Federal Way Farmers Market Opens May 9 | | |
The 2026 City of Federal Way Farmers Market will open on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Saturday before Mother’s Day. The Market will be held at a new location this year on South 316th Street between Town Square Park and The Performing Arts & Event Center.
This year, the Market will run each Saturday from May 9 to Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be no Market on July 4. We hope to see you there!
| | 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.
| | Council Presents Three Proclamations | | |
The City Council presented three proclamations at last week's regular meeting, recognizing March as Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month and celebrating the Todd Beamer High School Cheer Team for its state championship victory.
Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson recognized the Todd Beamer Cheer Team for earning first place in at the Washington State Cheer Championships in February. The seven-member team earned the school’s first state championship since 2003.
Following the presentation of the proclamation, the Todd Beamer squad performed two cheers for the Council and audience members. Congratulations on your historic accomplishment! View the full proclamation online.
Councilmember Melissa Hamilton recognized March as Red Cross Month, presenting the proclamation to Christie Merrell, an American Red Cross volunteer. View the full proclamation online.
Councilmembers Susan Honda and Linda Kochmar recognized March as Women’s History Month, presenting the proclamation to South King Tool Library owner Amanda Miller and Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce CEO Becca Martin. View the full proclamation online.
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Chief Hwang Gives First Annual
Chief's Address
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Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) Chief Andy Hwang recently delivered the first Annual Chief’s Address of 2026. This is the first of six addresses he will hold to ensure every member of the department receives consistent communication, clear direction, and his sincere appreciation for their service and dedication.
During the address, Chief Hwang reflected on recent accomplishments, recognized key milestones, and outlined the department’s vision for 2026. He emphasized FWPD’s commitment to excellence and expressed gratitude to sworn and civilian staff for their dedication and service to the community.
Chief Hwang highlighted the department’s continued focus on professional development, ensuring members are supported with the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed. He also stressed the importance of purpose, accountability, and maintaining a positive agency culture.
He concluded by reaffirming the shared responsibility of all members in fostering trust, professionalism, and excellence in policing, as the department moves forward in 2026 with a strong commitment to both its workforce and the community.
| | Save the Date: 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!
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber Luncheon | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined three City Council Members at the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon last week. The event included an interesting conversation about the impact AI is having on cybersecurity threats.
David Kimpel and Walker Hardan from Greene Information Systems talked about the new nefarious tools AI provides for those looking to do damage to digital systems.
"Strong cybersecurity is essential to governmental operations and something I continue to prioritize to ensure we keep our systems and your data safe from would-be attackers," Mayor Ferrell said.
| | 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.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer at the farm! Bring your favorite tools. Extra tools and snacks will be provided
| | March of Diapers Drive March 28 at Twin Lakes Fred Meyer | | | | |
Join us and non-profit Do the Right Thing at the Twin Lakes Fred Meyer (33702 21st Ave. S.W.) on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Councilmembers are teaming up with volunteers to collect donations of preemie to size six diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, and adult diapers for the benefit of local organizations.
For more information, call Do the Right Thing at 253-457-5578 or visit its website.
| | Spring Cleaning - Environmental Tips | | |
Are you ready to do some spring cleaning? Here are some simple tips for easy eco-friendly swaps:
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Skip the Chemicals: Common household materials like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon can make great cleaning products without the chemicals. Check out these recipes from King County Hazardous Waste to get started!
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Declutter Mindfully: Before tossing items, think about whether items can be repurposed, donated, or recycled. Threadcycle is a textile donation program throughout King County, so even clothes with holes can be dropped off at various locations!
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Dispose Responsibly: Many items are recyclable in your curbside bins- including paper, cardboard, metal, and glass. Other items, like old batteries, Styrofoam, and electronics have specialty recycling and free drop off sites. If you aren't sure about where an item goes, use our Recycle Coach tool to help find out the best way to dispose of items!
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Parks & Recreation Summer Program
Guide Now Available
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The Federal Way Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Catalog is here!
Make your summer plans now with exciting programs, events, and activities for all ages.
Printed copies are available in the Federal Way Community Center front lobby and at City Hall as you enter the building!
Registration is open March 10!
| | March 3 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for a special 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 | | Repair Café Event on March 28 | | | | |
Join us for our free Repair Café on Saturday, March 28, at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) 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.
Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening.
| | 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.
| | 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.
| | Senior Commission Connection on March 25 | | | | |
Mark your calendars!
The Senior Advisory Commission is so grateful to the Marine Hills Garden Club for joining us at our upcoming Senior Commission Connection at the Federal Way Community Center!
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 11:30am
Location: Federal Way Community Center
876 S 333rd St, Federal Way
This is a free event and a light lunch will be served.
| | 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.
| | 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.
Entry deadlines and full details are available at the application link.
| | 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.
Immediate Openings:
- Parks & Recreation Commission
- Historic Landmark Commission
- Independent Salary Commission
Upcoming Expiring Positions:
- Youth Commission
- Senior Advisory Commission
- Planning 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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The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
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March 12: PAEC Presents: Voctave
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March 13: Grand Kyiv Ballet: Don Quioxte
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March 18: Liverpool Legends "Beatle Experience!"
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March 24: PAEC Presents: Rhythm of the Dance
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April 17: Habib Qaderi Live - Afghanistan Music Night
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | PAEC Presents: Voctave on March 12 | | | | |
Join us for PAEC Presents: Voctave on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts & Event Center.
Experience the soaring harmonies and vocal fireworks of Voctave, the acclaimed a cappella group known for blending Disney and Broadway favorites into unforgettable musical moments.
This fan-favorite show, The Corner of Broadway & Main Street, showcases the group’s signature arrangements of beloved songs from the stage and screen.
| | Federal Way Public Market Hosts Potato Festival on March 15 | | | | |
Join the Federal Way Public Market for its 1st Annual Potato Festival on Sunday, March 15, from 1-3 p.m. at Billy McHale's.
Guests will enjoy a loaded baked potato bar featuring a wide variety of classic and creative toppings, so you can build your perfect potato just the way you like it.
All proceeds from the event support the effort to bring a year-round public market to Federal Way — a place where local food, small businesses, and community can come together.
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