Welcome to Federal Way!
Federal Way is a vibrant and growing city known for its cultural diversity, beautiful parks, strong community connections, and convenient location in the heart of the Puget Sound region. Located in southwestern King County between Seattle and Tacoma, Federal Way offers easy access to major transportation routes, nearby employment centers, and some of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic outdoor spaces.
Centered on Opportunity
Federal Way is home to a diverse population of approximately 100,000 residents, creating a welcoming community shaped by many cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. This diversity is reflected throughout the city in local businesses, restaurants, community events, public art, and celebrations that bring residents and visitors together.
The city offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With dozens of developed parks, open spaces, trails, and recreation facilities, Federal Way provides countless opportunities to get outside, stay active, and connect with the community. Popular destinations such as Steel Lake Park, Town Square Park, West Hylebos Wetlands, and Celebration Park offer spaces for everything from family picnics and sports tournaments to quiet walks and community gatherings.
Get in Touch
City Hall is located at 33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 253-835-7000
There's More to Explore in Federal Way!
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A Brief History
Federal Way began in the late 1800s as a logging settlement. By the 1920s, Federal Highway 99 was complete, linking the community to the economic centers of Seattle and Tacoma, and suggesting a name for the young community. The name Federal Way was first used in 1929 when five existing schools consolidated operations into School District #210 and planned construction of Federal Way High School next to Highway 99.
By the end of the 1950s, the community featured a number of housing areas and a 10-block commercial district with a shopping center and family-oriented theme park. During the 1960s, residential development continued, providing homes to Boeing engineers and Weyerhaeuser executives. Retail growth followed, including the construction of SeaTac Mall (now The Commons at Federal Way) in the mid-1970s.
Visit the Federal Way Historical Society website to learn more about our rich history
Dining
Federal Way has a wide variety of great places to eat, including seafood, Asian, Mediterranean, American, casual dining, and more. The city is especially known for its large Korean food scene, with many local restaurants offering everything from Korean barbecue and soups to bakeries, cafés, and other traditional Korean favorites!
Federal Way Farmers Market
The Federal Way Farmers Market is a vibrant Saturday tradition that brings together local farmers, makers, food vendors, and neighbors in the heart of our city!
Typically open for the season from May – September on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The Market takes place at our NEW LOCATION at S 316th Street between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Our market features Washington-grown produce, handcrafted goods, delicious prepared foods, and live community programming.
Click here to learn more about the Federal Way Farmers Market
Education & Schooling
Federal Way is served by Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS), which offers a range of academic programs, student supports, and district initiatives for local families.
For more information about school enrollment, programs, and resources, please visit Federal Way Public Schools, and learn more about the educational opportunities available in our community.
Parks & Recreation
The City of Federal Way maintains 33 developed parks and 2 major trails that define a 1,094-acre park system of 543 developed acres and 551 open space acres. These properties include community parks, neighborhood parks, trails, open space areas and special use areas. Additionally, the Parks Maintenance Division is responsible for the maintenance and operation of City Hall, Steel Lake Annex, Steel Lake Maintenance Facility building and grounds, Dumas Bay Centre, Community Center, and Knutzen Family Theatre.
The Federal Way Community Center features three gyms, two pools, fitness area, climbing wall, senior lounge, sauna / steam rooms, classroom space, and community rooms for rental use. The facility also serves as a location for many general recreation classes and some community events.
Performing Arts & Event Center
The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center is a premier arts and event venue in the heart of Federal Way. The PAEC hosts live performances, concerts, cultural events, meetings, conferences, banquets, and private rentals in a modern space designed for both community gatherings and regional events. Conveniently located near Town Square Park and the Federal Way Transit Center, the PAEC helps bring arts, culture, and connection to South King County.
Click here to learn more about the Federal Way PAEC & see upcoming shows
Tourism
Federal Way is a welcoming destination in the heart of South King County, offering the perfect mix of natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, cultural experiences, and convenient access to the greater Puget Sound region.
Amenities and attractions include:
- More than 1,000 acres of parks, trails, and open space
- Stunning blooms at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and PowellsWood Garden
- Gorgeous views of Mount Rainier and access to beautiful outdoor spaces
- Peace beneath the trees at the Pacific Bonsai Museum
- Dumas Bay Centre and Knutzen Family Theatre
- A large and well-loved Korean food scene, along with a variety of local restaurants
- Family-friendly recreation, events, and community programs
- Convenient location between Seattle and Tacoma
- and so much more!
Click here to see more amenities and attractions
The City of Federal Way, through a Lodging Tax, raises funds to enhance tourism. The City Council appoints a seven-member Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which is comprised of three members from the hotel/motel sector and three members that represent tourism venues or attractions in the city. The Committee is chaired by a member of the City Council. The LTAC members are charged with advising on the best use of the revenues from the Lodging Tax to fund programs and activities that promote tourism in Federal Way.
Transportation
Federal Way is well-connected to the greater Puget Sound region, making it easy for residents and visitors to travel throughout the area. Local and regional transit options help connect the city’s neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and community destinations.
Sound Transit Link Light Rail Now Open in Federal Way!
Sound Transit Link light rail now serves Federal Way Downtown, offering riders a convenient connection to destinations including SeaTac, Seattle, and beyond. This new regional transit option makes it easier to visit Federal Way, commute throughout the region, and access nearby shopping, dining, events, and community amenities.
Click here to view the Light Rail Schedule
Bus and Regional Transit Connections
Federal Way is also served by King County Metro, Sound Transit Express bus service, and Pierce Transit connections. Riders can access local and regional routes through the Federal Way Downtown Station and Federal Way Transit Center, including: