Community Honors 9/11 with Ceremony at South King Fire Station | | |
South King Fire hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony last week. The solemn event recognized the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals.
The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks by Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang, Des Moines Police Department Chief Ted Boe, and South King Fire Chief Ryan Woodey.
This annual gathering serves as a powerful reminder of our collective promise: We will never forget.
| | Rainfest Connects Family Fun with Envrionmental Stewardship | | |
Members of the Federal Way community gathered at Steel Lake Park on Saturday for our second-annual Rainfest event. Attendees of all ages enjoyed hands-on activities, games, and educational fun, all focused on building a cleaner, healthier Federal Way.
Workshops ran throughout the day, covering sustainability and water pollution prevention.
Local groups, such as Washington Native Plant Society, Adopt-a-Drain, and more, were on hand with educational activities and information! With a mix of learning and play, Rainfest brought the community together to celebrate and protect our environment.
Thanks to all the partners, volunteers, and attendees who made the day a success!
| | King County Metro Transit Hosts Metro Flex Ribbon Cutting | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined King County Metro Transit staff, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, and Auburn Mayor Nancy Bachus at the Auburn Transit Center last week for a ribbon cutting to celebrate King County Metro Transit’s Metro Flex program, which recently came to Federal Way.
The biggest challenge in public transit is the first and last mile. The gap between your front door and the bus stop, or the bus stop and your doctor’s office. With one simple app, and just a few taps, you can ride anywhere in the service area, all for the same cost as a bus trip. Metro Flex is convenient, fast, affordable transit at your fingertips.
Learn more about Metro Flex on the Metro Transit website.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Members Tour Seattle Children's Clinic | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of the city council on a tour of the Seattle Children's Federal Way clinic. Seattle Children's has been part of the Federal Way community for more than 10 years with plans to expand its facilities and offer more services to families.
Healthier kids lead to healthier communities, and Seattle Children’s is making that a reality.
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Trap Lab Studio Hosts Ribbon Cutting for
New Location
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The Trap Lab Fitness Studio hosted a ribbon cutting last week to celebrate its new location at 1600 SW Dash Point Road. Trap Lab Fitness Studio was created for individuals seeking a more inclusive and welcoming approach to health and wellness.
The studio features a full schedule of activities that includes events such as kickboxing, step aerobics, and more. Founded by sisters Icea Pettigrew and Sharde Bullard, the studio is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a space to show up as they are, move without judgment, and feel supported.
| | Coffee With Council on Sept. 19 | | | | |
Join your elected leaders for Coffee with Council from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Federal Way Farmers Market, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way.
It's an opportunity for a casual morning of conversation and connection. Stop by the Civic Lawn to enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries while chatting with your city council.
Bring your questions and ideas or just stop by to say "hello!"
Event Details:
Event: Coffee with Council
Location: Federal Way Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
| | FPWD Honors Corporal Avestruz as 2025 Most Valuable Player | | |
The Federal Way Police Department recognized Corporal Brady Avestruz as the department's 2025 Most Valuable Player for his wide range of contributions and continued excellence in every role he took on throughout the year.
Starting the year as an officer, Avestruz made significant contributions to the Field Training Officer (FTO) program. He trained eight student officers and, in addition to his work as an FTO, served as a firearms instructor with the Force Training Unit (FTU), earning several instructor certifications and consistently supporting department firearms qualifications, remedial training, and reality-based training.
In late summer, Avestruz was promoted to Corporal and continued serving as an FTO while taking on additional leadership responsibilities as an assistant patrol supervisor. He managed critical incidents, mentored sector partners, served as a resource for his squad, and regularly stepped up to serve as patrol supervisor when needed.
From training and firearms instruction to leadership on patrol, Corporal Avestruz consistently demonstrated versatility, leadership, and a commitment to supporting FWPD.
| | Waste Management Food Drive Oct. 5-9 | | | | |
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. 5-9.
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.
| | September is National Preparedness Month | | |
September is National Preparedness Month! Small steps make a big difference in being ready for an emergency. Getting yourself, your family, and your home ready for emergencies like home fires, power outages and local floods means you’re more prepared for disasters like wildfires, flash flooding, earthquakes, and more.
Having a family emergency plan and an emergency supply kit at home are two ways you can make sure you and your family are ready for any situation. Visit ready.gov for tips and resources on how to be prepared when disaster strikes.
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City Accepting Applications for
Arts Commissions
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The City of Federal Way is accepting applications for those interested in serving on the Federal Way Arts Commission.
The Arts Commission serves to bring more free or low cost arts opportunities to the community through musical performances, theater, and visual arts festivals.
Interviews will for open positions will be conducted before the end of the year, but applications are being accepted now.
Email CityClerk@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2540 if you have questions.
| | Sept. 15 City Council Meeting | | | | |
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, 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.
| | Join Us for Upcoming Public Meetings for the Biennial Budget | | |
Federal Way is updating its Biennial Budget for 2027-28. The public is invited to hear about the process during a series of meetings over the coming months. The entire calendar is published on the city website and includes meetings in September, October, and November.
Budget presentations and deliberations will take place on the following dates (some are on an as-needed basis): Sept. 15, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 4, and Nov. 17.
| | Upcoming Events and Opportunities | | Taste of Federal Way at the Federal Way Farmers Market on Sept. 26 | | | | |
The Federal Way Farmers Market is hosting the Taste of Federal Way on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be at its new location, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way.
Participating restaurants will be themed as 'Battle of The Decades' where each restaurant booth will be representing a different decade!
Get ready to enjoy delicious bites from your favorite local restaurants while giving back to the community at the last day of the 2026 market season.
Every ticket sold helps support local nonprofit organizations through partnerships with participating restaurants. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the information booth at the market and from participating nonprofits.
| | Free Financial Literacy Course Offered from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19 | | | | |
The Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, presented by the City of Federal Way with help from community volunteers and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, is offering a free nine-week course focused on budgeting, getting out of debt, saving, and building financial confidence.
The sessions are held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. every Thursday from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19 at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave S in Federal Way. This is a FREE course.
To register, email Policy Advisor Bill Vadino or call 253-835-2420.
| | Drive-Thru Shredding Event on Oct. 3 | | | | |
Join us for our free Drive-Thru Document Shredding event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at El Centro de la Raza (1607 S. 341st Pl. in Federal Way)
Document Shredding
- Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
- No pre-shredded paper.
- Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.
| | Automated Red Light Cameras Public Engagement: We Want to Hear from You! | | | | |
Your feedback could make Federal Way roads safer!
We are exploring the possibility of adding additional automated traffic red light cameras in Federal Way, and we want to hear from you.
Share your thoughts and suggest locations where you think they could improve safety.
This public engagement is NOT related to the FLOCK system. It is related to the City’s automated red light camera program and its related assets.
| | Make an ImPAECt at the PAEC on Sept. 24 | | | | |
Join the Arts Foundation Federal Way for an evening dedicated to advancing arts in our region at Make an ImPAECt from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way.
This free fundraiser spotlights programs and partnerships that bring arts education, cultural events, and creative opportunities to life in our community.
Your contribution will help inspire students through the Arts4Youth program, support local artists, and build a vibrant, inclusive future for the South Sound.
| | PAEC Presents: CelloGayageum at the PAEC on Nov. 4 | | | | |
Join the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center for PAEC Presents: CelloGayageum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Austrian cellist Sol Daniel Kim and Korean gayageum virtuoso Dayoung Yoon formed CelloGayageum in 2016 as a shared vision of connection — bringing together cultures, histories, and artistic traditions through the universal language of music.
It blends the rich, expressive voice of the cello with the delicate beauty of the 12-string gayageum, creating a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly new.
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The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
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Sept. 17: Queen: It's Kinda Magic
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Oct. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
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Oct. 20: An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favorite Songs
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Oct. 24: You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees
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Oct. 30: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet"
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosts Branch Out on Sept. 27 | | | | |
The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting Branch Out, a fundraiser in support of the museum from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Branch Out features a stunning selection of bonsai to view and enjoy, plus live jazz by the Michael Glenn Trio.
The afternoon comes alive with performances by a variety of musical performers and a program hosted by dynamic auctioneer Matt Lorch.
It’s a celebration of living art, culture, music, and nature, all benefiting Pacific Bonsai Museum.
| | Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden Hosts Storytime in the Garden | | | | |
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is hosting Storytime in the Garden, a new nature-focused program for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. The first session is Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Each 30-minute session combines an engaging children’s book with songs, movement, and a simple nature activity or exploration in the Garden.
| | The Legend of Sleepy Hollow from Centerstage Theatre Oct. 2-25 | | | | |
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" from Centerstage Theatre comes to the Knutzen Family Theatre each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Oct. 2 through Oct. 25.
Step into the eerie woods of Sleepy Hollow, where laughter will give way to gasps of fright in this exciting adaptation of the most enduring Halloween tale in Northeast American literature.
Get swept up in the secrets and suspense of Washington Irving’s incredible story and see for yourself…if you dare.
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.
| | Washington BizFair for Federal Way Businesses on Sept. 19 | | | | |
Federal Way businesses looking for extra support can attend Washington BizFair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Pierce College Puyallup Campus.
BizFair is a free, annual event for current and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about the programs, resources, and technical assistance available to help start and grow a small business.
Attendees have the opportunity to learn about valuable, no-cost, small business resources in the Exhibitor Hall and attend educational seminars led by industry experts on a variety of topics including business planning, regulatory guidance, funding opportunities, and business management skills.
| | Hanwoori K-Culture "Han" Festival at Hanwoori Garden on Sept. 19 | | | | |
The Federal Way Korean Association is hosting its second annual Hanwoori K-Culture "Han" Festival at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Hanwoori Garden.
The festival features traditional Korean music and performances to the public for all ages.
Hanwoori Garden is located at 550 SW Campus Drive in Federal Way.
Event Details:
Event: Hanwoori K-Culture "Han" Fesitval
Location: Hanwoori Garden
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
Time: 3-6 p.m.
| | Rotary Club of Federal Way Hosts Food Drive at Farmers Market on Sept. 19 | | | | |
The Rotary Club of Federal Way is taking action this month to collect food and donations for the Multi-Service Center's Food Access programs.
Working with local businesses, Rotarians have set up collection sites at a variety of locations around Federal Way.
Donations will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Federal Way Farmers Market.
The full list of food donation locations is available on the Multi-Service Center website.
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