Hey neighbor!

What a week in Jackson Heights. It felt like the neighborhood gave us every emotion in the toolbox. We said a heartfelt goodbye to Ramón from Barco de Papel, a man who spent decades bringing Spanish-language stories to our doorsteps. We also had a stressful morning with ICE activity that left many families on edge. Heavy moments for a place built on welcome.

But wow, did the Queens spirit show up anyway. I ran the 5k, volunteered at the Queens Marathon and ate my way through the International Food Expo at the Hall of Science. Everywhere I went, I saw people cheering, laughing and lifting each other up. Only in Queens can you go from serious community action to samosas, arepas and dumplings in the same weekend.

And if you want a warm, easy way to be part of that same neighborhood spirit, make sure you sign up for our community dinner on the 16th. You’ll sit with five new neighbors, share a great meal and finish at a bar with the whole group. It is one of the easiest, friendliest ways to plug into the neighborhood. Spots are going quickly, so make sure you sign up!

Alright, time to grab your cafecito. Here is what our corner of Queens has cooking this week.

(Looking for more? This is just a short list. See the full calendar at jacksonheightsinsider.com/events)

This Week in Jackson Heights

December 9 to December 15

Featured Event

🎨 Inaugural Mural Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

A brand new community mural is arriving on Roosevelt Avenue. Celebrate the big reveal, meet neighbors and the artist, and help kick off a long-term public art initiative. Sat 13th 12pm Bring your camera. → RSVP​

Dinner on the 16th? Come Hang With Us! Small tables, tasty food and the easiest way to make real neighborhood connections. Bar meetup after, of course. Sign Up Here

December 9, Tuesday

A Little Piece Of Cuba: A Journey To Become Cubana-Americana | 6 pm | The Queensboro • Warm book talk vibes. Signed copies available. RSVP encouraged → RSVP​

December 10, Wednesday

FoHi @ The Queensboro | 7 pm | The Queensboro • Try a 10 minute set or cheer others on. Friendly crowd. → Details​

December 11, Thursday

ESL Conversation Club for Beginners | 4 pm | 93rd St & 34th Ave or Zoom • Practice English, all levels welcome. Free and friendly. → Join​

December 12, Friday

What Tastes Like Home: Recipes From Our Community | 11 am | Jackson Heights Library • Create a recipe zine. Adults only. Bring stories. → More Info​

December 13, Saturday

🎨 Inaugural Mural Ribbon-Cutting Celebration | 12 pm | Roosevelt Ave & 84th St • Celebrate our new community mural. Family friendly. → RSVP​

Out of This World Winter Market | 12 pm | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Great gifts from local vendors. All ages welcome. → Shop​

Music Show: Bob Gaulke Trio | 7:30 pm | Espresso 77 • Bossa and French chanson vibes. Cozy night out. → Details​

December 14, Sunday

Tradicional Cena Navideña | 5 pm | D’antigua Restaurant • Elegant holiday dinner. Live music. Dress in red. • $55 → Reserve​

December 15, Monday

Bienvenidos: Barco de Papel Comunitaria | 5 pm | Barco de Papel • Discounts, refreshments, special raffle. Community love. → Visit​

More to do in Queens

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live – another local events newsletter well worth having in your inbox

Astoria Live Astoria Live is your weekly guide to what’s happening in Astoria, Queens — from live music and comedy shows to pop-ups, classes, and community events. Sign up for the newsletter to discover local gems and connect with your neighbors every week. Subscribe​

Props to Stacey from Astoria Live for creating a super fun local gift guide for Astoria. Perfect for last minute inspiration!

Queens Startup Holiday Social | Wed 12/10, 6–8 pm | Greater Nexus • Festive networking for founders • Free snacks, RSVP encouraged → Join the Social​

Monthly Jazz Jam Honoring Nat King Cole | Wed 12/10, 7–9 pm | Flushing Town Hall • Bring your horn or just listen • $15 gen, free for jamming musicians • Parking fills fast → Jam or Listen​

Jackson Heights Orchestra | Wed 12/10, 7:30–9:30 pm | 25-26 75th St • Holiday classics and big symphony energy • Donations welcome → Hear the Orchestra​

WEPA End of 2025 Celebration | Fri 12/12, 7–11 pm | Coquito Blu • Massive year-end party • Buffet dinner + 2 hr open bar • Dress to impress • $55+ → Celebrate WEPA-Style​

Navidad by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company | Sat 12/13, 2–5 pm | Flushing Town Hall • A joyful fusion of Mexican and NYC holiday traditions — from Aztec-inspired dance to mariachi-meets-Tchaikovsky • $15 adults, $12 members, $8 kids • Exclusive for JHI readers: use code NAVIDAD20 for 20% off → Experience Navidad​

Paragones: Poetry Reading and Discussion | Sun 12/14, 2–3:15 pm | NYC Building, Flushing Meadows • Art-inspired poetry talk • RSVP required → Attend the Reading​

Heads-up: times and places can change, so make sure you confirm event details with the organizers before you go.

And remember – this list is just a selection of everything that’s going on locally. You can check out full listings for more events at JacksonHeightsInsider.com/events​

High-Fives & Local Love

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Alright neighbor, that is the weekly download. May your days bring good bites, good moods and maybe a spot at the dinner on the 16th (RSVP HERE). And if you end up at the bar afterward, that is where you will find me, absolutely not judging anyone’s dessert choices 😉

Jonathan (JBS)