Hey neighbor!

My friend Tony Bacigalupo once wrote about the best gathering spots in his town of Norwalk, and it got me thinking about what that looks like here in Jackson Heights.

Apart from the obvious ones like Espresso 77, The Queensboro, Travers Park, Jax Inn Diner, EJ’s barbershop and Nancy Blakes, here are some of my personal favorites:

There’s World Borough Bookshop where owner Adrian (AKA Bookpapi on TikTok) hosts author talks, art events, and meetups that often come alive on Open Streets.. Or Monika Nails & More, where the everyone is so chatty and up for a laugh. Then there’s the Lebanese restaurant El Toum, where owner/chef/server Sammi makes everyone feel special and part of the family. And Art Retail Therapy Shop, where browsing with Carlos feels like a creative adventure…

So which is your favorite? Reply and let me know!

And while you think about that, here’s what’s coming up this week….

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

This Week in Jackson Heights

September 30 – October 6, 2025

Featured Event

🎉 Key to the City: Kick-Off Community Resource Fair | Sat Oct 4, 12–4pm | 34th Ave between 93rd & 94th St • Free food, clothing, books, art projects, and live music. Sammi from El Toum is bringing the warmth, Taco Morelos is bringing the tacos, and Art Retail Therapy is bringing the crafts. → Join the fair​

Tuesday, September 30

Jackson Heights Tuesday Cinema: Warm Bodies | 3–5pm | Queens Public Library JH • Teen-friendly zombie rom-com on the big screen, free with RSVP. → Watch together​

Wednesday, October 1

Traffic & Transportation Committee Meeting | 7:30–9pm | CB3 District Office • Have your say on streets, transit, and traffic. → Attend meeting​

Thursday, October 2

ESL Conversation Club (Beginners) | 4–6pm | 93rd St & 34th Ave or Zoom • Practice or help others with English conversation in a friendly circle. RSVP encouraged. → Chat English​

Friday, October 3

Food Pantry at Viva La Heights | 1–2pm | 78-11 Roosevelt Ave • Free groceries and essentials for neighbors in need. → Pick up or volunteer​

Saturday, October 4

🌱 Fall Planting | 10am–1pm | 34th Ave & 93rd St • Plant bulbs now, see flowers in spring. Gloves optional. → Join planting​

🎉 Key to the City: Kick-Off Community Resource Fair | 12–4pm | 34th Ave between 93rd & 94th St • Free food, clothing, books, cumbia class, live music, and crafts for all ages. Supplies limited. → Join the fair​

🎶 Las Áñez – Experimental Latin American Song | 7–8:30pm | Terraza 7 • Avant-garde vocals, loops, and folklore from Bogotá’s twin sisters. • $25 → Reserve seat​

Sunday, October 5

🎷 Summer Sundays Plus: Javier Arau New Jazz Quartet | 6–7pm | The Queensboro • Saxophone, swing, and serious vibes to close the series. → Enjoy live jazz​

Monday, October 6

📚 QPL Homework Help | 3–4pm | Queens Public Library JH • Drop-in homework support for grades 1–5. → Get help​

✏️ Figure Drawing Session at ART Mondays | 7–9pm | Art Retail Therapy • BYOB, all skill levels welcome, nude model. • $15 advance, $20 with materials → Grab ticket​

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More to do in Queens

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

2026 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge Kick Off Night | Tue Sep 30, 6–8pm | Cobblestones Pub & Biergarten, Forest Hills • Learn how to win $20k grants, meet past winners, light snacks included • RSVP encouraged → Learn more​

Strummer Jammers (Ukulele Jam) | Fri Oct 3, 7:30–8:30pm | Uke Hut, LIC • Sing and strum with fellow uke lovers • $10 includes drinks → Join the jam​

Queens Night Market | Sat Oct 4, 4pm–midnight | Behind NY Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows • 100+ food and art vendors, live performances, family-friendly • $5 parking, transit recommended → Explore the market​

Comics in the City: Artist Talk | Mon Oct 6, 6–7pm | Flushing Town Hall • Curator Regine L. Sawyer leads conversation with featured artists • RSVP recommended → Save your spot​

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​

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High-Fives & Local Love

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That’s a wrap. Don’t forget to stop by Art Retail Therapy for Carlos’s warm hello, World Borough for Bookpapi’s reading recommendations and El Toum for Sammi’s falafel. YUM. Save me a seat!

Jonathan (JBS)