May 5, 2025

FWPS Students Storm the Sound with Salmon Release

Fourth graders flooded to the Hylebos Blueberry Farm Park the last two weeks for the annual Storming the Sound with Salmon release event field trip. Storming the Sound with Salmon is a partnership between the City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools.

Federal Way students have been raising Coho salmon in their classrooms this school year, while applying core skills such as observation and data collection to learn about life cycles, ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and the importance of salmon to the Pacific Northwest.

Over the last two weeks, students released thousands of young salmon they helped raise into West Hylebos Creek, which flows into the Puget Sound. It’s a great hands-on educational tool to help students understand the impact they can have on their environment.

Local Kids Cast Lines at "I'm Hooked" Fishing Event

We were keeping it "reel" at Steel Lake Park on Saturday. Our annual “I’m Hooked” Kids Fishing event gave families the chance to cast their lines in a fun outdoor event.

The event is a partnership with the Federal Way Parks Department and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide families with angler education, fishing fun, and health and wellness activities.

Mayor's Cup Taekwondo Championship Held at Todd Beamer HS

The annual Mayor’s Cup Taekwondo Championship was held on Saturday at Todd Beamer High School. Mayor Jim Ferrell participated in the Opening Ceremony before hundreds of participants from around the region took to the mats to show off their skills.

Thanks to Master Na for hosting this great event each year!

Mayor Ferrell Attends Centerstage Fundraiser

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of our City Council at the annual Centerstage Fundraiser at Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club on Saturday night. The contributions from the event allow Centerstage Theatre to continue providing great entertainment for our community with their plays and shows at the Knutzen Family Theatre at Dumas Bay.

Centerstage is one of the many great organizations that make our city a great place for families and those interested in the arts.

Yo Soy Unico Daycare Selected as Entrepreneurial Success Recipient

Federal Way’s Yo Soy Unico Daycare was selected as a 2025 Entrepreneurial Success Recipient by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District Office. Yo Soy Unico Daycare was founded by Carmen Corbin and provides bilingual language immersion and personalized care for children of all ages and backgrounds.

The Entrepreneurial Success recognition – part of National Small Business Week May 4-10 – celebrates a small business owner that was nominated for the local Small Business Week Awards program who demonstrates substantial growth, significant job creation, and contributions to the local community.

Corbin visited City Hall last week to thank Mayor Ferrell and invite him to the Museum of Flight to attend the 2025 Small Business Awards Gala.

Todd Beamer High School Progress Pushers Event Hosted at City Hall

The Todd Beamer High School Progress Pusher event was hosted at City Hall on Friday. Progress Pushers is a civic engagement program that gives students a showcase for projects they’ve done for addressing real issues impacting Federal Way, including homelessness, mental health, and gang violence.

Featured Upcoming Event

Federal Way Farmer's Market Opens May 10

The 2025 City of Federal Way Farmers Market will open on Saturday, May 10, 2025 — the Saturday before Mother’s Day. 

The market will be held at The Commons each Saturday from May 10 to 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.

FWPD to Distribute Free Handgun Safes to Community

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) is proud to announce it has received a public safety grant from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office aimed at combating gun violence in the community.

As part of this initiative, the department will distribute free handgun safes to community members. The event will take place on Saturday, June 7, at City Hall (33325 8th Ave. S.).

A total of 500 Vaultek brand VE10 ($168 MSRP) and VE20 ($199 MSRP) models will be distributed. Both safes can store one handgun and unlock via electronic keypad.

Each family will be eligible to receive one handgun safe, while supplies last. The gun safes are designed to help firearm owners securely store their weapons and reduce the risk of accidents, theft, and unauthorized access — particularly by children or other vulnerable individuals.

Gun safes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m.

Parks Appreciation Day

Nearly 200 volunteers came to our Parks Appreciation Day events on Saturday, April 26.

Volunteerism in our parks plays an essential role in ensuring they are well maintained throughout the year. Thank you to all the volunteers, who put in more than 600 hours of work, for your efforts in keeping Federal Way a green and beautiful place.

Watch our short video to learn more.

Stormwater Management Plan

Give us your Feedback

We want to hear from you! Check out Federal Way’s 2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP) and our West Hylebos Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP).

SWMP is a strategic plan developed by local governments to manage and control stormwater runoff in urban or developed areas. It focuses on preventing water pollution, minimizing flood risks, and protecting water quality in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies by addressing stormwater discharges.

The SMAP is similar to our SWMP, but specifically targeted at the West Hylebos watershed. We appreciate any feedback or comments as it will help us better manage stormwater for Federal Way residents!

May 6 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, May 6, 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

Touch-A-Truck Event May 17

Get ready for a day of big wheels and bigger smiles! The highly anticipated Touch-A-Truck family event is back and better than ever — inviting kids of all ages to climb, explore, and discover the fascinating world of trucks and the heroes who drive them.

Touch-A-Truck will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wild Waves Parking Lot. This hands-on event gives children the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the vehicles they usually only see from afar — from fire trucks and construction vehicles to transit buses and delivery trucks.

Community Clothing Swap May 10

Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, May 10, 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.

Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 30-June 1

The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the third-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 30th to June 1st, 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 third-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region. 

Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, 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.

Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.

Mother's Day at Rhododendron Garden

Celebrate mom with a fun outing to the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden May 10 & 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience the garden at peak bloom as you explore 13 unique garden features. Shop from local and international artists, dine on delicious cuisine from a food truck, or browse rare and beautiful botanicals for purchase from the onsite nursery.

We hope to see you in the garden!

Blue Poppy Day at Rhododendron

Garden on May 17

The mystical Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis, will grace us with its ethereal beauty once again at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.

Come celebrate these fabulous flowers Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a feast for your eyes.

Walk through a meadow glowing with blooming blue poppies or stroll along the ADA accessible path through the blue poppy glade.

BonsaiFEST on May 10 & 11

Join Pacific Bonsai Museum this World Bonsai Day/Mother's Day Weekend, May 10 & 11, for its annual BonsaiFEST! — a free, family-friendly celebration featuring hundreds of meticulously crafted living artworks.

Shop for your own bonsai treasures, enjoy delicious food truck offerings, and let the kids unleash their creativity at the games and art station. Free parking is available across from the museum at the Garden Parking Lot

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-ound. Upcoming events include:

• May 6: USAF Band of the Golden West- Quartet
• May 8: Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
• May 10: Big Band Concert II - A Journey Through Time and Space
• May 11: Aron Afshar Live
• May 14: 2025 Full Draw Film Tour presented by ONXHUNT

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.

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."

Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.