Hey neighbor,

Something’s in the air… and no, it’s not just pollen (although, yes, definitely that too). 🌸

The neighborhood is waking up. Flowers are making their annual comeback tour, trees are showing off a little, and 37th Avenue has officially slowed down to “let’s just take a lap” speed. You can feel it—spring has entered the chat.

Suddenly, every errand feels optional and every walk feels like a scene.

And last night had a bit of that same energy. We hosted our latest Newcomer Meetup at World’s Borough Bookshop - big thanks to Adrian for opening up the space.

We had a great mix of local folks sharing what they’re building in the neighborhood: Megan (Indivisible activists), Keetick Sanchez (personal injury lawyer + Queens Success Collective), Leslie Garcia (Queens Success Collective + local therapist), Jim Burke (34th Ave Open Streets), and Nicholas Stebenne (Marketito pop-ups for local artists). Always nice putting faces to names and realizing how much is happening right under our noses!

And while you’re out pretending you totally meant to be outside this long, pop into Stand Alone Cheese if you haven’t yet. Felice Amera (our newest newsletter supporter and clearly someone with excellent taste) wanted to give them a shout - and it’s well deserved.

Owned by Steffen Kenney and Jenny Armstrong, the shop has been a neighborhood staple since 2019. It’s the opposite of intimidating - just thoughtful, friendly, and full of things you didn’t know you needed until you walked in.

And speaking of small local businesses, subscriber Nikki wrote in about her experience with one of our local partners, Green Duster cleaners. Her husband works from home and told her he was floored by how great they were and what a phenomenal job they did. Her review: "10/10 and thanks for spotlighting local businesses." Love hearing that. This is exactly why we partner with local businesses, so neighbors can find the ones worth knowing about :)

Alright neighbor. Let's see what we have got this week.

This Week in Jackson Heights

April 14–20

Featured Event

🐶 Pet Parade and Fashion Show at Travers Park | Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 78th St & 34th Ave

Dogs in outfits, a full-on fashion show, pup treats, raffles, and even vaccinations. Plus adoption opportunities if you’re ready to meet your new best friend.

The Easiest Way to Make New Friends in the Neighborhood No name tags. No forced icebreakers. Just good food, good people, and a table designed for real conversation. Stick around for drinks after! Join the Next Dinner on April 28th

Tuesday, April 14

Pohela Boishakh 1433 Celebration | 2:00 PM–10:00 PM | Diversity Plaza • music, food, culture vibes → Celebrate the Bengali new year​

Paella Nights @ Addictive Wine and Tapas Bar | 4:00 PM–10:30 PM | Addictive Wine and Tapas • saffron rice, good company → Order the paella​

Wednesday, April 15

Makin' Biscuits Cat Adoption | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | The Queensboro • meet your future cat → Find a furry friend​

Thursday, April 16

Queens Success Collective Monthly Meeting | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | K L Sanchez Law Office • journaling, reset your week → Take a breather​

Queens Community Board 3 Monthly Meeting | 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Renaissance Charter School • local decisions, stay informed → Have your say​

Charlie’s Chaos Art Club for Adults | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM | A.R.T. Shop • adults only, make some art → Get creative​

Friday, April 17

Music Show: The Beveled Edges | 8:30 PM–10:00 PM | Espresso 77 • live tunes, cozy vibes → Catch the set​

Saturday, April 18

Pet Parade and Fashion Show at Travers Park | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 78th St & 34th Ave • dogs in outfits, yes please → See the pups​

Pitching Yourself Workshop with Adrian | 3:30 PM–5:00 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • build your pitch, participatory • RSVP encouraged → Level up your pitch​

Sunday, April 19

Graphic Novel Book Club: Squire | 1:00 PM–2:00 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • discuss, debate, nerd out → Join the convo​

Monday, April 20

Queens Distance Runners Community Run | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | 80th St & Northern Blvd • 5K, all paces welcome → Run with the crew​

More to do in Queens

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - another local events newsletter well worth having in your inbox

Astoria Live 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​

So Percussion Unplugged | Fri Apr 17, 8:00–9:00 PM | Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Flushing • everyday objects, wild sound world • $32 → Hear the unexpected​

NY Indonesian Food Bazaar | Sat Apr 18, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | St. James Episcopal Church, Elmhurst • come hungry, bring cash vibes → Eat your way through Indonesia​

Queens Night Market | Sat Apr 18, 4:00–11:59 PM | Flushing Meadows Corona Park • snacks, art, big night-out energy • parking is limited → Wander, snack, repeat​

Sunnyside Restaurant Week | Mon Apr 20, 4:00–9:00 PM | Sunnyside • prix fixe season, stretchy pants recommended → Plot your food crawl​

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: Emily Moore, Oda Friedheim, Joseph Faillace, Emily Hackenburg, Zach McCurdy, Diana Chery, Nikki Amberstone, Alice Crespo, 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 a wrap! Now go grab some cheese, pet a dog, and call it a very productive week :)

Jonathan (JBS)