12th Annual Diaper Drive Hosted at Twin Lakes Fred Meyer | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Councilmembers attended the 12th annual March of Diapers drive at Twin Lakes Fred Meyer this past Saturday. Thanks to Do The Right Thing founder Cheryl Hurst and Executive Director Ann Sappington, Michael Williamson and his team at Fred Meyer, and all of the volunteers who made this a successful event. It’s an incredibly valuable event for our community every year.
Donations can still be provided to the front lobby of City Hall through March 31.
| | Federal Way Diversity Commission Donates Books to Elementary Schools | | |
Last year, the Federal Way Diversity Commission started efforts to donate 15 books to each elementary school in Federal Way Public Schools. The books reflect the diversity of our community, with topics ranging from different family structures and the immigrant experience to disability and inclusion.
Last week, members of the Diversity Commission joined Mayor Jim Ferrell and FWPS Teaching for Learning Chief Academic Officer Dr. Melissa Spencer at Barnes & Noble to give the books to the district to distribute to each of its 24 elementary schools.
Thank you to FWPS and Barnes & Noble for your partnership in this project. This is a meaningful investment in literacy, inclusion and the success of young people across our community.
| | City Hosts Free Repair Café for Residents at South King Tool Library | | |
We hosted our Repair Café at the South King Tool Library on Saturday. Our volunteer repair experts were on-hand to fix damaged furniture and other small household items, sharpen knives, and repair torn clothing for Federal Way residents at no cost.
In total, 87 residents brought 187 items to the event to be repaired or sharpened.
If you were unable to make it to the Repair Café but still have items that need fixing, King County provides a repair business directory of local businesses in 18 different categories that offer repair services for a fee.
| | Council Presents World Down Syndrome Day Proclamation | | |
At the March 24 City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation recognizing March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. This global day of awareness celebrates the lives, contributions and rights of people with Down Syndrome while promoting inclusion and understanding worldwide.
Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson presented the proclamation to Alisha Viela of the 321 Buddy Foundation, and Federal Way community member and 11-year-old Arianna Graham, who advocates for herself and others with Down Syndrome.
You can read the full proclamation on the city website.
| | Mayor Ferrell Reads at Sherwood Forest Elementary School | | |
Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell visited Sherwood Forest Elementary School to read to students in Mrs. Jones' second grade class. He read "Giraffes Can't Dance" before talking about his journey to the Mayor's Office.
The students asked a variety of questions and told Mayor Ferrell about the "good vibes in room 105."
| | Sign Up for Our Free Financial Literacy Program | | | | |
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 April 16 through June 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at Federal Way City Hall.
To register, email Bill Vadino at bill.vadino@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2420.
| | Join FWPD at Ebony and Ivory Coffee for Coffee with a Cop on March 31 | | | | |
The Federal Way Police Department is excited to kick off our first Coffee with a Cop event of the year at Ebony and Ivory Coffee.
We hope you can join us on Tuesday, March 31, from 8-9:15 a.m. at 33930 Weyerhaeuser Way S. in Federal Way.
This relaxed, welcoming event has no speeches and no agendas. It's just a chance to meet your local officers and chat in a casual setting over some coffee.
Officers and civilian staff will be mingling with guests and having conversations rather than answering formal questions, giving everyone a chance to see them in a different light.
Neighbors, business owners, and all those in Federal Way are encouraged to come enjoy coffee, mingle, and connect with your local officers in a friendly setting.
| | Sign Up for Our Free CERT Basic Course | | |
Join our Spring 2026 CERT Basic Course to develop new skills to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster. This 10-week course teaches participants organizational structure and how to respond to immediate needs of the community and assist first responders.
Classes are each Wednesday, April 15 through June 10, from 6-8:30 p.m.
To sign up, email sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2712.
| | U.S. Small Business Association Hosting In-Person Office Hours at City Hall | | |
The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) is hosting in-person office hours at Federal Way City Hall on Friday, April 17, at 8 a.m.
Are you a local entrepreneur seeking resources to start, manage, or grow your small business? Interested in meeting one-on-one with staff from the SBA Seattle District to discuss your small business needs?
SBA In-Person Office Hours are an opportunity to meet with local SBA staff to learn more about SBA programs, including resources for:
- Small business funding
- Federal contracting
- Disaster assistance
- Technical assistance, mentoring, and advising
This event is open to the general public. Interested attendees are encouraged to book an appointment on the registration page to ensure availability. RSVP online now.
| | March 24 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, April 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 | | City of Federal Way Hosting Town Hall Meeting on April 30 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at Olympic View K-8.
Join Mayor Jim Ferrell, City Councilmembers, and City staff for updates and conversation about the direction of our city.
Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with the people working to serve our community.
All residents are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.
| | Community Clothing Swap April 11 | | | | |
Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, April 11, at the South King Tool Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes and take home amazing and new-to-you items while helping reduce textile waste.
Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for spring/summer). Items on hangers appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling.
| | Drive Thru Shredding Event on April 16 | | | | |
Join us for our free Drive-Thru Document Shredding event at Red Canoe Credit Union (33616 Pacific Highway South) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.
Document Shredding
- Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
- No pre-shredded paper.
- Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.
| | Parks Appreciation Day on April 18 | | |
Join us for the 20th Annual Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon! This community volunteer event is dedicated to keeping Federal Way’s parks beautiful. Grab your gloves and help with planting, weeding, and cleanup projects to make a lasting impact in our green spaces.
Rain or shine, we’ll be out there making a difference. Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Some tools will be available, but extra shovels, gloves, clippers, and wheelbarrows are appreciated.
Volunteer sites:
- Brooklake Blueberry Farm (726 S. 356th St.)
- Steel Lake Annex (2645 S. 312th St.)
- Celebration Park (1095 S. 324th St.)
Pre-register online if you plan to attend!
| | I'm Hooked Kids Fishing Event on May 2 | | |
Join us for the 9th Annual Great Outdoor Experience hosted in partnership with I'm Hooked Inc. at Steel Lake Park! Spend a fun day outdoors learning about fishing, enjoying hands-on activities, and connecting with the community.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Steel Lake Park
This free, family-friendly event is perfect for youth and families who want to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying a day by the lake. Community mentors will guide participants through angler education and help make it a memorable outdoor experience.
| | Senior Health & Resource Fair on May 12 | | | | |
The Senior Advisory Commission proudly invites you to join them at the 4th Annual Senior Health & Resource Fair at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This free event will bring together 85 local vendors with direct ties to the senior community.
Thank you to our sponsors: The City of Federal Way, Vickie Chynoweth, St. Francis Hospital, Home Instead, the Federal Way Mirror, Fedelta Home Care, FUSION, and Steel Lake Presbyterian Church. Without you, we would not be able to host this event!
All ages – especially seniors! – are welcome.
| | Call for Youth Artists: Rep Your Flag at Kickin' It Federal Way | | | | |
To celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, the Kickin’ It Federal Way Festival is inviting all K-12 students to participate in a creative flag art contest.
Students can select a World Cup-participating country, submit an original artistic
interpretation of that country’s flag as a digital design, and indicate their country choice.
Selected students will bring their designs to life on a large 3 x 5 canvas flag, which will be publicly displayed at the Performing Arts and Event Center.
| | Kickin' It Federal Way June 19-21 | | | | |
Join us June 19-21 for 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 26™ watch parties, live performances on the outdoor stage, food truck alley, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, turning the PAEC and the surrounding property into a hub of entertainment throughout the weekend.
| | Vendors Wanted: Community Festival | | | | |
The Federal Way Diversity Commission is looking for vendors and partners to join our upcoming Community Festival.
We’re seeking local Federal Way live performers, food vendors, vendor booths, nonprofit organizations, and event sponsors to
help us create a vibrant, welcoming experience for the whole community.
Whether you want to showcase your talent, share
delicious eats, promote your cause, or highlight your business, we’d love to have you be part of the celebration.
Let’s celebrate the community of Federal Way!
| | Municipal Court Student Art Contest | | | | |
The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is
sponsoring an art contest as requested by Federal
Way Municipal Court Judge Danielle Havens
and Judge Brad Bales.
The contest is open to all students in first through eighth grade living within the boundaries of Federal Way.
Entries selected will be displayed in Federal Way Municipal Court. The hope is to give the municipal court a friendlier look for family members who are visiting the court rooms.
Entries must be received by May 1, and winners will be notified by May 8.
| | Provide Your Feedback on Opportunity Zones in Federal Way | | | | |
We are exploring the future of Opportunity Zones in Federal Way, and we want to hear from you!
Opportunity Zones are federally designated areas where new investment is encouraged through tax incentives, with the goal of supporting economic development, creating jobs, expanding housing options, and strengthening community-serving spaces.
Federal Way currently has one Opportunity Zone located in the downtown area with the possibility of a re-designation from the State of Washington.
| | 60's Flashback Show at the PAEC on April 18 | | | | |
Join us for 60's Flashback Show on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.
This musical experience is more than a concert. It’s a journey through the revolutionary sounds of pop, folk, soul, and rock that defined a generation!
Get ready for a star-studded lineup of artists as they bring to life their sold out 60’s FLASHBACK SHOW for a one-night-only performance at the FWPAC!
| | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
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April 12: Federal Way Symphony Presents "Celebrating Broadway"
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April 17: Habib Qaderi Live - Afghanistan Music Night
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April 18: 60s Flashback Show
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April 28: Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars
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May 1: PAEC Presents: Storm Large
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 9 | | | | |
The Federal Way Library is hosting a Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on May 9. Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and more to help support library programming.
General Sale:
- Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pre-Sale for Members Only:
- Saturday, May 9, 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Memberships are available at the door for $5. Cash or checks only. Please bring your own bags.
| | The 39 Steps March 27 to April 19 | | | | |
"The 39 Steps" comes to Centerstage each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday March 27 to April 19.
It's a mix of a Hitchcock movie with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, toss it all on stage right in front of you, and you have a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre!
This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning masterpiece is packed with hilarity.
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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