Families Make Memories at 14th Annual Touch-A-Truck | | |
Big wheels, big excitement, and plenty of family fun rolled into Federal Way as the community came together for this year’s Touch-A-Truck event at Wild Waves Theme & Water Park.
Families spent the day exploring the trucks, equipment, and emergency vehicles that help power our city every day. Kids had the chance to climb inside cabs, honk horns, snap photos, and learn more about the vehicles and the hardworking people that build, protect, and serve our community.
From construction equipment and utility trucks to police and public works vehicles, there was something exciting around every corner for attendees of all ages.
Thank you to our Parks and Recreation team, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, participating agencies, and event sponsors for helping create another memorable day for Federal Way families.
| | Community Members Pack the PAEC for Senior Health and Resource Fair | | |
The Federal Way Senior Advisory Commission hosted its annual Senior Health and Resource Fair at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center last week. The event featured more than 80 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community.
It was an opportunity for families, especially seniors, to be introduced to vendors and resources available to our senior community. Thank you to our sponsors, including Vickie Chynoweth, St. Francis Hospital, Home Instead, the Federal Way Mirror, Fedelta Home Care, FUSION, and Steel Lake Presbyterian Church!
| | May 17-23 is National Public Works Week | | |
During the week of May 17-23, we celebrate the work done by our Public Works employees!
This year's theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. It’s what has propelled public works innovations that have helped our communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility.
Some work — like building roads and bridges — is highly visible, while other public works contributions—like maintaining water and sewer systems — are sometimes hidden from view. Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.
Follow along with our social media as we highlight the work of the talented Public Works folks at Federal Way.
| | Dougie Fir Joins Dick's Drive-In to Promote Kickin' It Federal Way | | |
Federal Way Parks and Recreation mascot Dougie Fir recently joined the Fries and Milkshake from Dick's Drive-In to help promote the upcoming Kickin' It Federal Way festival. Keep an eye out on social media this week for some news on an exciting crossover event to get ready for Kickin' It.
Be sure to 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 2026™ 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.
| | Open Doors Students Visit City Hall | | |
Students from the Federal Way Public Schools Open Doors program visited City Hall last week to meet with Mayor Jim Ferrell. The students came prepared with great questions about the current state of the economy and jobs, homelessness, and big developments happening in Federal Way, including light rail.
"It’s always encouraging to see students so engaged in what’s happening around them," Ferrell said.
Federal Way Open Doors’ mission is to re-engage high school scholars through a personalized learning model where they graduate prepared for the future they choose.
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends El Centro de la Raza Open House | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined Comcast for an Open House at El Centro de la Raza last week to learn more about the newly-renovated Lift Zone. For over twenty years, Comcast has partnered with El Centro de la Raza to support digital literacy and job skills training for members of the community.
The Lift Zone was renovated thanks to a $350,000 investment from Comcast for consturction costs and technology. The Lift Zone offers free Wi-Fi for visitors along with a variety of resources, including home ownership seminars, tax and small business ownership workshops, and workforce development and youth programs.
| | |
Take the Diversity Commission's
Community Engagement Survey
| | | | |
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.
| | FWPD Officer Bailey Lopp Honored with Life-Saving Award | | |
On October 22, 2025, Officer Bailey Lopp responded to a call involving a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, Officer Lopp located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg who had already lost a substantial amount of blood. Remaining calm and professional under pressure, Officer Lopp quickly retrieved a tourniquet from his medical bag and expertly applied it to the victim. His swift and decisive actions successfully slowed the blood loss and ultimately saved the victim’s life.
The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he was rushed into surgery. Officer Lopp’s preparedness, quick thinking, and commitment to serving the community were instrumental in preserving the victim’s life.
For his heroic actions, quick thinking, and commitment to preserving life, Officer Lopp was proudly awarded the Life-Saving Award. We are proud to recognize Officer Lopp for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to protecting our community!
| | Hotel Discounts Available for Anyone Staying in Federal Way for Kickin' It | | |
Stay with us and watch the big matches 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.
We’ve partnered with local hotels to help make visiting Kickin' It Federal Way comfortable, convenient, and close to the action. With more than 750 sleeping rooms in Federal Way, visitors can enjoy nearby accommodations with great amenities, easy access to events, and special hotel offers.
Discounts are available at LaQuinta Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn and Suites, and Courtyard by Marriot on the Kickin' It Federal Way website.
| | May 19 City Council Meeting | | | | |
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.
| | 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.
| | | | |
The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
-
May 25: Zain Zohaib Qawwali Night
-
May 29-31: Fourth Annual Arts Explosion Arts Festival
-
May 30 & 31: Adage Ballet Academy Presents: The Sleeping Beauty - Aurora's Wedding
-
June 5: Rthmz Presents: "Reflections" A Dance Showcase
-
Aug. 23: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels.
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | 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.
If you have any questions, please contact Kim Egge at kim.egge@comcast.net.
| | 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" will be performed by 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 (veterans 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.
| | | | |
