Hey neighbor! Hope you’re doing well and staying warm out there. This week had a few feel-good moments around the neighborhood. A Greek family restaurant in neighboring East Elmhurst called Plaka, run by parents in their 70s, suddenly got busy after a NYC cab driver turned food influencer stopped by, ate, and shared their story online. He even went back later to show how much business picked up. A nice reminder that a little attention can go a long way for local spots.

That’s also why we host our dinner club on quieter nights early in the week. Restaurants need support then, and neighbors get an easy way to meet each other. Last week’s dinner was a hit, and one of the guests captured the night in a short video. After a few tech snafus, signups are now fixed, and you can book your spot for the next dinner happening on Tuesday, February 24 .

We also can’t not mention the new song floating around about Jackson Heights that really nails the neighborhood vibe. Think a tamale cart right next to a bridal ring shop. Very us.

And quick thank you to our new supporters, Ursula Avelino of Green Duster, an eco-friendly cleaning business that’s been around for 14 years, and Phillip Washburne. Truly appreciate you both. You can support the insider too if you’d like.​

Alright, let’s see what’s happening around the neighborhood this week. Scroll on for events, plans, and good reasons to venture outside.

Looking for more? This is just a short list. See the full calendar at jacksonheightsinsider.com/events Have an event coming up that the neighborhood should know about? Submit it here: jacksonheightsinsider.com/submit-event​

This Week in Jackson Heights

February 3 – February 8, 2026

Featured Event

💃 Free Salsa Social: Tumbao Thursday’s at D’Antigua, Thursday Feb 5, 9:00–10:00 PM, D’Antigua Restaurant Bar

A lively, no-cover salsa social with good vibes, sharp outfits, and group energy. Meet outside at 9 PM and head in together. 21+ with valid physical ID. Consumption at the venue encouraged.

Free. No RSVP required.

The Easiest Way to Make New Friends in the Neighborhood No name tags. No forced icebreakers. Just good food, good people, and a table designed for real conversation. Stick around for drinks after if you’re feeling it. Join the Next Dinner ​

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Tuesday, February 3

Dungeons & Dragons @ The Queensboro | 6:00–10:00 PM | The Queensboro • roll some dice, meet heroes → Join the adventure​

Wednesday, February 4

Queens Distance Runners: Jackson Heights Community Run | 6:30–7:30 PM | Queensboro meetup point • run, chat, cooldown → Lace up​

Albert Marquès, Piano & Flamenco Dance | 7:00–8:00 PM | Terraza 7 • jazz meets flamenco • $20 → Catch the set​

Thursday, February 5

Yoga for Teens: Flexibility + Focus | 5:15–6:15 PM | 2nd Story Pilates + Yoga • stretch and reset, ages 11–15 → Learn more​

Free Salsa Social: Tumbao Thursday’s at D’Antigua | 9:00–10:00 PM | D’Antigua Restaurant Bar • dress to impress → Dance it out​

Friday, February 6

Karaoke Friday Night | 10:00 PM–1:00 AM | Nancy Blake’s Tavern + Tap • grab the mic, bring friends → Sing loud​

Saturday, February 7

Family Fun Bicycle Ride | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | 93rd St & 34th Ave • easy ride, big smiles → Ride along​

Musiquita’s Saturday Afternoon Cozy Jams | 4:00–4:45 PM | Community United Methodist Church • sing and sway • $15 → Get tickets​

Winter Community Potluck with Caroline Choe | 5:30–7:30 PM | World’s Borough Bookshop • bring a dish, meet neighbors, RSVP required → RSVP here​

Sunday, February 8

Outdoor Skills: Advanced Firemaking | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Travers Park • sparks, skills, ages 8+ → Learn outdoors​

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​

Networking in Your Neighborhood by Queens Chamber of Commerce | Tue Feb 3, 6:00–8:00 PM | One Station Plaza, Bayside • first drink included, raffle vibes • RSVP encouraged → Meet new people​

GLOBAL MASHUP: George Gee Swing Orchestra Meets Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Latin Octet | Sat Feb 7, 7:00–9:00 PM | Flushing Town Hall • dance lesson first • $30–$35 → Get tickets​

Salsa With Love: Ali Bello & The Charanga Syndicate | Sat Feb 7, 8:00–10:00 PM | Queens Theatre, Flushing Meadows Corona Park • date night salsa • $30–$35 → Dance along​

Viñedos: A True Story from Monarcas | Sun Feb 8, 3:00–5:00 PM | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, Long Island City • powerful dance story • $35 → See the show​

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

Shout-out to the brands keeping this newsletter going:

Own a local business? Help keep this neighborhood newsletter free and community-powered, with your logo featured above → Sponsor Jackson Heights Insider​

And a big thanks to our personal supporters: Ursula Avelino, Philip Washburne, Paola Bakos, Joseph Varghese, Mark Kuhl, RJ Harden, Barbara Goodwin, Patricia Marjoribanks, Sara Klar, Sam Raker, Ankit Gupta and Arlene Gilbert.

Want to join them in supporting this newsletter? → Become a Jackson Heights Insider supporter here (and unlock extra perks)

That’s a wrap! From family-run kitchens to weeknight dinners, you know where to be 😉

Jonathan (JBS)