Community Comes to PAEC for Kickin' It Federal Way | | |
Families flooded into the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) and the civic lawn outside this weekend for Kickin’ It Federal Way, a community celebration that transformed the city center into a hub of soccer, culture, and family-friendly entertainment.
The three-day festival brought together community members and visitors of all ages to celebrate the excitement surrounding the soccer matches in Seattle and around the country. Inside the PAEC, fans gathered for watch parties featuring the big matches on the venue’s big screen, creating an energetic atmosphere as supporters cheered on their favorite national teams.
Outside, the civic lawn buzzed with activity as children and families enjoyed carnival rides, interactive games, and hands-on activities throughout the weekend.
Soccer remained at the heart of the event, with clinics and skills sessions giving young players the opportunity to learn from coaches, practice fundamentals, and build their confidence on the field. Former Seattle Sounder Kelyn Rowe even made an appearance on Sunday afternoon.
The festival also showcased Federal Way’s cultural diversity through a wide variety of food trucks and local vendors, offering everything from international cuisine to handmade goods and community resources.
Beyond the entertainment, Kickin’ It Federal Way served as a gathering place for the community, bringing together neighbors, local organizations, and soccer enthusiasts to celebrate the city’s connection to the world’s most popular sport.
| | Juneteenth Celebration Held at City Hall | | |
The City of Federal Way hosted its seventh-annual Juneteenth Celebration in front of City Hall on June 18. The event featured remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell, 30th District Representatives Kristine Reeves and Jamila Taylor, Federal Way Diversity Commission Chair Shante Lane, Federal Way Black Collective Executive Director Tanieshia Lyons, and a keynote by Federal Way City Councilmember Les Sessoms.
Sessoms joined his fellow councilmembers to read the City of Federal Way's Juneteenth proclamation. The event also featured an invocation by Pastor George Houston and the singing of the United States National Anthem and the Black National Anthem by Diversity Commissioner Ayana Freeman.
"Juneteenth captures the essence of the celebration, symbolizing the long-awaited arrival of freedom, and serves as a testament to the strength and spirit of those who fought for liberation," Mayor Ferrell said. "Here in Federal Way, Juneteenth has become an opportunity to come together as neighbors, learn from one another, celebrate the richness of our diverse community, and reaffirm our commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect."
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States. It is observed annually on June 19, marking the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Present Juneteenth Proclamation and Recognize Muncipal Student Art Winners | | |
At the June 16 City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth and honored the winners of this year’s Municipal Student Art Contest.
Councilmembers Lydia Assefa-Dawson and Les Sessoms read the Juneteenth proclamation, which recognizes June 19 as Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States.
The proclamation was accepted by Federal Way Black Collective Executive Director Taniesha Lyons and Diversity Commission Vice Chair Craig Patrick.
Federal Way Arts and Events Recreation Coordinator Cassie Swan was joined by Judge Danielle Havens and Art Commission Chair Tom Bristol to recognize the winners of the Municipal Student Art Contest. The winning artwork will be displayed in the Federal Way Municipal Court.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs Breakfast | | Mayor Jim Ferrell attended last week's Good Eggs breakfast, hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. It featured a conversation with Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer. She discussed the commitment to protecting consumers, assisting policyholders affected by weather challenges, and advocating for fairness in the insurance market. | | Public Comment and Open House on the SEA Airport Proposed Expansion on June 25 | | | | |
Community members are invited to attend an Open House and Public Meeting on the Port of Seattle’s proposed SEA Airport Draft Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Projects on Thursday, June 25, from 6–8 p.m. at Wildwood Elementary School.
The meeting is part of the public comment process for the proposed projects. Residents can learn more about the plans, ask questions, and provide feedback before the comment period closes on July 20.
Unable to attend in person? Portions of the event will be posted on the City's YouTube channel for later viewing.
For additional information about the project and instructions on how to submit comments, visit sea-samp.com.
Questions may be directed to Bill Vadino at 253-835-2420 or bill.vadino@federalwaywa.gov.
| | Commemorative Badge Honoring FWPD's 30th Anniversary and America 250 | | |
Throughout 2026, Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) officers will proudly wear a special commemorative badge patch recognizing two historic milestones: the 30th Anniversary of FWPD and the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.
This commemorative badge symbolizes three decades of dedicated service by FWPD to our community while also celebrating our nation's remarkable 250 years of history, progress, and national pride.
The badge serves as a visible reminder of our commitment to public service and our appreciation for the values, freedoms, and partnerships that help make our community strong. As our officers wear this commemorative patch throughout the year, we invite residents to join us in reflecting on the department's legacy of service and in celebrating America's semiquincentennial.
We are honored to commemorate these significant anniversaries and grateful for the continued trust and support of the Federal Way community.
| | 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
- Planning 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.
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REMINDER: Fireworks are Illegal in
Federal Way
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Except by special permit, it is unlawful for any person to possess, use, sell, discharge, or explode fireworks of any kind within the city of Federal Way.
Violations are punishable by fines of $615. Any person who discharges or uses a firework in a reckless manner that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another is guilty of an arrestable offense.
Police will have extra patrols conducting fireworks enforcement as Independence Day approaches. Legal penalties aside, we invite you to be courteous to your neighbors, pets, wildlife, and the fire department by not igniting any celebration device that creates a spark or makes a loud noise.
To report fireworks violations, please call the police at 253-835-2121. (Press "0" for immediate assistance.) Let’s keep Federal Way safe and peaceful for all!
| | June 16 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
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 | | Red, White & Blues Festival on July 4 | | | | |
Let’s celebrate America's 250th anniversary together! Join us at Celebration Park on Friday, July 4, for the Red, White & Blues Festival.
Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family fun all day.
The main stage lights up at 4 p.m. with diverse performers.
Don’t miss the fireworks at 10:15 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Admission and parking are free for all.
Let’s celebrate America together!
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The Miles for Meso WA Memorial 5K Run/Walk will return for its 12th year on July 4 at the Federal Way Community center.
This event is held in memory of Dick Dyhrman, a geologist with Weyerhaeuser Company; Bud Hatley, Federal Way School District Athletic Director; Bob Stewart, Federal Way High School teacher and coach; and other Washington residents who have lost their lives to mesothelioma.
The mission of this event is to raise awareness for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos.
| | 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 June 27 and July 25 | | |
Join us for a pair of fantastic evenings at Federal Way's free community movie night at Town Square Park on June 27 and July 25. Both showings include free popcorn for attendees.
On June 27, we will be showing "Zootopia 2," the sequel to the 2016 hit "Zootopia," about rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde who find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De'Snake arrives in Zootropolis and turns the animal metropolis upside down.
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.
| | Repair Cafe at South King Tool Library on June 27 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is hosting a Repair Cafe on Saturday, June 27, at the South King Tool Library 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!
Questions about broken items? Contact South King Tool Library at info@southkingtools.org.
| | 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.
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Take the Diversity Commission's
Community Engagement Survey
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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.
| | ABRA Cadabra: Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA on Oct. 17 | | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting ABRA Cadabra: Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.
ABRA Cadabra has been wowing audiences worldwide for over 20 years, bringing the timeless music of ABBA to diverse audiences across continents.
This is an unmissable, family-friendly event suitable for all ages, featuring a dynamic live band, stunning vocals, captivating dancers, and authentic costumes.
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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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June 28: The Washington K-Ensemble Presents: Begin Again, Dream Anew
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Aug. 23: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels.
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Sept. 17: Queen: It's Kinda Magic
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Oct. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
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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.
| | Rhododendron Garden Hosts Art in the Garden and Plant Clearance Event June 27 | | | | |
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is hosting an Art in the Garden & Plant Clearance Sale event on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover local artists at an outdoor art market, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, shop an annual plant clearance and rare plant sale, listen to live music, and spend a beautiful summer day surrounded by the garden in bloom.
Admission is free.
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