Looking for something fun in Federal Way?
Back-to-school commercials may have already begun, but there is still at least a month left to enjoy summer in Federal Way. Here are 10 fun things to do in Federal Way before the summer is over.
1. Stop by a community market
Stop by the Federal Way Farmers Market, with different themes and events and vendors each week on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Common’s Mall Parking Lot located at 1701 S. 320th St. in Federal Way. The first Browns Point Twilight Market is coming up at 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at 1000 Town Center NE in Tacoma.
2. Enjoy a concert or performance
• Free concert series at Camp Moxy Jo’s through September. Concerts open at 6 p.m. and performances start at 7 p.m. at the vintage private campground that features retro camper vans and trailers with their own fun, funky style. Located at 34306 33rd Place SW in Federal Way.
• The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) hosts arts and music performances, both by local Federal Way artists and guests from out of town as well as fun festivals and local community events at a variety of price points. They’ve even started offering a Pilates class.
• More family and community events sponsored by the city can be found on the city website.
3. Take a class or attend a workshop
• The South King Tool Library is a place to access tools for summer projects, but also hosts a lot of community events. From clothing swaps to terrarium creation classes to free repair cafes and garden work parties and native plant workshops and free recycling and shredding events, keep an eye on their calendar for green activities to enjoy this summer.
• Libraries aren’t just for books. The two libraries in Federal Way host all kinds of free workshops and activities, with everything from laser cutting, to zine making to learning to use a sound recording booth. Here are all the classes and workshops they have available.
4. Discover nature
• Enjoy many varieties of rhododendrons and other rare and unique blooms at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden which often features fun events with food trucks, special guests and rare plant sales. The garden is located at 2525 S. 336th St. in Federal Way.
• See rotating and permanent exhibits and events at the Pacific Bonsai Museum located at 2515 S. 336th St. in Federal Way.
• PowellsWood botanical garden is a 37 acre nature preserve that aims to inspire environmental appreciation and stewardship by sharing a cultivated garden with the community located at 430 S. Dash Point Road in Federal Way.
• Have a picnic and harvest some blueberries for free from the historic Hylebos Blueberry Farm Park, restored through the efforts of volunteers and open to the public at 630 S. 356th St., in Federal Way.
• See historic cabins and enjoy beautiful scenery along a wetland boardwalk at West Hylebos Wetlands Park located at 411 S. 348th St. in Federal Way.
Hanwoori Korean Garden Park opened this summer and features a traditional Korean pagoda and more at 550 SW Campus Drive in Federal Way.
The MaST Center Aquarium is the marine biology and aquarium facility of Highline College and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at 28203 Redondo Beach Drive S., in Des Moines.
5. Tap into your artsy side
• Paint and sip at Pinot’s Palette, a no-experience required studio offering all ages in-studio classes, paint at home classes and private parties located at 1066 S. 320th St. Building K, Suite A/B in Federal Way.
• See fine art from renowned Korean artists while relaxing in high tech massage chairs at Gallery K located at 2150 S. 314th St. in Federal Way.
• Try out sewing, drawing, making zines, fiber arts and more at a Federal Way library event. Find their full schedule online for both libraries in town.
6. Get moving and get active
• El Centro Skate Rink has family friendly skate times and adult skate nights with themes and DJs. Even if you don’t roller skate, there are arcade games, snacks and drinks and plenty of fun to be had just watching the talent skaters on a busy night. El Centro Skate Rink is located at 34222 Pacific Hwy. S. in Federal Way.
• Trap Lab hosts line dance events frequently, plus high energy, fun fitness classes. They are located at 1646 SW Dash Point Road Suite A in Federal Way.
• Take a ballroom dance class at Arthur Murray located at 32724 Pacific Highway S. in Federal Way.
• Go bowling at Secoma Lanes located at 34500 Pacific Highway S. in Federal Way.
• Check out the new location of Curves fitness in the Commons Mall at 1900 S. Commons in Federal Way.
7. Connect with niche hobbies
• Refresh your Lego collection at Bricks and Minifigs located at 1414 S. 324th St. Suite B 201 in Federal Way.
• Indulge in your favorite fandom through comic books, games and action figures: Pristine Comics, Midgard Comics Games and More or Action City Comics.
8. Favorite spots for Federal Way night life
• PYC Sweets and Wine Bar hosts all kinds of events, from poetry open mics to line dancing to paint and sip and wine tasting. Check their Instagram for the most up-to-date event information or stop by at 32925 1st Ave. S., Suite S, Federal Way.
• Enjoy live Mexican music and DJs at the Armani Night Club. See their most up to date event information on their Facebook or visit them at 2012 S. 320th St. Suite O in Federal Way.
• Dive into the vibrant energy of Africa in Federal Way at Lim’s Lounge and Restaurant, which “pulses with the spirit of the continent, offering a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of African beats as you sip on our exotic cocktails inspired by flavors from across the continent.” Located at 29100 Pacific Highway S., Unit 11-13, Federal Way.
• 1st Avenue Karaoke has music and menus are in Korean and English songs are available too! Snacks and drinks are available and each group gets their own karaoke room. They are located at 31220 Pacific Highway S. in Federal Way.
9. Take advantage of the Federal Way food scene
• Federal Way has been getting attention around the region for the diverse and delicious food options, especially the many Korean BBQ options.
• Try a new spot on a whim or check out the Federal Way Foodie for some recommendations.
10. Get involved in your community
• Connect with a service club like the Soroptomists, the Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, We Love Our City, Stand Up Federal Way, Korean American Parent’s Association, Washington Native Plant Society and more. Federal Way has many volunteer groups to choose from.
• Attend a city council meeting every first and third Tuesday at at 6:30 p.m. at the Federal Way City Hall located at 33325 8th Ave S. in Federal Way.
• Join us for our monthly Hot off the Presses community open house with the Federal Way Mirror, every second Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Poverty Bay Cafe located at 1108 S. 322nd Place in Federal Way.