Farmers Market Kicks Off 2026 Season with Opening Day | | |
The Federal Way Farmers Market is back for the 2026 season and in a brand-new location! The market officially opened on Saturday, bringing fresh produce, vibrant flowers, handmade crafts, and more to the heart of downtown Federal Way.
This year, the market is located on South 316th Street between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, creating a lively new gathering space for the community.
Opening day festivities included a Grand Opening Ceremony featuring remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell, live music from Stacy Jones, and a special Mother’s Day poem by Bob Darrigan. Mayor Ferrell officially kicked off the new season with our new Federal Way Farmers Market cowbell.
The Federal Way Farmers Market will be open every Saturday through Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., excluding the Fourth of July weekend.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Present Proclamations | | |
At the May 5 City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented three proclamations.
Councilmember Linda Kochmar presented a proclamation recognizing May as Older Americans Month to members of Federal Way’s Senior Advisory Commission. Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.
Council President Susan Honda presented a proclamation recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to Seiuli Fidow from the Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated each May to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of these diverse communities to the United States.
Councilmember Melissa Hamilton read a third proclamation recognizing March as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of emotional well-being, reduces stigma around mental illness, and encourages people to seek support and care when needed.
You can view the full text of all three proclamations on our website
| | SPU Students Visit City Hall | | |
Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell spent an afternoon with an engaged group of students from Seattle Pacific University.
“Their curiosity and energy were contagious," Ferrell said. The students, many of whom are considering law school, came prepared with thoughtful and probing questions. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including public policy, the realities of serving as Mayor of Federal Way, and a behind-the-scenes look at how government truly operates.
The City looks forward to continuing to foster these connections and encouraging young leaders to stay involved, informed, and inspired.
| | 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.
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Positive Tickets Back at FWPD for
Summer 2026
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Federal Way Police Department is excited to announce the return of our Positive Ticket Program for Summer 2026. We are proud to bring back this youth-focused program that builds positive, lasting connections between our officers and the young people in our community.
What is a Positive Ticket? When an officer sees a young person doing something positive like helping others, showing kindness, wearing a helmet, playing respectfully, or making safe choices, they may hand out a Positive Ticket to recognize that behavior.
First launched in 2016, the program is all about catching kids doing something right. These tickets can be redeemed for rewards like free food, fun outings, and other prizes made possible by our community partners, including Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Federal Way Community Center, Chick-fil-A, and Dick’s Drive-In.
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At its core, the program is about connection. These positive interactions help build trust and encourage good choices. As summer gets underway, keep an eye out. Our officers are ready to catch kids doing good all across Federal Way.
Interested in supporting the program? Local businesses and community members are welcome to get involved. Reach out to the Federal Way Police Department to learn more.
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Watch the big matches with us at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center! Kickin' It Federal Way, a three-day celebration of soccer, culture, and community will take place June 19-21 at the PAEC.
Come watch Germany face off against the Ivory Coast on Saturday, June 20, at 1 p.m. on the big screen! It's a great way to watch for die-hard and casual fans alike!
All weekend, Kickin’ It Federal Way 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.
Visit the Kickin' It Federal Way website for more information.
| | May 5 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, May 19, 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 | | Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 29-31 | | | | |
The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the fourth-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 29-31, at the Performing Arts & Events Center.
This vibrant festival will celebrate the diversity of Federal Way, showcasing the talents of both adult and youth artists, while promoting artistic growth and community engagement.
The fourth-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.
| | 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.
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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.
| | 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.
| | Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery in The Trouble with Angels at the PAEC on Aug. 23 | | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) is hosting Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery in The Trouble with Angels on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 5 p.m.
Join Emmy Award-winner Jane Lynch and the hilariously charming Kate Flannery for a raucous night of comedy, song, and unapologetic mischief in The Trouble with Angels.
With powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp wit, and more than a few surprises, these two beloved stars serve up a cocktail of classic tunes, campy banter, and devilish charm.
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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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May 16: Federal Way Chorale: The Sounds of Spring - Americana
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May 25: Zain Zohaib Qawwali Night
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May 29-31: Fourth Annual Arts Explosion Arts Festival
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May 30 & 31: Adage Ballet Academy Presents: The Sleeping Beauty - Aurora's Wedding
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Aug. 23: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels.
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Blue Poppy Day at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden on May 16 | | | | |
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way is hosting its Annual Blue Poppy Day on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event celebrates the rare and iconic Himalayan blue poppy at peak bloom, an uncommon opportunity to see these sought-after flowers in full display.
Visitors can explore a meadow filled with blue poppies, shop an art market featuring local artists, enjoy a live performance from the Jet Cities Chorus, and visit food trucks.
A wide selection of plants will also be available for purchase in the on-site nursery.
| | Rotary Bingo Social at the PAEC on May 20 | | | | |
Rotary Club of Federal Way invites you to an afternoon of bingo and fun at its Bingo Social at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center on Wednesday, May 20 from 1-4 p.m.
The event is free to attend and open to all community members ages 55 or older.
Deadline to RSVP is May 10.
If you have any questions, please contact Kim Egge at kim.egge@comcast.net.
| | Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound Supports Red Day | | | | |
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound proudly participates in RED Day on Wednesday, May 14, 2026.
RED Day — standing for Renew, Energize, and Donate — is Keller Williams’ annual global day of service, where associates step away from daily business to give back to the communities they serve.
This year, our KW Puget Sound office is focusing our RED Day efforts on supporting three local nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact in our region:
- FUSION Housing!
- Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington (PICA)
- The R.I.S.E. Center
| | Camp Kilworth Open House on May 30 | | | | |
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is hosting an Open House at Camp Kilworth on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring the whole family to explore Camp Kilworth’s forest trails, meet YMCA staff, and get a sneak peek at the outdoor adventures waiting for kids this summer.
You can register for the Open House if you are interested in attending.
| | She Loves Me from Centerstage Theatre May 22 to June 14 | | | | |
"She Loves Me" comes to Centerstage Theater each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 22 to June 14 at Knutzen Family Theater.
Anonymous letters and mistaken identities entwine with a gorgeous score and wonderful characters in this delightfully elegant musical comedy.
This Tony Award-nominated show 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.
| | Rotary Hosts Field of Honor Event on May 23 | | | | |
Join the Rotary Club of Federal Way for a Field of Honor event in recognition of Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23.
The event will include a Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. followed by at Pancake Breakfast at 10 a.m. The pancake breakfast is $10 per person (vets eat free) and all proceeds will benefit disabled veterans.
The Field of Honor will be hosted at 31919 6th Ave. South in Federal Way. All Federal Way community members are invited to attend this event.
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