Hey you. Yes, you, reading the neighborhood email! If you are new to Jackson Heights, new-ish, or just wondering how everyone else seems to know each other, you are in the right place. Our newcomer meetup is happening this Monday, and it is all about meeting kind humans and picking up local wisdom. This one will have an artsy twist, with the folks from the Jackson Heights Mural project joining us.

Speaking of neighbors and creative projects, this week we also launched Voices of Jackson Heights, our new podcast full of short, real stories from people from around the hood, in different languages. Like eavesdropping, but in a nice way!

While local favorites Queensboro Restaurant and Espresso 77 are temporarily closed for renovations, they will be back soon (on the 16th and 21st). But do not worry! This neighborhood always has plans. Scroll down and see what is happening this week.

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

This Week in Jackson Heights

January 13 to January 19

Featured Event

🎨 Jackson Heights Newcomer Meetup | Monday | Evening | Jackson Heights | Monday 19th January 6-7pm

Whether you’re mew to the neighborhood. New-ish. Or just ready to meet people beyond your block, this one’s for you. A meetup for getting to know neighbors and the people shaping life around Jackson Heights. Expect easy conversation, community intros, and plenty of chances to connect after the event. Friendly faces, local tips, and easy conversation.

• $5 RSVP, includes $5 venue credit • Space is limited → RSVP here​

The (2nd) 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 our Next Dinner on Wednesday 28th January

Tuesday, January 13

Become a Fashion Designer With Lesley Ware | 3 pm | Queens Public Library • draw bold outfits, big imagination, kids 7–12 → Design your looks​

Wednesday, January 14

Free Salsa Dancing @ EmblemHealth | 11 am | EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care • all ages, no experience needed → Get moving​

Thursday, January 15

Easy Chair Yoga For All. English and Spanish | 2:30 pm | Queens Public Library • gentle stretch, breathe easy, adults and seniors → Take a seat​

Flexibility + Focus Yoga for Teens | 5:15 pm | 2nd Story Pilates + Yoga • bilingual class, ages 11–15 → Join the flow​

Friday, January 16

Baile Folklórico | 6 pm | 34th Ave and 93rd St • dance, culture, all ages welcome → Dance along​

Chambacu Latin Fusion | 10 pm | D’Antigua Restaurant Bar • salsa, rock, Latin fusion, dancing encouraged → Hit the dance floor​

Neon Night with DJ Ludy & Friends | 10 pm | Queens Beer Factory • glow vibes, +21, no cover → Party late​

Saturday, January 17

Toastmasters International. America’s Best | 10 am | Elmhurst Hospital and Zoom • practice speaking, all levels → Find your voice​

Grant Writing 101 Workshop | 3 pm | World’s Borough Bookshop • learn the basics, take notes → Level up​

Coming to America Party | 6 pm | Armondo’s Italian Restaurant • free hot dogs, community vibes → Celebrate together​

Sunday, January 18

Argentine Jam with Emilio Teubal | 8 pm | Terraza 7 • tango jazz, musicians welcome • $20 → Catch the jam​

Monday, January 19

Annual MLK Celebration | 10 am | 34th Ave and 89th St • volunteer-powered, all welcome → Show up​

Flow + Connect. Yoga Para Todos | 5:30 pm | 2nd Story Pilates + Yoga • bilingual class • $10 → Unwind together​

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​

Cyber Security on a Shoestring | Thu Jan 15, 9–11 am | Queens Chamber of Commerce • smart safety tips for small businesses → Lock it down​

Queens Community Board 3 Monthly Meeting | Thu Jan 15, 7–9:30 pm | Langston Hughes Library • local issues, public input welcome → Join the discussion​

Queens Book Bazaar x Pyo Chai Book Fair Pop-Up | Sat Jan 17, 1–6 pm | PYO Chai, LIC • new reads, journaling, oracle cards → Browse and linger​

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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We’ll see you next week, neighbor. Until then, enjoy the art, the stories, the everyday moments that make this neighborhood feel alive, and the chance on Monday to meet a few of the people who make it so.

Jonathan (JBS)