🥟 Aug 5–11: Parades, Python & Jazz Nights in Jackson Heights


Hey neighbor,

Hope your week’s off to a good start! Whether you’re up for a neighborhood run, a jazz concert in the park, or just want to meet more locals, here’s your hand-picked roundup of what’s worth showing up for.

Big high-five to our newest supporter Ankit Gupta! 🙌 You’re the wind beneath this newsletter’s wings.

(And if you haven’t joined our supporter fam yet… now’s your moment. Prices go up at midnight!)

Now here’s your short, fun list of this week’s can’t-miss events in Jackson Heights from August 5 to August 11:

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

🎺 Featured Event

Queens Jazz Trail Concert: Kim Clarke & Friends | Thu, Aug 7, 7–8 PM | Travers Park • A true Queens jazz legend brings the groove. Bring a lawn chair or blanket → Catch the live set​

Tuesday · Aug 5

  • National Night Out Against Crime | 6–9 PM | Northern Playground • Free food, music by NYPD’s DJ Neil, raffles, bouncy house & more. Come meet your neighbors and local reps → Join the fun​

Wednesday · Aug 6

  • Queens Distance Runners Community Run | 6–7 PM | 80th St & Northern Blvd • Friendly neighborhood run that often ends in a social. All levels welcome → Lace up & jog out​

Thursday · Aug 7

  • Transit Thursday: Voter Registration Drive | 3–5 PM | 75th St & Broadway • Help register voters during rush hour with NYC Votes → Volunteer for democracy​
  • Queens Jazz Trail Concert: Kim Clarke & Friends | 7–8 PM | Travers Park • (featured event, see above)

Friday · Aug 8

  • Happy Hour with Love Wins NYC | 4–8:30 PM | The Queensboro • Chill after work with LGBTQ+ folks and allies. Casual vibes, good drinks → Swing by for a sip​

Saturday · Aug 9

  • Peer-to-Peer: Intro to Python Coding Workshop | 10 AM – 1 PM | Queens Public Library • Learn coding basics in this free hands-on class for middle schoolers → Code something cool​
  • Magnetic Archery | 1–3 PM | Travers Park • Try your hand at magnet-based archery (yes, really) → Take your shot​
  • Patrick Stevens: Solo Acoustic | 9–11 PM | Terraza 7 • Mellow, heartfelt acoustic set to ease into the night → Hear it live​
  • Rebolu: Afro-Colombian Sounds of NYC | 9–11:30 PM | Terraza 7 • High-energy rhythms from Colombia’s Caribbean coast. One of the city’s most electrifying live acts • $20 → Dance it out​

Sunday · Aug 10

  • Jackson Heights Greenmarket | 8 AM – 2 PM | 34th Ave & 78th St • Local produce, eggs, and pantry staples on the Open Street → Shop fresh​
  • Ecuadorian Day Parade | 12–4 PM | Northern Blvd • Folkloric dance, music, and procession celebrating Ecuadorian culture → Celebrate in style​
  • Summer Sundays in the Park: The Highliners | 5–6 PM | Travers Park • Melissa Fogarty leads this swingin’ jazz vocal show → Unwind with music​

Nearby Events Around the Boroughs

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - the local events newsletter you’ll also want in your inbox - sign up here​

  • Latin Beats Part 3: Plaza Party | Fri, Aug 8, 6–8 PM | Lowery Plaza • Free dance lesson + DJ set under the 7 train in Sunnyside → Hit the dance floor​
  • Community Day at The Noguchi Museum | Sat, Aug 9, 11 AM – 6 PM | Noguchi Museum, LIC • Free admission + special programming around contemporary art → Make it a museum day​

Planning a night out? Try the Seated app - it lets you dine at local spots and gives you up to 30 % back in gift cards (Amazon, Uber, etc.) after you dine. I’ve been using it to save money at the Queensboro, Bistro Eloise and Unidentified Flying Chickens. If you enter code jonathan1763 at sign-up, you’ll score an extra a bonus in dining credit after your first reservation (and I’ll get one too). Win-win!

NYC Restaurant Week • Prix-fixe deals are still available through Aug 17 at The Queensboro, Romeo’s, and Fogo de Chão (Elmhurst)

Heads-up: times and places can change, so make sure you confirm event details with the organizers before you go.

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​

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​

Back in your inbox next Tuesday… until then, may your momos be hot and your commute be short.

Jonathan (JBS)

Jackson Heights Insider: Local Events & Community Updates

A weekly roundup of the best events, markets, and happenings in and around Jackson Heights. Perfect for neighbors who want to stay in the loop and support local life.

Read more from Jackson Heights Insider: Local Events & Community Updates

Hola vecina/o! Last week I was talking about the importance of “third spaces” - those cozy spots where you’re not at work, not at home, but somehow feel completely yourself. I think it’s fair to say that Espresso 77 nails it. Dating back to 2010, Afzal and Julie turned an architect’s dream into the kind of café that feels like the neighborhood’s living room. You’ll find artists chatting with parents, musicians tuning up for the evening, and half the block comparing notes over a honey mint...

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...

Hey neighbor, Usually I like to start this newsletter with good vibes, little wins, and neighborhood cheer. This week, though, it’s impossible to ignore something heavier. If you’ve ever eaten at The Queensboro, you probably know Dino - he’s been there since the early days, always smiling and welcoming everyone. Sadly, he was recently taken by ICE, deported and separated from his wife and three children here in Jackson Heights. The response has been both heartwarming and overwhelming: In just...