Hey neighbor,

Jackson Heights is fully in summer mode.

On Sunday, the Peruvian Parade filled 37th avenue with music, dancing, and plenty of red and white, kicking off the neighborhood’s Latin American parade season in style.

The soundtrack continued at Travers Park, where the Queens Jazz Trail opened with a concert on Thursday, followed by the first Summer Sundays concert of the season. Free outdoor music a few blocks from home is a pretty good neighborhood perk.

There is something new indoors too. ​Miniso has opened beside 82nd st station in the former Duane Reade space, meaning your commute can now include an emergency purchase of stationery, a phone charger, or a giant fluffy toy.

And tonight, we are gathering for our newcomer Meetup. There is still time to sign up, meet some neighbors, and hear about the people and community projects helping shape Jackson Heights.

It has also been a very good summer to be a soccer fan in Queens. The World Cup has brought flags to windows, crowds to local bars, and strong opinions about every goal, lineup, and referee call.

And luckily, soccer is only getting closer to home.

In about a year, New York City FC will open Etihad Park at Willets Point, just down the road from Jackson Heights. It will be the first soccer-specific stadium in New York City.

Membership deposits are available now for fans who want priority access to season tickets and to be part of the Club’s inaugural season in its new home → visit EtihadPark.com to learn more.

Gotham FC, New York’s women’s professional soccer team, will also move to Etihad Park in 2028, bringing both men’s and women’s professional soccer to Queens.

So even after the World Cup ends, there will still be plenty for local soccer fans to look forward to…

On that note, we’re excited to welcome New York City FC as our newest newsletter supporter. Big thanks to New York City FC for supporting Jackson Heights Insider and helping keep this neighborhood newsletter going!

And on that suitably sporty note, let’s get into this week’s neighborhood events lineup.

This Week in Jackson Heights

Tuesday, July 14 to Monday, July 20

Featured Event

⚽ Movies Under the Stars Soccer Series: Pelé: Birth of a Legend | Tuesday, July 14, 8:30–10:30 pm | Travers Park

Bring a blanket and watch the story of Brazilian soccer legend Pelé under the stars. The film follows his remarkable journey from São Paulo to winning the World Cup at just 17 years old. The movie begins at dusk. No glass bottles or alcohol, and the screening may be canceled in severe weather. Cheer for Pelé​

Come Solo. Leave with Plans. We pair you with 5 others at a Jackson Heights restaurant for dinner, then everyone meets up at a nearby bar after. Most people come alone. Everyone leaves knowing at least two people they’d grab coffee with. Join us for the next dinner happening on Tuesday 28th July. Sign Me Up

Tuesday, July 14

Paella Nights at Addictive Wine & Tapas | 4–10:30 pm | Addictive Wine & Tapas • Saffron, seafood, and Spanish comfort food → Pass the paella​

Jackson Heights Newcomer Meetup | 6–7 pm | 34th Avenue Open Streets • RSVP required, newcomers and longtime locals welcome • $5 → Meet your neighbors​

Movies Under the Stars Soccer Series: Pelé: Birth of a Legend | 8:30–10:30 pm | Travers Park • Bring a blanket, movie begins at dusk → Cheer for Pelé​

Wednesday, July 15

Making “Place” a Character in Your Writing | 6:30–8 pm | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Put your setting to work → Write the neighborhood​

Thursday, July 16

Sebastián Cruz Quartet: New Colombian Songwriting | 7:30–10:30 pm | Terraza 7 • Colombian grooves meet electric improvisation • $20 → Feel the rhythm​

Friday, July 17

Summer at the Library: Reef Builders | 3–4:30 pm | Jackson Heights Library • Build, create, and protect the coast → Build a reef​

Saturday, July 18

Textures! Plaster Painting Class | 1–3 pm | Art Retail Therapy • Ages 5–14, materials included, two sessions → Make some texture​

Sunday, July 19

Les Petites Gallery | 9 am–6 pm | 34th Avenue and 83rd Street • Browse art right on the avenue → Take an art walk​

Pages in the Park: Bread Is Love | 11–11:30 am | Travers Park • A warm family story, fresh from the oven → Share the loaf​

Mark Wade Trio: Summer Sundays | 6–8 pm | Travers Park • Bring a chair and settle into jazz → Catch the groove​

Monday, July 20

Queens Distance Runners Community Run | 6–7 pm | 80th Street and Northern Boulevard • Friendly 5K, no Lycra required → Run the neighborhood​

More to do in Queens

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

Astoria Live All the events in Astoria, Queens 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​

Dance Performances at Frank D. O’Connor Playground | Tue, Jul 14, 6–7:15 pm | Frank D. O’Connor Playground, Elmhurst • Live dance and music, limited street parking → See the dancers​

World’s Sport in the World’s Boro | Wed, Jul 15, 1:30–3 pm | Corona Plaza • Music, dance, family fun, then soccer → Join the celebration​

Summer Networking Cruise | Wed, Jul 15, 5–10 pm | World’s Fair Marina • Food, dancing, networking, free onsite parking • Ticket required → Climb aboard​

Family World Cup Final Match Celebration | Sun, Jul 19, 12–3:30 pm | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center • Family activities, free food, match at 2:30 pm → Cheer together​

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: Leslie Garcia, Rachel Schwartz, Lisa Reswick, John “Sandy” Needham, Felice Amera, Emily Moore, Oda Friedheim, Joseph Faillace, Emily Hackenburg, Zach McCurdy, Diana Chery, Nikki Amberstone, John Capouya, Nancy Cardenas, Ursula Avelino, Philip Washburne, Paola Bakos, Joseph Varghese, 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)

Until next week, may your trains be quick and your paella worth the wait!

Jonathan (JBS)