Hey neighbor,

If Jackson Heights feels a little different this week, that might be because thousands of backpacks, lunch boxes, and slightly sleepy children have returned to our sidewalks. School is back!

The adults, meanwhile, have other things to dream about. The neighborhood had some big lottery winners in the news, including a pair of very lucky ticket holders. So if you bought a ticket recently and haven’t checked it yet, perhaps now would be a good time. We would like to say we knew you before the yacht!

For those of us who did not suddenly become millionaires, at least the neighborhood gave us a consolation prize: a gorgeous sunset with the Manhattan skyline glowing in the distance.

And because we like to keep your brain busy too, this week’s poll is a Jackson Heights history challenge. Which of these do you think happened first (answer by clicking on the link):

• ​The 7 train reached Jackson Heights​
• ​The Jackson Heights Historic District was created​
• ​

The answer arrives next week, along with the right to quietly feel superior if you got it correct.

Speaking of things worth knowing about, here’s what’s happening around Jackson Heights this week…

This Week in Jackson Heights

September 8–14

Featured Event

🥟 Momo Crawl 2026 | Sunday, September 13, 12:00–5:00 PM | Diversity Plaza, 73-19 37th Rd
The world’s largest momo festival is back for its 14th year. Spend the afternoon eating your way through Jackson Heights while supporting the local immigrant-owned restaurants that make our neighborhood so delicious. Come hungry. Very hungry. → Follow the momos​

Upgrade Your Social Life One Dinner at a Time If you’ve been meaning to meet more people where you live… this is your sign. Great food, curated tables, and an easy bar hang afterward for whoever wants to keep the night going. Sign Up for Dinner on Wednesday September 23rd

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Tuesday, September 8

Evening Oil Studies | 6:30–8:30 PM | Art Retail Therapy • Study the greats, then paint your own. All levels welcome, materials included → Pick up a brush​

Wednesday, September 9

34 Ave Chess Club | 4:00–5:00 PM | 34th Ave & 93rd St • All ages welcome. Challenge a neighbor → Make your move​

Queens Distance Runners: Jackson Heights Community Run | 6:30–7:30 PM | 80th St & Northern Blvd • Friendly neighborhood 5K, group photo included → Run the neighborhood​

Thursday, September 10

Easy Chair Yoga for Older Adults | 2:30–3:30 PM | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights • Gentle movement, breathing and relaxation in English and Spanish → Stretch from your seat​

9/11 Candlelight Vigil | 7:00–9:00 PM | Travers Park • Gather with neighbors to remember lives lost and honor the heroes → Join the remembrance​

Friday, September 11

Festejation: Peruvian Night Celebration | 8:00–11:00 PM | Terraza 7 • Afro-Peruvian rhythms made for dancing, perhaps with a pisco sour • $20 → Feel the festejo​

Music Show: Dan Strauss | 8:30–10:00 PM | Espresso 77 • Birthday concert with a few musical friends → Join the birthday jam​

Saturday, September 12

Mental Health & Wellness Block Party | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst • Music, games, resources, face painting, henna, free ice cream and more → Join the block party​

MOONIES x Pilas Cafe x WBB: With the Power of the Moon & Cafecito | 12:00–5:00 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Sailor Moon, cafecito, vendors and costumes encouraged → Power up with cafecito​

Movies Under the Stars: Project Hail Mary | 7:30–10:00 PM | Travers Park • Bring a blanket for some big-screen space travel. Rated PG-13, movie begins at dusk → Watch under the stars​

New Here? Meet Some Friendly Locals. Join our upcoming easygoing neighborhood meetup where newcomers can connect with longtime residents and people involved in local projects – from arts to small businesses to community spaces. Come Meet the Neighborhood on Thursday October 8th

Sunday, September 13

Les Petites Gallery | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 34th Ave & 83rd St • Browse an open-air gallery right on the Open Street → Stroll the gallery​

Pages in the Park: Miles Ahead by Lynnor Bontigao | 11:00–11:15 AM | Travers Park • A quick Sunday storytime in the amphitheater → Bring the little readers​

Central American Heritage Parade | 12:00–3:00 PM | 37th Ave, 69th St to 89th St • Celebrate Central American culture and heritage → Catch the parade​

🥟 Momo Crawl 2026 | 12:00–5:00 PM | Diversity Plaza • The neighborhood’s biggest dumpling day. Come hungry and support local immigrant-owned spots → Follow the momos​

A Pilas Peña | 1:00–2:00 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Festejo class, Peruvian treats and Peña vibes. RSVP to reserve your spot → Save your dancing spot​

Monday, September 14

Taste & Toast | 5:00–10:00 PM | The Queensboro • Cocktails, food pairings and a market of local vendors → Come taste and toast​

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​

QDR Astoria Mile | Sat Sep 12, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | 34-02 31st Ave, Astoria • Fast mile races for adults and kids → Run the mile​

Woodside Queens Fall Festival | Sat Sep 12, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | 63rd St & Woodside Ave • Food, vendors and family fun all day → Make a day of it​

NY Indonesian Food Bazaar | Sat Sep 12, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | 84-07 Broadway, Elmhurst • Rendang, martabak and plenty more. Rain or shine → Come hungry​

Junk Dump Film Festival 2026: Day One | Sat Sep 12, 12:30–2:00 PM | Museum of the Moving Image • Seven shorts plus filmmaker Q&A • $7–$17.50 → Catch the shorts​

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, 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, 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 week bring good momos, green lights on 37th Ave, and absolutely no regrets about ordering one more plate.

Jonathan (JBS)