Sept. 28, 2026

Taste of Federal Way Caps Off 2026 Farmers Market Season

The Federal Way Farmers Market hosted the community for the annual Taste of Federal Way this past Saturday. The market grounds next to the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center were transformed into a lively hub of food, music, and connection.

A packed crowd sampled dishes from six local restaurants. One of the defining features of Taste of Federal Way is its unique pairing of local restaurants with nonprofit organizations. Participating nonprofits not only help promote the event and sell tickets, they also receive a portion of the ticket sales.

The partnership between the restaurants and nonprofits allowed guests to engage with causes they may not have known about, while also sampling food from restaurants they might not have visited before.


Judges and visitors chose winners for three categories for the event:

• Judge's Choice (1st Place Overall): Mama Stortini's
• People's Choice: East India Grill
• Best Decorated Booth: Poverty Bay

The event not only showcased the diversity of the local food scene in Federal Way but also reinforces the City’s commitment to collaboration, generosity, and community spirit.

Mayor Ferrell and Councilmember Hamilton Earn AWC Certification

Mayor Jim Ferrell and Councilmember Melissa Hamilton each recently earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in five core areas:

• Legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, and ethics (Legal)
• Budgeting and financial management (Budget)
• Infrastructure, transportation, and land use (Land use)
• Building safe, healthy, and thriving communities (Community)
• Effective local leadership (Leadership)

Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies.

Arts Foundation Federal Way Hosts Annual Make an ImPAECt Fundraiser

Arts Foundation Federal Way hosted its annual Make an ImPAECt event at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center last week. The fundraiser spotlighted programs and partnerships that bring arts education, cultural events, and creative opportunities to life in the Federal Way community.

Former Federal Way mayor Jeanne Burbidge was recognized for her contributions to the arts and culture scene in Federal Way. Burbidge was a founding member of Arts Foundation Federal Way. The Decatur High School jazz band performed at the event.

Contributions from the event will help inspire students through the Art Foundation's Arts4Youth Program, supports local artists, and helps build a vibrant, inclusive future for the South Sound.

Featured Upcoming Event

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.

FWPD Recognizes Three with Volunteer Service Awards

The Federal Way Police Department recognized three volunteers for their distinguished service, dedication, and commitment to supporting the department and the Federal Way community. Recognized volunteers included: Tim Lehnherr (439 volunteer hours in 2025), Frank Gabreluk (247), and Debbie Davis (234).

Tim, Frank, and Debbie are valued members of the FWPD team, and we are grateful for the time and dedication they give to supporting our department and community.

FWPD also extends its appreciation to all volunteers who contribute their time in roles, including vehicle maintenance, fingerprinting, property and evidence, CIS, administration, reception, Safe City, and chaplain services.

A special thank you to quartermaster/volunteer coordinator Sarah Butts for her leadership and support.

Interested in volunteering with FWPD? Contact Sarah at Sarah.Butts@federalwaywa.gov.

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.

Mayor's Month of Concern Food Drive

on Oct. 10

Join us Saturday, Oct. 10, 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 SW 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.

Disasters Happen Fast. Will You Be Ready?

In Western Washington, we face serious risks—from wildfires and floods to earthquakes and hazardous materials. You may have only minutes to evacuate or connect with loved ones.

Start with these key steps:

• Make a Plan: Know how you’ll reconnect with family if separated. Choose meeting spots, share emergency contacts, and talk through your plan ahead of time.
• Pack a Go-Bag: Prepare essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, medications, important documents, and supplies for pets or kids. Keep it somewhere easy to grab.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for ALERT King County and download the FEMA app for real-time emergency info.
• Be Ready to Move: Know your evacuation routes. If an evacuation is ordered, go immediately. Leaving early can save lives.

Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one small step today, and you’ll be more ready than you were yesterday.

Oct. 6 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 6, 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): Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 4, and Nov. 17.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Mending Fair at Federal Way 320th Library on Oct. 10

Join the City of Federal Way, King County Library System, and the Refugee Artisan Initiative for a FREE Mending Fair from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the 320th Federal Way Library.

Each participant can bring up to TWO articles of clothing. You can register for a timeslot online before you come. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.

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.

Take the Pumpkin Plunge on Oct. 17

Join us for the Second Annual Pumpkin Plunge at the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 17.

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!

Tricks and Treats at the Federal Way Community Center on Oct. 24

Join us for Tricks and Treats at the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 24.

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 $7 for kids when you pre-register.

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

City Accepting Applications for

Arts Commissions

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 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. More information available online.

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.

An Evening with Celtic Thunder at the PAEC on Oct. 20 & 21

Join the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center for An Evening with Celtic Thunder on Oct. 20 and 21.

An Evening with Celtic Thunder is more than just a concert — it’s a journey through the group’s incredible legacy.

Featuring a carefully curated setlist of their greatest hits, this show will showcase the powerful harmonies, soaring ballads, and electrifying performances that have made Celtic Thunder a household name.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Oct. 17: ABRA Cadabra - Celebrating the Music & Magic of ABBA
• Oct. 20 & 21: An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favorite Songs
• Oct. 23: PAEC Presents: Taikoproject
• Oct. 24: You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• 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.

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden Hosts Plant Sale Sept. 30 to Oct. 4

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is hosting a fall clearance and rare plant sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept 30 to Oct. 4.

Shop 50% off select plants, including hybrid and species rhododendrons and azaleas, shade perennials and shrubs, hostas, hydrangeas, begonias, tropical rhododendrons, and more.

Come early for the best selection. Rare plants tend to go fast!

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.

Federal Way Symphony Season Premiere on Oct. 4 at PAEC

The Federal Way Symphony season premieres at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center.

This concert features the rich sounds of the full orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, and the American debut of Larysa Kuzmnko’s Fantasy on Beethoven.

Whether you are a classical music aficionado or attending a concert for the first time, you are sure to enjoy this program and the live-music experience at the PAEC.

Tickets are only $39, senior/military $29, and youth tickets are free!