Hey neighbor,

Ever notice how music can make Queens feel even more like home? Meet Kacia Flórez, a Colombian-Ecuadorian singer-songwriter born and raised right here in Jackson Heights. Her songs mix the folkloric sounds of Latin America with modern Queens energy, and you can explore her music and story on her new profile in the Queens Media Collective directory I just set up for local creators yesterday.

If you’d like to meet more amazing neighbors (and maybe share your own project or podcast), don’t miss our local media event this Saturday at The World’s Borough Bookshop.

And if you’re interested in meeting even more folk while supporting a local restaurant + this newsletter, our Neighborhood Dinner on the 18th November is open for signups – 11 folks already joined! You just pay a small booking fee, answer a fun questionnaire, and get matched with great company. Sunnysiders and the rest of Queens, you’re welcome too!

This Week in Jackson Heights

October 21–26, 2025

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

Featured Event

🎙️ The Platforms We Build Together: Local Media & Creators in Jackson Heights NYC & Beyond

Sat 4–5 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop, 34-06 73rd St

A lively evening about local voices, creativity, and community. Learn how neighbors are building podcasts, newsletters, and more right from Queens. Open mic for creators, limited space → RSVP now

Tuesday, October 21

Know Your Rights on Immigration Policies (In Bengali) | 3–5 PM | Queens Public Library (81st St) • Learn, protect, and empower yourself. RSVP required → RSVP here

Annual Pumpkin Decorating Event | 4–5 PM | Elements Pizzeria (Northern Blvd) • Paint your pumpkin masterpiece. RSVP to [email protected] → Reserve spot

Wednesday, October 22

Daniela Padrón & Confessions of a Violinist / Musical Comedy | 8–9:30 PM | Terraza 7 (Elmhurst) • Laugh, cry, and vibe with the violin. • $25 → Get tickets

Thursday, October 23

Coopdanza “Glyphs in Motion” Indigenous Dance Performance | 5–6:30 PM | Queens Public Library (81st St) • Ancient moves meet modern Queens energy. All ages welcome → Join in

Queens Success Collective October Monthly Meeting | 6–7 PM | K L Sanchez Law Office (82nd St) • Mingle, connect, celebrate community → RSVP today

Friday, October 24

Food Pantry at Colectivo Intercultural Transgrediendo | 1–2 PM | 83rd St #1B • Support neighbors, share what you can → Volunteer or donate

Saturday, October 25

Paper Shredding | 10 AM–1 PM | USPS (37th Ave) • Declutter safely. Limit 5 boxes → Show up early

Writing Workshop: A Walk Down Memory Lane | 12–2 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Put your memories on paper. Beginner friendly → Register free

🎙️ The Platforms We Build Together | 4–5 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Celebrate local media & creators. Limited space → RSVP now

Music Show: Os Clavelitos | 8:30–10 PM | Espresso 77 • Brazilian rhythms, Queens spirit → Grab a seat

Sunday, October 26

2025 Fall Plant Exchange | 10 AM–12 PM | 34th Ave & 78th St • Bring a plant, leave with a new friend → Swap plants

Jackson Heights Greenmarket 25th Anniversary | 10 AM–1 PM | 34th Ave & 79th St • Birthday treats and local love → Celebrate 25 years

Palabra Imagen Escena: Dinapiera Di Dinato & Catalina Santamaría | 5–6 PM | Terraza 7 • Poetry meets film, Queens style → Attend

More to do in Queens

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live – another local events newsletter worth having in your inbox – sign up here.

Queens Tech Night 2025 | Tue 21, 6:30–9 PM | Culture Lab LIC, Long Island City • 200+ attendees, tech talks (guest speaker will be Andy Byford AKA “train daddy”, and community vibes (we’ll be tabling) • RSVP fast, always sells out → Grab tickets

Meet the Lenders: Grow Your Business | Wed 22, 9–11:55 AM | Bulova Corporate Center, East Elmhurst • Connect with SBA lenders and get funding tips • Free for entrepreneurs and nonprofits → Register free

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:

Want to help this newsletter? → Join our supporters here (or reply to this email for brand placement)

If this email made your life easier, hit “forward” and invite your friends to stay in the loop. They can sign up at JacksonHeightsInsider.com/subscribe

Here’s to another week of good music, good neighbors, and even better stories. Catch you at the Bookshop on Saturday or maybe the Greenmarket on Sunday. Until then, stay curious, stay kind, and don’t forget to RSVP before those seats disappear 🙂

Jonathan (JBS)