Sept. 8, 2025

Cutters Point Coffee Hosts Ribbon Cutting

The City of Federal Way is proud to celebrate the opening of Cutters Point Coffee’s newest location, bringing warmth, community, and great coffee to 348th Street and 1st Avenue South. In partnership with the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, the City joined in welcoming Cutters Point with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

Designed with comfort and connection in mind, the new café features a drive-thru for busy mornings, outdoor seating for sunny afternoons, and a cozy indoor fireplace for classic Pacific Northwest days.

Cutters Point chose Federal Way for its strong community spirit, diversity, and ideal location between the city and the sea, making it the perfect place to deepen its mission of fostering local connection.

RAINFEST at Steel Lake Park on Sept. 14

Join us for RAINFEST this Sunday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steel Lake Park. RAINFEST is a free, family-friendly event that blends fun with environmental education. Community members of all ages are invited to discover how we can protect the water that sustains our region through hands-on learning and interactive activities focused on water quality, pollution prevention, and sustainability.

RAINFEST features something for everyone with engaging workshops on topics like green cleaning, container gardening, and local waterway protection.

Kids can enjoy fun, educational activities, and all attendees can explore booths from more than 20 local organizations. Bring your own T-shirt for free screen printing of the RAINFEST logo from Shirt the City.

Come rain or shine, let’s celebrate our environment! Whether you're passionate about protecting our waters, want to learn easy sustainability tips, or just looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your Sunday, RAINFEST is the place to be. The first 250 attendees will receive free food vouchers!

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month! It’s a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. 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.

Visit Ready.gov for tips and resources to ensure you and your family are ready when disaster strikes. For example, having a family emergency plan and an emergency supply kit are two critical ways you can make sure you are ready for any situation.

Use Caution Around School Buses with School Back in Session

As students in Federal Way and the rest of Washington return to school, it's more important than ever for drivers to be alert and cautious around school buses.

Each day, buses transport thousands of students to and from school safely. Last school year alone, Washington’s school buses traveled more than 90 million miles. Keeping students safe is a shared responsibility and that includes every motorist on the road.

Washington law is specific about when you must stop for a school bus. View this graphic and follow these rules when you encounter a school bus on the road:

• On Two-Lane Roads: All drivers in both directions must stop when a school bus extends its stop sign or flashes red lights.
• On Roads with Three or More Lanes: Only traffic going in the same direction as the bus is required to stop.
• When there’s a median or physical barrier, opposing traffic may proceed with caution.
• When in doubt, stop!

Drivers who ignore school bus stop laws risk more than a hefty fine, they put lives in danger. School bus drivers in Washington are highly trained and certified, but they can't protect students alone.

Let’s all do our part to keep students safe. Slow down, pay attention, and always be prepared to stop for school buses!

Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Conference monthly luncheon last week. The event featured a keynote from Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. He talked about the power of public transit to shape communities and the impact the light rail will have on Federal Way.

We are greatly looking forward to the opening of Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension project on Dec. 6. Big thanks again to King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer for his efforts in making the Link Extension project possible!

Featured Upcoming Event

Free Financial Literacy Classes

Begin Sept. 25

The City of Federal Way is partnering with community volunteers and the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University to offer the Bob Towne Financial Literacy Program, a free nine-week course teaching financial skills for Federal Way residents.

The classes will be held every Thursday from Sept. 25 through Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center.

The class is limited to 40 participants. Free child care is available for class participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

FPWD Joins BlueBridge Alliance

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) is excited to announce its new partnership with BlueBridge Alliance, a program designed to provide immediate support to community members in crisis.

Through the BlueBridge program, officers are equipped with prepaid debit cards funded by community donations. This initiative provides officers with the resources needed to offer immediate, short-term assistance to community members they encounter who are in critical need or distress.

Providing support can take many forms, such as providing a warm meal, essential clothing, fuel for vehicles, temporary shelter, or necessary transportation. The BlueBridge program is funded entirely by donations. Every donation given to FWPD is used to support our community, and funds raised by the community are given back to the community.

To kickstart this program we need $2,500 from the community to receive $2,500 in matching funds from BlueBridge. Help us make a difference by donating online now.

To learn more, please visit the BlueBridge Alliance website.

Federal Way Partnering with Tacoma on Community Cleanup on Sept. 20

Work together to make our cities shine! Tacoma and Federal Way are teaming up to combine our efforts to keep our cities clean with a Community Clean Up event on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The event is open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on boundary between Federal Way and N.E. Tacoma.

Bring your family, friends and neighbors for a fun day of community service. Snacks, supplies, and vests will be provided to all participants.

Take Our City of Federal Way Language Access Survey

The City of Federal Way wants to make sure everyone can get information and services no matter what language they speak.

We want to hear from residents who speak languages other than English. Your input will help us:

• Improve how we share information
• Make City services easier for you to use
• Support all communities better

Sept. 2 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Sept. 16, 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

Fall CERT Basic Course Begins on Sept. 17

The Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team will host its Spring CERT Basic Course Thursday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. from Sept. 17 through Nov. 12.

CERT teaches residents disaster preparedness and planning, first aid, use of fire extinguishers, and search and rescue.

Training is free! To sign up, email Sharon Green at sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov.

Drive-Thru Recycling Event Sept. 27

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Appliances and Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Recycling:

• Residents can drop off up to up to three large items for free recycling, including refrigerators & freezers, stoves, washers and dryers, air conditioners, microwaves, dehumidifiers, and small appliances.
• Free recycling of small to medium-sized electronics (examples include computers, TVs, gaming equipment, cables).

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.

Mending Fair at Federal Way Library

on Sept. 21

The City of Federal Way is teaming up with the King County Library System to host a Mending Fair on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 12-4 p.m. at the Federal Way Library.

This hands-on event is part of an exciting new partnership between the City and the Library System, aimed at bringing more education and outreach opportunities to residents around waste reduction and sustainable living. Funded through a grant from King County, this series expands on popular events like repair cafés and community recycling days already held at the South King Tool Library and El Centro de la Raza.

Registration is recommended. Please select either the 12-2 or 2-4 timeslot at https://uqr.to/mending. Walk-ins will be welcome as space allows!

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 the Sept. 16 City Council Meeting with a focus on filling open positions on the Senior Advisory Commission and Youth Commission.

View the flyer for application details and more information.

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

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.

Free Mobile Shredding Event on Sept. 13

The Office of King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer is hosting a free mobile shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8-11 a.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

South King County residents are invited to bring old bank record, letters, credit card reports, sensitive correspondence, and more to be shredded by Seadrunar, a secure document disposal company.

The Performing Arts and Event Center is located at 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S in Federal Way. If you can't make it during the 8-11 a.m. time frame, another event will be held in Auburn at The Outlet Collection Mall from 12-3 p.m.

Note: No commercial/for-profit shredding is allowed. Individuals/businesses attempting to shred documents on behalf of customers for a fee are strictly prohibited.

Make an imPAECt at the PAEC on Sept. 18

Join Arts Foundation Federal Way for an evening dedicated to advancing arts in our region at Make an imPAECt on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

This free fundraiser will spotlight 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.

Jake Shimabukuro at the PAEC on Sept. 16

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center for Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.

Since first capturing global attention with his viral rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Shimabukuro has continually redefined what the ukulele can do — effortlessly traversing genres from classical to rock, jazz to folk, and everything in between. 

Fall Festival at the PAEC on Oct. 4

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center for its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There will be live music, bounce house fun and games, and local vendors showcasing their crafts and offering food for purchase. Families can also enjoy a variety of craft opportunities, participate in our community art project, and sit for a screening of Disney's "Coco" in the theater.

Free access supported by Arts Foundation Federal Way and 4Culture.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• Sept. 12: ABRA Cadabra - A Tribute to ABBA
• Sept. 16: PAEC Presents: Jake Shimabukuro
• Sept. 20: 2025 Team O NPC/IFBB Sasquatch Pro-Am
• Sept. 29: Electric Elton - A Tribute to Elton John
• Oct. 26: Snow White Ballet

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

Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosting "Branch Out" Fundraiser on Sept. 28

Pacific Bonsai Museum’s Board of Directors invites you to a fun and festive afternoon in support of the Museum on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1-4 p.m.

Enjoy stunning bonsai, hear live entertainment, cheers to new friends with delicious bites & libations, and participate in a stirring paddle raise, all in celebration of Pacific Bonsai Museum.