Nov. 3, 2025

Three New Childcare Centers Open in Federal Way

Federal Way families will soon have more options for high-quality, reliable childcare close to home. Last week, three new in-home childcare centers opened their doors thanks to a partnership between local providers, the City of Federal Way, and the Imagine Institute.

The new childcare centers are:

• Happy Kids on 37th Place SW
• Halimo Daycare on SW 326th Street
• Mundo De Juguetes on SW 305th Street

Together, these centers will create space for up to 30 children, helping parents and guardians stay in the workforce while supporting early learning and development.

Each childcare center is independently owned and operated by Federal Way residents who are passionate about serving their community. Beyond providing essential childcare, these small businesses create new job opportunities in the early learning field and strengthen the local economy.

“Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is vital for working families and our City’s future,” said Mayor Jim Ferrell. “These new centers represent what can happen when we invest in our residents and work together to build a stronger, more connected Federal Way.”

Pumpkins Harvested at Hylebos Blueberry Farm for Fall Season

Food insecurity continues to affect many families in our city and surrounding area, but two dedicated residents, Dwight and Shelley Pauls, are making a real difference. For the past eight years, they’ve led countless volunteer efforts from food and diaper drives to helping families access programs like WIC, EBT, and SNAP.

One of their most inspiring projects is the Hylebos Community Garden. Once overrun with blackberries, it’s now a thriving U-pick farm thanks to Dwight’s many hours of hard work clearing, tilling, pruning, and hauling compost and wood chips.

This year, he even expanded the garden with raised beds and a new pumpkin patch. His favorite reward is seeing families come together to pick fresh blueberries and enjoy the fruits of the community’s effort.

Shelley has played an equally vital role by organizing volunteer teams and inspiring others to join in. Her leadership has turned the garden into more than a food source, it’s become a place where neighbors connect, learn, and give back. Together, Dwight and Shelley continue to show how volunteerism can grow both food and community spirit.

This year’s new pumpkin patch, planted May 31, produced nearly 200 pumpkins. Of those, 105 were donated to the Federal Way Senior Center Food Bank, and 30 went to the Life Care Center for fall decorations and pumpkin painting activities.

More donations are planned in the coming weeks, ensuring that the garden’s harvest continues to bring joy throughout the community.

Join Us for Our Kickin' It Federal Way Festival Unveiling on Nov. 14

The World Cup is coming to the Puget Sound Region next summer, and we are planning a big event to watch some games together and celebrate the occasion!

Join us at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Friday, Nov. 14, for our free Festival Unveiling event to find out more about our big plans!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the main event runs from 6-7:30 p.m.

It will include live music, food, and giveaways. We are excited to share information about what is sure to be one of Federal Way's biggest events in 2026!

Please Take Our Traffic Safety Plan Survey By End of 2025

Whether you walk, bike, drive, or ride the bus, every trip in Federal Way should feel safe. For the first time, the City is asking for your input to help build a new Traffic Safety Action Plan!

This plan uses the Safe System Approach, which recognizes that while crashes can happen, serious injuries and deaths can be prevented.

Now’s your chance to make a difference.

• Tell us which intersections or streets feel unsafe
• Suggest where sidewalks or bike lanes are needed
• Add comments directly to our interactive map

We’re accepting feedback through the end of 2025. Visit our project website to take the survey and learn more.

Let’s work together to make Federal Way safer for all.

Featured Upcoming Event

Celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 8 at the King County Aquatic Center

The Soroptimist International of Federal Way is partnering with the City of Federal Way to host a Flag Day and Veterans Day Celebration at the King County Aquatic Center on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m.

The event will include speakers, patriotic performances, and a recognition of retired Aquatic Center Coordinator Mike Dunwiddie.

Come enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, recognition, and community pride as we pay tribute to our flag and the veterans who have defended it.

King County Elections Vote Center at City Hall This Week

Federal Way residents can access in-person voting services at the King County Elections Vote Center located in the Patrick Maher Room at Federal Way City Hall ahead of Election Day.

Vote Center Hours:

• Monday, November 3: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 4 (Election Day): 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vote Centers are open to help voters register for the first time, update their voter information, replace a lost ballot, or receive assistance completing and submitting their ballot. Trained staff and accessible voting equipment are also available to ensure that voters with disabilities can cast a private, independent ballot.

For more information about Vote Center services and other locations throughout King County, visit kingcounty.gov/elections.

Mending Fair Offers Chance to Mend More Than Just Clothes

We all have items that carry our stories such as a grandparent’s heirloom, a child’s beloved teddy bear, or a well-worn hat that’s been through countless adventures. When those cherished items tear, crack, or fade, it can feel like losing a piece of ourselves.

To help preserve those memories, the City of Federal Way has partnered with the Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) and the King County Library System to give residents a chance to breathe new life into what matters most.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, we will be hosting our second-ever free Mending Fair at the Federal Way Library on 320th Street. It’s a perfect chance to get your special items repaired at no cost to you.

RAI partners with local refugee and immigrant women, empowering them to achieve their dreams through sewing and mending. Their incredible skills will be on full display during the fair as they work to repair clothing, accessories, and other meaningful items brought by community members.

“It’s a great way to bring community members together,” said RAI Founder and Executive Director Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman. “We are also focused on sustainability and providing options for items that may have holes or no longer fit just right find new life.”

This initiative promotes sustainability by keeping clothing and other items out of landfills, giving them a second chance and helping reduce waste.

You can learn more about RAI at its website and sign up for a timeslot at the upcoming Mending Fair.

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.

Nourish Network provides essential resources, meals, and support to individuals with disabilities and families experiencing financial hardship. Our goal is to promote dignity, inclusion, and well-being through accessible programs that meet people where they are.

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

Starting November 1st

Questions? Contact Sabrina Bates, Inclusion Coordinator at Sabrina.Bates@federalwaywa.gov.

Oct. 21 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Wednesday, Nov. 5, 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

Free Mending Fair Federal Way Library

on Nov. 8

Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Federal Way 320th Library.

• Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing.
• Mending is limited to visible mending.
• If you need a garment to be hemmed, you must be able to measure your own inseam. A tape measure will be provided.

Registration is recommended. Please select either the 1-3 or 3-5 timeslot at https://uqr.to/mending11-8.

Special Olympics Basketball Volunteer Coaches Needed

We are looking for volunteer coaches to help guide and support our athletes as they develop skills, teamwork, and confidence on the court.

• Practices: Wednesdays & Sundays, evenings at the Federal Way Community Center
• Season Dates: Nov. 12-Feb. 26
• Tournaments: Two weekend competitions

Coaches should enjoy basketball and working with individuals of all abilities. Training and support will be provided.

Contact Sabrina.Bates@FederalWayWA.gov to learn more!

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.

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 2-4 p.m. where participants learn to build terrariums with foraged plants and upcycled materials.

All materials provided, including plants, containers and decorations.

Join Us for Plantapalooza on Nov. 15

Join us for Plantapalooza, a community planting event in partnership with the Washington Native Plant Society, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spend the day restoring native habitat, learning from plant experts, and connecting with neighbors while giving back to the environment.

Tools, plants, and expert guidance will be provided.

Join us at one of two locations:

• Steel Lake Annex: 2645 S. 312th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
• Celebration Park: 1095 S. 324th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003

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
• Parks Commission
• Steel Lake Management District Advisory Board

View the flyer for application details and more information.

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

Inside Out 2 for Family Movie Night on Nov. 7

Bring the whole family to Dumas Bay Centre’s Knutzen Theater for a cozy indoor fall movie night! This time we’re showing Disney Pixar's Inside Out 2 along with free popcorn.

Join us Friday, Nov. 7 for family fun. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $2 per person.

Dress as your favorite emotion and enjoy FREE popcorn while you watch! Great for all ages to enjoy!

COPS vs. Ballers Basketball Game Nov. 14

Join the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) as officers go head-to-head with students from local high schools in the COPS vs BALLERS Basketball Game on Friday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) gym.

Entry is free, and the night will be packed with excitement, including raffle prizes and good vibes. Bring your friends and family and show your team spirit!

This event isn’t just about basketball, it’s about giving back. Raffle tickets will be available at the game, with all proceeds going directly to support the TJHS basketball program.

The Robert Cray Band at the PAEC

on Nov. 10

Don’t miss The Robert Cray Band at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.

The 2025-26 PAEC Presents Season continues as five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray returns to the stage with his signature blend of blues, soul, and rock.

Brought to you by FastSigns Federal Way with support from Fanciful Rentals & Johnbuilds LLC.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Nov. 10: PAEC Presents: The Robert Cray Band
• 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

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