Nov. 17, 2025

Kickin' It Federal Way Festival Unveiled

The City of Federal Way partnered with Arts Foundation Federal Way for the Kickin' It Federal Way Festival Unveiling event last Friday at the Performing Arts & Event Center.

Kickin' It Federal Way will be an event June 19-21 that will include FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties at the PAEC for all three days. The three-day festival will also include live performances, food trucks, and a variety of fun family activities.

At last week's event, Mayor Jim Ferrell unveiled the logo for the event and shared the full details with the excited crowd.

"The World Cup is about more than just soccer, it’s about connection, culture, and community," Mayor Ferrell said. "Our festival will capture all of that energy, celebrating the diversity that makes Federal Way so special and energizing residents and visitors from across the region."

Learn more about the Kickin' It Federal Way on the festival's website.

Residents Dig In at Plantapalooza

The City of Federal Way partnered with The Washington Native Plant Society over the weekend for Plantapalooza at Steel Lake Park and Celebration Park. Plantapalooza was a chance for residents to help restore native habitats while connecting with their community.

The Washington Native Plant Society is a valued Federal Way partner in caring for our natural spaces. Guided by their mission to promote the appreciation and conservation of Washington’s native plants and habitats, their dedicated volunteers support our parks throughout the year.

From monthly cleanups to tree plantings and habitat restoration projects, they consistently show up to help our green spaces thrive through education and hands-on conservation efforts!

Pacific Bonsai Museum Featured on CBS Morning News

Federal Way's own Pacific Bonsai Museum was featured on CBS News Sunday Morning recently. The segment showcased the museum's spectacular fall bonsai collection to approximately 5-6 million viewers across the country.

Correspondent Conor Knighton interviewed Pacific Bonsai Museum Curator Aarin Packard, who explained the art of bonsai in an accessible way: "These are normal trees. I say, 'they don't know they are little.'"

Watch the segment here.

Mayor Ferrell Joins Transition Team for King County Executive-Elect Girmay Zahilay

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined dozens of officials from every corner of King County as a member of Girmay Zahilay's transition team last week. Zahilay was elected as the new King County Executive on Nov. 4, the first new King County Executive in 16 years.

Members of the transition team worked together to brainstorm ways to make King County better for everyone and provide opportunity and safety for all.

All residents of King County are invited to share their experiences and ideas to make King County a better place with Zahilay and his team. Please see the “Share Your Ideas” link at the bottom of his new transition website: www.girmaytransition2025.com.

Featured Upcoming Event

Community Clothing Swap on Nov. 22

Join us for a free community clothing swap on Saturday, Nov. 22, 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 fall/winter). 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.

Join Us: Federal Way Employees Launch Holiday Food Drive

With the holidays nearing, more families in Federal Way are facing increasing hardship and wondering how they will put food on the table and meet other basic needs. Reduced SNAP (food assistance) benefits, combined with ongoing impacts from the federal government shutdown, have led to a growing number of households turning to local food banks for support.

In response, City of Federal Way employees are coming together to help, and we invite you to join us.

From Nov. 10-21, we are hosting a Holiday Food Drive in support of the Federal Way Senior Center and Multi-Service Center, two organizations that provide essential food and support to residents across the city.

Why This Matters

City employees care deeply about the people we serve. As food insecurity rises across Federal Way, this drive reflects our shared commitment to compassion, service, and community support. By working together, we can help ensure that no member of the Federal Way community is left without access to nutritious food during this season of giving.

Where to Donate: Donation bins will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10 at:

• City Hall - Main Floor Lobby
• Second Floor - Near the Hylebos Conference Room

Suggested Food Donations: Shelf-stable, nutritious, and culturally inclusive foods are especially appreciated.

Visit our Food Drive webpage to learn more about how and what to donate.

Introducing The Nourish Network and Community Food Drive

The Federal Way Inclusive Recreation Program is proud to introduce The Nourish Network, a new community initiative dedicated to building connection, compassion, and care.

How you can help:

• Please donate non-perishable food items to our Nourish Network donation bin, located in the Federal Way Community Center lobby.
• All donations will be used to create “meals in a bag:" simple, ready-to-prepare meal kits that participants can take home and make themselves.

Together, we’re working to create a more inclusive and compassionate community, one that nourishes both body and heart!

Donation Drop-Off: Federal Way Community Center Lobby. Questions? Contact Sabrina Bates, Inclusion Coordinator.

Nov. 18 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Nov. 18, 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

Tree Lighting at Town Square Park on Dec. 6

Join us for a FREE holiday celebration at Town Square Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy Santa’s big arrival, live music, free cocoa and cookies, and the tree lighting with Mayor Jim Ferrell.

Don’t miss out on this fun evening!

Event Details

Location: Town Square Park

Date: Saturday, Dec. 6

Time: 4 p.m.

Jingle Bell Brunch at FWCC on Dec. 6

Santa’s stopping by for breakfast at the Federal Way Community Center.

Join us for Jingle Bell Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. for a morning of holiday fun, crafts, music, and breakfast with Santa.

All ages are welcome, but most activities and crafts are designed for ages 2-10.

Event Details:

Location: Federal Way Community Center

Time & Date: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m.

Admission: $18 Per Person

Cookies with Mrs. Claus at FWCC at Dec. 18

Join us at the Federal Way Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for a magical evening with Mrs. Claus. This event is perfect for children ages 2-10 and includes cookie decorating, photo opportunities, cocoa, and music!

Admission is just $5 per person.

PLEASE NOTE: This is one of our most popular events and always sells out fast! Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as day-of tickets may not be available!

Cocoa & Candy Canes on Nov. 17

Calling all seniors!

The Senior Advisory Commission’s quarterly Senior Commission Connection luncheon welcomes Council President Linda Kochmar for cocoa, candy canes, cookie decorating, and conversation!

This event is open to all seniors in Federal Way.

Please find some time to join us on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.

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.

Upcycled Terrarium Gifts Workshop

on Dec. 4

Join us for a FREE creative and eco-friendly hands-on workshop where we upcycle discarded materials into beautiful terrariums!

Upcycled Terrarium Gifts, hosted by South King Tool Library, is a hands-on workshop on Dec. 4 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. where participants learn to build terrariums with foraged plants and upcycled materials.

All materials provided, including plants, containers and decorations.

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.

The City is planning to conduct interviews at upcoming council meetings with a focus on filling open positions on:

• Human Services Commission
• Diversity Commission
• Ethics Board
• Parks Commission
• Steel Lake Management District Advisory Board
• Planning Commission

Questions? Email CK@FederalWayWA.gov or call 253-835-2540.

O Christmas Tea at the PAEC on Dec. 14

Don’t miss O Christmas Tea at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Monday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun, yet it is the starring duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:

• Nov. 15: World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet
• Nov. 22: Kalimba: A Tribute to the Music of Earth Wind & Fire
• Nov. 29: PAEC Holiday Festival
• Dec. 14: O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
• Dec. 18: Sisters Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold

Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.

Winter Bonsai Solstice Event at Pacific Bonsai Museum on Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, join the Pacific Bonsai Museum for a dreamy evening to remember as it illuminates its world-renowned collection with soft holiday lights for its annual Winter Bonsai Solstice event.

This is a family-friendly, community-favorite tradition that warmly embraces the generous spirit of the holidays. Suggested donation: $12 for adults. No reservations or advance tickets are needed.

South King Fire Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive

South King Fire began Santa Parades in 2020 as a way to support and connect with our community throughout a difficult time.

The Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive will be in Federal Way on the following dates from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.:

• Dec. 1 at North Hill/Zenith
• Dec. 2 at Woodmont/Laurelwood
• Dec. 8 at Marine Hills/Alderbrook
• Dec. 9 at Twin Lakes/Campus Highlands
• Dec. 15 at Lakeland North/Camelot
• Dec. 16 at Lakeland South/Wild Waves

Red Riding Hood at Centerstage Theater Nov. 29 to Dec. 21

"Red Riding Hood: A Holiday Panto" comes to Centerstage Theater each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Nov. 29 to Dec. 21

Directed by Helen Marion-Rowe, this topsy-turvy twist on the classic tale brings new songs, old jokes, and plenty of festive cheer to the stage.

General Admission Tickets are $44 in advance (online or over the phone) and $47 at the door. Student, Military, and Senior Ticket discounts are available.