Oct. 6, 2025

PAEC Hosts Fall Festival

This past weekend, the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center came alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the season during its Fall Festival, hosted by Arts Foundation Federal Way. The event welcomed families and community members for an afternoon brimming with creativity, culture, and connection.

Guests of all ages enjoyed hands-on activities like pumpkin decorating, explored unique creations from local artists, and were treated to live performances that captured the spirit of fall. The festivities wrapped up with a special screening of Disney’s Coco.

From festive fun to artistic inspiration, the Fall Festival was a joyful reminder of the rich cultural heartbeat of Federal Way.

Participate in Our Traffic Safety Action Plan

Whether you walk, drive, bike, or take the bus, every trip in Federal Way should feel safe. We have had safety plans in the past, but for the first time ever, we are asking for your feedback.

The City wants your help to create safer streets through a new Traffic Safety Action Plan. This effort kicks off now with the goal to adopt the plan by next summer.

The plan is based on the Safe System Approach, which accepts that crashes can happen but believes serious injuries and deaths can be prevented. Streets will be designed to expect human mistakes and encourage safe driving speeds. Features like roundabouts, protected left turns, and separated bike lanes will help keep everyone safer.

Roundabouts slow traffic and reduce crash points. Protected left turn signals separate turning cars from pedestrians. Separated bike lanes give space to cyclists and prevent conflicts with cars and walkers. These changes help make streets safer for all users.

Now is your chance to shape Federal Way’s streets!

Think about which intersections feel unsafe or where crashes happen often. Would new sidewalks or bike lanes help you or your family? Take our quick survey and share what improvements you want to see in your neighborhood. You can also comment on our web map to identify locations in the city where traffic safety improvements may be needed.

For more information, visit our Traffic Safety Action Plan website. Please provide your comments by the end of 2025.

FWPD Hosts Police Event at Chick-fil-A

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) enjoyed connecting with the community over coffee last week at Chick-fil-A. Coffee with a Cop brings officers and community members together in a relaxed setting, with no speeches or agenda. It’s just conversation and connection. 

FWPD staff from all departments, along with staff from Washington State Patrol, were on hand to meet the community. A highlight of the morning was The Gap’s Area Asset Protection staff, who also represent Old Navy in Federal Way, sharing a challenge coin with FWPD as a token of appreciation for the department’s service.

FWPD thanks Chick-fil-A for hosting and providing coffee and treats, and appreciates everyone who stopped by. If you have an idea for a future Coffee with a Cop location, send it to Tiffany Clemmings, Community Engagement Coordinator, at Tiffany.Clemmings@FederalWayWa.gov.

Mayor Ferrell Attends Federal Way Coop Preschool Fundraiser

Mayor Jim Ferrell was honored to attend the Federal Way Coop Preschool Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser at Gino’s Pizza, Pasta & Co. last week. The fundraiser supports the preschool, which is located in 51st Avenue South, in its operations.

“Events like this underscore the strength of our community and our shared commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to begin their educational journey with a strong foundation,” Mayor Ferrell said.

PAEC Lights Up in Blue to Support Seattle Mariners' Playoff Run

The Performing Arts and Event Center lit up in blue over the weekend to show Federal Way's support for the Seattle Mariners in their attempt to bring a World Series banner to the region. The Mariners began their playoff run with the first two games of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers.

The PAEC will light up in blue before every game the Mariners play this postseason.

Featured Upcoming Event

Mayor's Month of Concern Food Drive

on Oct. 11

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Mayor’s Month of Concern for the Hungry Food Drive. It’s a chance to help feed our community!

Food can be donated at the following locations:

• Twin Lakes Fred Meyer: 33702 21st Ave. S.W.
• Safeway: 1207 S. 320th St.
• Dash Point Grocery Outlet: 1618 S.W. Dash Point Rd.

You can donate all sealed, non-perishable, and unexpired foods.

We also gladly accept diapers, small soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes & toothpaste, unused razors, disposable utensils, and can openers.

Repair Café Event on Oct. 11

Join us for our free Repair Café on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Our fixers will do their best to make your items usable again.

Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening.

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!

Oct. 7 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 7, 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

Waste Management Food Drive Oct. 6-10

Join your neighbors in fighting hunger in Federal Way by donating at the curb. Waste Management will be accepting food donations as part of your regular garbage pickup Oct. 6-10.

Place your donations in bags and boxes next to your cart by 7 a.m. and Waste Management will take it with them to give to those in need.

Tape the flyer at the link below to your donation and label it as "Food Drive." A Waste Management truck will pick up your donations and deliver them to the Multi-Service Center.

Accepted items are included on page two of the flyer.

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:

• Arts Commission
• Civil Service Commission

View the flyer for application details and more information.

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

Take the Pumpkin Plunge on Oct. 18

Join us for the Second Annual Pumpkin Plunge at the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Enjoy a unique pumpkin picking experience in our pools. Swim around with your pumpkins and take one home afterward.

Each participant will choose a floating pumpkin from the pool.

Admission is $10 for youth and $12 for adults. Don’t miss out on this fun and festive event!

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.

Friends of Federal Way Libraries Book Sale

Oct. 18 and 19

The Federal Way Library is hosting a Friends of

Federal Way Libraries Book Sale on Oct. 18 and 19. Browse gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and

more to help support library programming.

General Sale:

• Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pre-Sale for Members Only:

• Saturday, Oct. 18, 10:15 a.m. to 11a.m.

Memberships are available at the door for $5.

Cash or checks only. Please bring your own

bags.

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.

Mariachi Vargas at the PAEC on Oct. 11

Don’t miss Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán at the Performing Arts and Event Center on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8:30 p.m. as part of their El Legado Tour 2025.

Known as “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo,” this legendary ensemble has thrilled audiences for over a century with soaring vocals, masterful musicianship, and timeless classics like El Son de la Negra and La Bikina.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Oct. 11: Mariachi Vargas: El Legado Tour 2025
• Oct. 12: FWS: Celebrating 5 Years with Adam Stern
• Oct. 19: Washington Chamber Ensemble's Fall Sacred Concert
• Oct. 26: World Ballet Company: Snow White Ballet
• Oct. 28: Led Zepagain

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

Miss Holmes Returns at Centerstage

Oct. 3-26

"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.