Hey neighbor!

Apparently someone in Albany has been reading our newsletter… remember last week’s poll asking what Jackson Heights needs most? A public swimming pool won with 29% of the vote, just ahead of a movie theater at 26%. Well, shortly after, Governor Hochul announced a $33.8 million community center right here in Jackson Heights, including our very first public swimming pool! Before we all jump in, though, there’s a bit of controversy. Some $10 million of the $33.8 million project is tied to the proposed Citi Field casino. Nothing like a little casino controversy to spice up a nice community announcement ¯_(ツ)_/¯

There’s more good news for families, too. Jackson Heights is among the areas getting expanded free 2-K child care starting in fall 2027, part of a plan to add 10,000 seats across 17 school districts.

Meanwhile, some of our neighbors have really been putting on a show for Halloween. One of the more unusual displays found on 34th av features three skeletons, one of whom appears to have had a few too many drinks while the other two look after him.

We’re on the lookout for businesses getting into the Halloween spirit too. We’ve spotted decorations at Salvaje Social Club, Table Wine, Cantina La 87, and Headz Ain’t Ready barbershop. Seen or know of any others? Send them our way!

Speaking of making friends, tonight’s monthly dinner club registration has closed, but you can already grab a seat at the next one on Tuesday, November 17. And because we like rewarding the early birds, the first 10 people to register through this link get 15% off.

Prefer making friends with a pen instead of a fork? Notes to Neighbors closes registration tomorrow! It’s a lovely local project matching neighbors as pen pals. Use code JHIxNTN for 20% off, making it $28. Sign up here.​

Finally, Jackson Heights is getting some attention all the way from Germany! Researchers at Heidelberg University’s Geography Institute are studying how people feel about our neighborhood and what makes it feel like home. They’re inviting residents aged 18 and over to fill out a short survey. They’ve also promised to share their findings, and I’m genuinely curious to see what they learn about our wonderful neighborhood.

Right then! That’s enough talk of casinos, swimming pools, and skeletons with questionable drinking habits. Let’s get you out of the house and into the neighborhood. Here’s what’s happening this week! 👇

This Week in Jackson Heights

October 20–26, 2026

⭐ Featured Event

🔧 Repair Café QNS at The World’s Borough Bookshop | Sunday, Oct 25, 1–5 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop, 34-06 73rd St

Got a broken lamp, a loose button, or something you’ve been meaning to fix for ages? Bring it to the Repair Café, where friendly volunteers will help give your belongings a second life! Small appliances, clothing, jewelry, and other household items are welcome. One repair per person. Reserve a time slot in advance, and check the guidelines for what they can fix. Give it another chance! 🔧​

Tuesday, October 20

🍕 Colombian Tavern Pizza Night | 6–11 PM | Elements Pizzeria, 83-01 Northern Blvd • Colombian flavors meet crispy, square-cut pizza. Preorder recommended, limited walk-ins → Grab a slice!​

🎨 Tuesday Oil Studies | 6:30–8 PM | Art Retail Therapy, 84-26 37th Ave • Paint like the masters, all levels welcome. Materials included → Get painting!​

Thursday, October 22

💃 Free Dance Classes | 3–5 PM | P.S. 149, 93-11 34th Ave • Ages 7–12. Ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and breaking. Register, limited spots. Pack lunch → Let’s dance!​

🍪 Free Cookie Decorating at Parva Bakeshop | 5–7 PM | Parva Bakeshop & Café, 82-01 Northern Blvd • Kids get creative with cookies! Two one-hour sessions, 10 kids each. Parent required. Reserve at [email protected] → Sweeten the afternoon!​

💰 Investing Club | 6–7 PM | Queens Public Library, 35-51 81st St • Talk stocks, savings, and retirement. Beginners welcome → Grow your knowledge!​

Friday, October 23

🖼️ Gallery Show Opening: Paul Chen | 7 AM–10 PM | Espresso 77, 35-57 77th St • Local art, coffee, and good tunes → Take a look!​

🍻 Dads Night | 8–10 PM | Ready Penny Inn, 37-07 73rd St • Local dads reunite for drinks and conversation → Join the dads!​

Saturday, October 24

🏙️ Livable Neighborhoods Program | 9 AM–5 PM | P.S. 69, 77-02 37th Ave • Help shape our neighborhood’s future! All ages welcome, kids too. Breakfast and lunch included. Apply in advance → Have your say!​

Sunday, October 25

🛍️ Le Boulevard Vintage Market | 10 AM–6 PM | 34th Ave & 74th St • Vintage finds, local art, music, and live painting. Also happening at Les Petites Gallery on 34th Ave & 82nd St → Hunt for treasures!​

🔧 Repair Café QNS at The World’s Borough Bookshop | 1–5 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop, 34-06 73rd St • Bring that broken thing! One repair per person, timed signup required → Fix it, don’t toss it!​

✏️ Sketching Classes: Hatching Techniques | 4–5 PM | Art Retail Therapy, 84-26 37th Ave • Ages 13+. Turn simple lines into beautiful buildings. Materials included • $25 → Draw something wonderful!​

Monday, October 26

📚 Queer Book Club: Walking Practice by Dolki Min | 7–8 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop, 34-06 73rd St • Big book talk, no reading required! → Join the conversation!​

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​

🏃 Tour De Queens Community Run | Tue, Oct 20, 6:30–8:30 PM | Evelia’s Tamales, Corona • 5K run, shoe trials, giveaways. All paces welcome. Meet 6:30, run 7 PM. Bag check available → Run for the tamales!​

🎨 Mapping Queens: Building Artist-Run Spaces | Wed, Oct 21, 6–9 PM | FLUX IV, Long Island City • Meet Queens’ creative minds. Panel 6:30 PM, mixer afterward → Get inspired!​

🌅 Sunset Cemetery Walk | Fri, Oct 23, 6–7 PM | Moore Jackson Cemetery, Woodside • Spooky season meets local history, with an archaeologist → Take a walk through history!​

🤸 Cirque Kalabanté: WOW (World of Words) | Sun, Oct 25, 3–4 PM | Colden Auditorium, Flushing • Incredible acrobatics, African rhythms, and jaw-dropping performances → Prepare to be amazed!​

💃 Tango In America 2026 | Sun, Oct 25, 5–7 PM | Queens Theatre, Flushing Meadows Corona Park • Argentine passion meets international music • $45–$50 → Feel the passion!​

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: Richard Newman, Leslie Garcia, Rachel Schwartz, 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, Sam Raker, Ankit Gupta and Arlene Gilbert.

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Until next week! I’ll be the one asking Governor Hochul for a movie theater next 🙂

Jonathan (JBS)