Oct. 20, 2025

Mayor Ferrell Joins Career Day at Twin Lakes Elementary School

Mayor Way Jim Ferrell visited Twin Lakes Elementary School last week to take part in the school's career fair, engaging with students and sharing insights about his role as mayor. The event gave students the chance to explore a wide range of careers and ask questions about their future aspirations.

During his visit, Mayor Ferrell spoke with students about the responsibilities of leading a city and what a typical day looks like in public service. He also encouraged them to think about their own goals and interests as they consider future career paths.

“Getting to talk with students is one of the best parts of my job,” the Mayor Ferrell said. “Their energy, curiosity, and big dreams are always inspiring.”

The visit left a lasting impression, with several students even asking Mayor Ferrell for his autograph, a fun reminder of the impact local leaders can have when connecting with youth in the community.

MSC Helps Luncheon Supports Federal

Way Community

The Multi-Services Center (MSC) hosted its 12th Annual MSC Helps Luncheon last week at the Performing Arts and Event Center. The yearly fundraiser helps raise money for the MSC’s mission of uplifting communities by increasing equitable access to advocacy, opportunities, and well-being.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the event along with a number of other prominent Federal Way community members, volunteers, and public officials. The event featured a keynote from Dr. Tiffany Manuel, who spoke on social change and uplifting communities.

This year’s Help, Hope, Change Award was given to Cindy Ducich.

Diversity Commission Recognized by School Board for Book Donation

The Federal Way Diversity Commission was recognized by the Federal Way Public School Board of Directors at its regular meeting last week for its continued efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

As part of its latest initiative, the Diversity Commission is in the process of purchasing 15 books for each of the district’s 23 elementary schools, totaling 345 books. These carefully selected titles highlight themes of identity, resilience, and belonging, aiming to reflect the diverse experiences of students and foster a greater sense of connection and understanding in the classroom.

The books will be made available in school libraries and classrooms later this fall.

Pumpkins Make a Splash at Community Center for Pumpkin Plunge

It was a pumpkin diving contest over the weekend as the Federal Way Community Center hosted its second-annual Pumpkin Plunge. The event was a new spin on visiting a pumpkin patch, as participants swam to choose their own “splash-o’-lantern” to take home.

Participants of all ages dove into the Community Center pool, which was filled with dozens of floating pumpkins bobbing in the water. Excited kids and families waded through the water, searching for just the right pumpkin to scoop up and decorate.

The Pumpkin Plunge is quickly becoming a favorite fall tradition in Federal Way, bringing together fun, fitness, and a little bit of Halloween magic.

Phenomenal She Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Library Space

Federal Way non-profit Phenomenal She hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday to unveil the new Phenomenal She Library, located on SW Dash Point Road.

This new library is the result of a partnership between Phenomenal She, the King County Library System Foundation, and the King County Library System. It serves as a dedicated space designed to inspire learning, creativity, and community connection for young women in and around Federal Way.

Phenomenal She is a community-based organization with a mission to provide mentorship, encouragement, and empowerment to young women of color. Through fostering confidence in education, social awareness, and self-esteem, the organization supports the growth and success of its members.

To learn more about Phenomenal She and their programs, visit their website.

Featured Upcoming Event

Tricks and Treats at the Federal Way Community Center on Oct. 25

Join us for Tricks and Treats at the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 25.

It will be a spook-tacular Halloween adventure full of haunted games and sweet treats! Fun and frights await kids of all ages in a magically eerie atmosphere.

Admission is $6 for kids when you pre-register. Registration increases to $10 on the day of the event.

Don’t miss out on this fun and festive event!

Salmon Spawning in Federal Way

Chinook salmon have returned to Federal Way’s West Hylebos Creek to spawn, a critical part of the natural life cycle of these iconic fish. Spawning is an important part of the salmon lifecycle where adult salmon return from the ocean to their native freshwater rivers and creeks to reproduce.

This last stage in a salmon's life is an important part of increasing salmon population and keeping our green spaces and forests healthy.

Recently, the City’s Water Quality and Surface Water Maintenance crews, while working on routine upkeep projects, were lucky enough to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand. These sightings are more than just beautiful reminders of nature’s rhythms, they are indicators that the health of our local waterways is improving.

Thanks to the dedication of City staff and community members, who do their part to reduce pollution and protect our watershed, salmon are finding their way back to spawn. Practices like properly disposing of waste and remembering that only rain should go down the drain all contribute to cleaner, safer habitats for wildlife.

Watch the video we posted on Facebook last week to see one of the salmon we spotted in town!

Oct. 21 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 21, 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

Halloween Fun at the Federal Way Farmers Market on Oct. 25

Visit the Federal Way Farmers Market on Oct. 25 for Halloween Fun with free trick or treating all day.

Additionally, enjoy:

🧟‍♀️ Annual Thriller Dance

👻 Costume contest for all

🖌 Pumpkin decorating (while supplies last)

🎃 Pumpkin hula hoop ring toss

🎵 Food trucks and music

The Market is open each Saturday through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Commons South Parking Lot.

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
• Civil Service Commission

View the flyer for application details and more information.

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

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.

Join Our Free Food Preservation Workshop on Nov. 4

Join the City of Federal Way for a FREE food preservation workshop. Learn about ways to reduce food waste, then prepare two different styles of pickled vegetables to take home. All materials provided, no experience necessary.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center

Space is Limited!

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!

Federal Way Farmers Market Open

through Oct. 25

The Federal Way Farmers Market is held at The Commons each Saturday through 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.

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 & Johnbuildsv LLC.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Oct. 26: World Ballet Company: Snow White Ballet
• Oct. 28: Led Zepagain
• Nov. 1: Take it to the Limit - A Tribute to the Eagles
• Nov. 2: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: AC/DC's "Back in Black"
• Nov. 10: PAEC Presents: The Robert Cray Band

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

Miss Holmes Returns at Centerstage

through Oct. 26

"Miss Holmes Returns" comes to Centerstage each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Oct. 3-26.

At turns funny, suspenseful, and insightful, this standalone sequel to Centerstage’s highly-praised "Miss Holmes" will keep you guessing and gasping until the very end.

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.