June 2, 2025

Third Annual Arts Explosion Hosted at PAEC

The City of Federal Way Arts Commission hosted the third-annual “Arts Explosion” juried art show festival at the Performing Arts & Event Center over the weekend.

The festival celebrated the diversity of Federal Way, showcasing the talents of both adult and youth artists, while promoting artistic growth and engagement. Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council met with organizers and were there to show their support throughout the weekend.

"My first reaction when I walked into the PAEC for the Arts Explosion Gala was 'Wow, what an event,'" Mayor Ferrell said.

In total, the event featured 270 art pieces from 180 artists. There were also live musical performances on Friday and Saturday.

Pride Flag Raised at City Hall

Mayor Jim Ferrell hosted a Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony in front of City Hall today. He read the City’s Pride Month Proclamation and remarks from State Senator Claire Wilson. Diversity Commission member Allison Fine (pictured left) spoke on the history of the occasion and introduced active community member and Senior Commission member Catherine North (pictured right).

The ceremony concluded when Catherine raised the flag. The Pride Flag will fly in front of City Hall all month. Federal Way is proud to support and recognize our LGBTQ+ community all year long, but especially in June!

FreeStar Fitness Hosts Ribbon Cutting

The Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting with FreeStar Fitness last week. It is located at 1320 S. 324th St., right next to Billy McHales.

FreeStar is a service-focused hybrid gym with professional coaches, trainer-led classes, and 24-hour gym access. It originally opened in 2016 as Freedom Fitness but has undergone some renovations to add new equipment.

If you have too many fries at Billy McHale’s, stop next door to work them off!

Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs Breakfast

Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Good Eggs Breakfast, organized by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, last week. It featured Acting King County Executive Shannon Braddock about her expectations for the year and her priorities while in office.

She discussed her 200-day plan for a smooth transition to the next executive.

Featured Upcoming Event

Join us for our free Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.

Bring your metal, styrofoam, and plastic film for recycling and documents for shredding to this FREE drive-thru event.

Questions?: Email recycle@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2771

SCRAP METAL

• Residents can drop off up to five items for free recycling
• Accepted materials include: Metal Appliances, Metal Furniture, Bikes/Scooters
• NO appliances with freon/refrigerants

STYROFOAM/PLASTIC FILM

• Clean, white Styrofoam blocks
• Packing peanuts must be bagged
• Soft plastic film only (grocery bags, bubble wrap, plastic packaging)

PAPER SHREDDING

• Limit five file boxes or paper bags

Richard Adams Named FWPD

2024 Detective of the Year

Federal Way Police Department named Detective Richard Adams as its Detective of the Year recently. Detective Adams is a distinguished member of the Criminal Investigations Section, having been designated as a core detective due to his exceptional investigative skills and consistent performance. His selection for this elite role reflects a demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive investigations with professionalism, care, and precision.

Detective Adams primarily focuses on domestic violence and child abuse investigations—areas that require not only technical expertise but also a compassionate and trauma-informed approach. His specialized training and commitment have made him a trusted asset in handling some of the most emotionally challenging cases within Federal Way.

Over the years, Detective Adams has served the community of Federal Way with dedication and integrity. His extensive experience and proven capabilities have led to his frequent assignment to the most significant and sensitive cases within the department.

Two Environmental Services

Events Upcoming

The City of Federal Way Environmental Services is hosting a FREE online workshop titled "Recycle Right: Tips for Federal Way Apartment Residents" on Tuesday, June 10, from 6 to 7 p.m.

This event, held on Zoom, is a great way to understand how to best approach recycling as an apartment resident.

The City of Federal Way Environmental Services is hosting a FREE fix-it event at the South King Tool Library on June 28th.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives and torn clothing. Expert fixers will do their best to make your items usable again!

Details:

• Plan to stay during the repair

• Bring any manuals/parts that may help

• Limit 3 items for sharpening

June 2 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 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

Juneteenth Flag Raising at City Hall

on June 18

The City of Federal Way is hosting a Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, June 18, at 12 p.m.

Join us as we honor and commemorate Juneteenth — the day that marks the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States.

This special event will include guest speakers, community reflections, and the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag.

Hanwoori Garden Grand Opening June 10

The Federal Way Korean American Association and the City of Federal Way cordially invite you to attend the Grand Opening Ceremony of Hanwoori Garden. Please join us for a welcome reception prior to the ceremony. Reception begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the program commencement at 11 a.m.

When: Tuesday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: 550 S.W. Campus Dr., Federal Way, WA 98023

General parking is available at the Federal Way National Little League Complex immediately east of the Hanwoori Garden. Reserved and accessible parking is available at the Hanwoori Garden.

Federal Way Farmers Market Open

through Oct. 25

The Federal Way Farmers Market will be held at The Commons each Saturday through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come and enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment every Saturday!

Plenty of parking is available. WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP are all accepted.

Summer Solstice Event at Pacific Bonsai Museum June 21

The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting a Summer Solstice Wellness Open House on Saturday, June 21, from 4 to 8 p.m.

This is one of only two nights a year when the museum stays open past 4 p.m.

Come take in the light and beauty of our woods and bonsai, have a stroll, meet up with friends, take a gorgeous photo, and smell the fresh air of a summery evening.

SummerFest at the Rhododendron Garden June 21

Stop by the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden for SummerFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 21.

Celebrate with the community while enjoying family-friendly activities, exploring a vibrant outdoor art market, and indulging in delicious food. Admission is FREE!

The Rhododendron Garden is located at 2525 S. 336th St, in Federal Wa.

Special Olympics WA: Volunteers Needed

The Special Olympics State Spring Games are coming June 20-22 with events happening in Federal Way, Tacoma, and at the University of Puget Sound.

Thousands of athletes will compete, and more than 2,500 volunteers are needed to help make it all happen!

Need help registering? Email us now!

Kiwanis Salmon Bake July 25

The Federal Way Kiwanis Salmon Bake returns

for its 69th year at beautiful Steel Lake Park. This event raises funds to support youth and

community programs throughout Federal Way.

The event will include: a delicious salmon dinner; a beer and wine garden (over 21 only); classic rock with the Max Rensha Band; ice cream from SubZero; a silent auction and a “gift card wall;" booths featuring local nonprofits; and more!

Tickets are available for advanced purchase for $30, which includes the salmon dinner. At the door, entry will be $35 (or $10 for a kids hot dog meal).

Summer Chalk Art Festival at the PAEC on July 12

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) for a vibrant day of creativity and community at the Summer Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the PAEC patio.

Presented by Arts Foundation Federal Way, this colorful celebration will feature a professional chalk artist bringing a large-scale mural to life while attendees of all ages are invited to add their own artistic touch in designated chalk art zones.

The festival will also include live music, local food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family, including face painting and interactive art stations.

Mat Pilates at the PAEC Every Monday

Start your week with strength and movement at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center’s PAEClates class — a weekly mat Pilates session led by certified instructor Heather Hoffacker.

Held every Monday at 10 a.m., this all-levels class focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall wellness through mindful movement. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, check-in and waiver signing. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.

This is a mat-based Pilates class — no machines or reformers — so attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat, water bottle, towel, and comfortable workout attire.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• June 6: Gemini Bash with a Touch of Class with Laughs featuring Temptations Revue.
• June 7: 2025 Federal Way Youth Symphony Orchestra Annual Concert
• June 14: SWNBF Natural Columbia Classic PRO/AM
• June 22: WCE 13th Annual Concert: Beautiful Dreamer
• July 12: PAEC Summer Chalk Art Festival

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

Something Rotten at Centerstage Theater

Centerstage Theatre is putting on Something Rotten! from May 23 through June 15 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.

The musical is set in 1595 where two struggling playwright brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, try to outshine Shakespeare by creating the world’s first musical.