July and August happenings | Federal Way Community Calendar

Federal Way Farmers Market is every Saturday. Plus: Dick’s Drive-In opens soon in FW.

Health and Safety resource fair: Learn more about local community resources at The Federal Way Farmers Market on July 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The resource fair that day will help residents connect to health, fitness, safety and other local resources. The farmers market takes place at The Commons mall’s back parking lot.

Get to know your local officials: Join members of Federal Way’s city council and school district for coffee and a conversation from 11-1 p.m. July 15 at the Starbucks at 1301 S. 320th Street in Federal Way.

Coffee with the Mirror: The Federal Way Mirror invites you to join the paper from 1-2:30 p.m. July 18 at Poverty Bay Café for informal conversation and coffee. You’ll be able to ask the newspaper staff about their work or talk about issues affecting the region, such as homelessness, addiction and development, all while supporting a local business and the work of nonprofit FUSION to serve families in need. Poverty Bay Café is located at 1108 S. 322nd Place in Federal Way, north of Celebration Park. Questions? Email editor@fedwaymirror.com.

Sewing workshop: Explore the art of sewing at the Federal Way Library (34200 1st Way S) on July 22 from 11 a.m. to noon. Adults and teens can explore free-to-use sewing machines with help from staff. No registration required. Also takes place August 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and August 26 from 11 a.m. to noon.

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.

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.

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.

Federal Way Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this summer at The Commons.