Summer clearance and rare plant sale: The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden has everything you need for a colorful and fragrant summer celebration. A large selection of rhododendrons and companion plants will be marked 50% off the regular price. Also offered will be a huge selection of rare Rhododendron species and companion plants in 3-gallon containers or larger including some large, “retired” stock plants. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 22-23. Learn more at https://rhodygarden.org/visit.
Dick’s Opening: Dick’s Drive-In opens at The Commons mall in Federal Way on July 27 at 10 a.m. Prepare for a long line.
67th annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake: This community standby returns to Steel Lake park on July 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. For tickets to the salmon dinner, visit: federalwaykiwanis.square.site. The Kiwanis club sponsors youth and community programs throughout the city.
Decatur High School 40th class reunion: Decatur High School class of 1983 is hosting its 40th reunion event from 6:30 to 10 p.m. July 29 at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. Casual attire. Appetizers and cookies are included with the registration fee and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are $35 per person. To pay, Venmo Alison-Yeager-Rice-34 to register or pay at the door.
Pro Se Community Cookout and Field Day: Join Pro Se Potential, a Federal Way community mentorship nonprofit, for food, fun, conversation and resources on July 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Steel Lake Park site #2. The organization focuses on serving young people of color in South King County; the cookout is open to all.
Rotary Croquet Fundraiser: The Rotary Club of Federal Way invites you to its second annual speed croquet fundraiser on July 29 at Evergreen Middle School from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Enter as a team of 6, or the Rotary club can match you with others to form a team. The games, dinner and an auction fundraiser support the rotary club’s community programs. Register at tinyurl.com/FWRotarySpeedCroquet.
Free vaccine clinic: Federal Way School District kids ages 4 through 18 can receive any needed child immunizations, plus COVID-19 vaccination if eligible, at this clinic July 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Federal Way High School (30611 16th Ave S). A parent or legal guardian must accompany. You can walk-in or register at bit.ly/46HoMvo.
Ohana Luau: The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden’s “Ohana Luau, an Evening in the Garden” runs 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 29. Garden members and volunteers are invited to step into a world of tropical delights and island tunes as we celebrate Ohana (family) and togetherness this summer at the garden. Come dressed in your favorite island attire. Savor mouth-watering cuisine and desserts, beer and wine, a rare plant silent auction, garden tours, and more, all benefiting the RSBG. Tickets are $55 for members, $65 for non-members (must be accompanied by a member). Info: https://rhodygarden.org/evening-in-the-garden.
National Night Out: The 40th local year of this event will be held August 1 with the Federal Way Police Department. National Night Out is intended to raise awareness of police programs and other anti-crime efforts and build community coalitions in keeping neighborhoods safe. You can register your neighborhood for the event by cityoffederalway.com/page/national-night-out-2023.
FUSION Gala: The homelessness housing and support services organization’s annual fundraiser is on August 2 at the Dumas Bay Centre (3200 SW Dash Point Road), beginning at 5 p.m., and the theme this year is “A Tropical Paradise.” The event features live and silent auctions. Ticket sales are in advance until July 26, and include reserved seating and general admission. After July 26, tickets must be bought at the door. The event is cashless, so you’re asked to register a credit card in advance. Contact giving@fusionhousing.org for information on donating auction items or becoming a sponsor.
Pride celebration: Nonprofit group Federal Way Gay Pride hosts its second annual Federal Way PrideFest on August 5, starting at noon and running until 5 p.m. The event takes place at the Wayside United Church of Christ (2000 SW Dash Point Road). The event will feature live entertainment, drag bingo, vendors, food and arts and crafts.
Kid’s Day at Steel Lake Park: Enjoy games, inflatable toys, swimming and live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 9. The event is geared toward kids ages 2 to 12. Admission is free.
Run With The Cops: This annual 5K race is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Washington. It starts at the Federal Way Community Center on August 26 at 9 a.m. Around 200 people support the event annually, according to the city. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/runwithcopsFW. Pre-registration is $30, or $40 if signing up day-of the run.
RECURRING EVENTS
Free movies at Town Square Park: Catch a showing of “Ant Man & The Wasp: Quantumania” on July 29 at 9:15 p.m., and “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” on August 19 at 8:45 p.m. The start times aren’t precise; the films will start around the time the sky is totally dark. Remember to bring a chair and blanket.
“Dive-in” movies at Wild Waves: Every Thursday, catch a showing at the Wild Waves theme park wave pool from 5 to 7 p.m. July 27: “Sonic the Hedgehog 2;” Aug. 3: “Luca;” Aug. 10: “Monsters, Inc.;” Aug. 17: “Lyle, Lye, Crocodile;” Aug. 24: “Super Mario Bros;” Aug.t 31: “DC League of Super Pets.”
Summer Sounds at Steel Lake Park: You can catch some live music at Steel Lake Park Wednesdays 2 at 6:30 p.m. The July 26 event features Bayou Envie, and reggae group One Island Drop performs August 9.
Federal Way Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this summer at The Commons mall.
