Hey neighbor,

Meeting new people in New York usually requires courage, careful scheduling, and at least three unanswered group-chat messages. Fortunately, we found an easier way.

Last week, we held our quarterly newcomer meetup on 34th Avenue Open Streets. Neighbors got to know each other and heard more about the events happening there, including the art market held every Saturday.

Our next meetup is planned for October, with the exact date coming soon.

Speaking of 34th Avenue, it is now appearing on a screen near you. A five-minute segment from the documentary about the Open Streets has just been released. Watch the preview here, or learn more about the documentary and screenings here.

Meanwhile, next week’s Neighborhood Dinner is nearly full, and this is your last chance to join. We place guests into small groups, send each table to a different local restaurant, then gather everyone together afterward. You get dinner, a small neighborhood adventure, and several new people to wave at the farmers market. Grab your spot here.

Right, what else can we tempt you out of the apartment for this week?

This Week in Jackson Heights

Tuesday, July 21 to Monday, July 27

Featured Event

🇨🇴 Colombian Day Parade | Sunday, July 26, 12 to 3pm | Northern Boulevard, from 69th to 89th Street

Expect music, dancing, colorful costumes, and plenty of Colombian pride as the parade makes its way from Jackson Heights to Corona. There is usually a street fair near the finish too, so come hungry. Join la fiesta​

Under a Year to Kickoff in Queens! New York City FC just announced they will play their home opener at Etihad Park on July 17, 2027! With less than a year until the Club welcomes fans to its new home, now is the best time to place a membership deposit and guarantee your spot in line. Secure Your Spot ​

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Tuesday, July 21

Juicy Fruit Oil Painting Workshop | 3 to 5pm | Art Retail Therapy • Adults and teens, all materials included → Paint something delicious​

Paella Night | 4 to 10:30pm | Addictive Wine and Tapas • Saffron, seafood, and no trip to Spain required → Bring on the paella​

Wednesday, July 22

34 Ave Chess Club | 2:30 to 3:30pm | 34th Avenue and 93rd Street • All ages welcome, challengers strongly encouraged → Make your move​

Thursday, July 23

HOP ON! Closing Celebration | 6 to 8pm | Art Retail Therapy • Model trains, local art, crafts, snacks, and BYOB → All aboard​

A Guardian and a Thief Book Club | 6:30 to 8pm | World’s Borough Bookshop • A gripping novel and plenty to discuss → Join the conversation​

Friday, July 24

Trio Universal: Brazilian Jazz | 7:30 to 10:30pm | Terraza 7 • Samba, bossa nova, and serious musical talent • $20 → Catch the groove​

Saturday, July 25

Meet A.M. Gittlitz, Author of Metropolitans | 2:30 to 4pm | Jackson Heights Library • Mets history, New York politics, and a prize giveaway. Gift bags for the first 15 kids → Meet the Metropolitans​

Junk Journaling in Queens | 7 to 9pm | Art Retail Therapy • Adults and teens, bring a journal and treasured scraps → Turn scraps into art​

Sunday, July 26

Les Petites Gallery | 9am to 6pm | 34th Avenue and 83rd Street • Browse local art without stepping indoors → Take an art stroll​

Pages in the Park: Barbed Wire Between Us | 11 to 11:30am | Travers Park • A powerful story connecting two generations → Gather for storytime​

🇨🇴 Colombian Day Parade | 12 to 3pm | Northern Boulevard, from 69th to 89th Street • Music, dancing, Colombian pride, and a street fair → Feel the rhythm​

Cody Childs: Summer Sundays | 6 to 8pm | Travers Park • Smooth R&B and soul for a summer evening → End Sunday on a soulful note​

Monday, July 27

Jackson Heights Summer Cinema | 3 to 5pm | Jackson Heights Library • Adults and teens, plus two hours of glorious air conditioning → Grab a cool seat​

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​

Queens Summer Networking Night | Wed, July 22, 5:30–8:30pm | Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden • Meet Queens movers, first drink and snacks included → Work the beer garden​

Yoga with NICE | Wed, July 22, 6–7pm | Moore Jackson Community Garden • All levels. Bring a mat. $30, members $10 → Stretch for a good cause​

Summer Streets | Sat, July 25, 9am–5pm | Vernon Boulevard • Car-free family fun. Citi Bike code SUMMER2WHEEL → Take over the street​

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)

That’s all for this week! See you somewhere between the Colombian parade, a plate of paella, and one very busy Northern Boulevard 🙂

Jonathan (JBS)