gates Children's Theatre Camp Presents: Cinderella
• Aug. 23: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels.
• Sept. 17: Queen: It's Kinda Magic
• Oct. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
• Oct. 20: An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favorite Songs

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

Take the Federal Way Library's Makerspace Survey Today!

The Makerspace at the Federal Way Library opened in 2022, providing access to free-to-use creative tools, machinery and classes.

Since then, the Library has added new equipment, collaborated with the community, and helped people make lots of amazing things in the Library. 

Now they want to hear from you! 

Take this short, online survey. Your responses will help improve services and access to the Makerspace.