Sound Transit will mark the opening of three new Link stations with a ribbon cutting and a full day of community events this Saturday, Dec. 6, with activities designed to draw riders from across south King County.
A formal ribbon cutting will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Federal Way Downtown Station, followed by live music, performances, food trucks and kids activities hosted by FW Black Collective as part of a community street fair.
When trains begin serving the new stations around 11 a.m., riders will find special events running until 3 p.m. at Federal Way Downtown, Kent Des Moines and Star Lake stations. Sound Transit said each station will feature food trucks, giveaways, live performances, community resources and children’s programming. Riders can also play a Discover Stamp Win activity along the way for a chance to win a prize.
For those who drive, Sound Transit said limited parking will be available at Federal Way Downtown Station and that parking at Kent Des Moines and Star Lake stations will open at 6 a.m. on Dec. 6.
Schedule
Kent Des Moines Station
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: This free, family-friendly celebration will feature seven themed “gardens” highlighting local culture, innovation and community, including interactive art and history exhibits, food trucks, live performances, and youth-led activities.
Guests can explore community resources, meet local businesses, and enjoy performances from regional schools and cultural groups.
The event is hosted by the Success Foundation and presented by Sound Transit in partnership with the City of Kent, the City of Des Moines, and local community organizations to celebrate the heart and diversity of the Southside region. Attendees are encouraged to take transit to the event and join in celebrating a new era of connection, sustainability, and community pride.
Star Lake Station
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Join Project Feast to celebrate the Star Lake Station Opening: Feast for Trains! Indulge your senses with multicultural stage performances, curated food vendors, live cooking demonstrations, commemorative giveaways, kids’ activities, and so much more.
Feast for Trains is brought to you by Sound Transit and Project Feast, a local social-enterprise non-profit empowering refugee and immigrant cooks with culinary job training.
Federal Way Downtown Station
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.: The FW Black Collective is hosting a community street fair where you can connect with local community organizations sharing valuable information about their services, plus enjoy a Kids Zone featuring carnival games and a holiday craft workshop.
Get ready for entertainment when a DJ and live performers kick off the stage presence from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and catch the balloon twisters and face painters from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
You’ll also find delicious food vendors and a lively atmosphere all day long. Mark your calendars for a day of community, connection, and family fun!
Residents will be able to ride Link to the new stations as service begins and take part in the opening day celebrations that Sound Transit says are meant to highlight the heart and diversity of the Southside region.
