🥟 Mar 10–16: Guitars, paella, and new food in Jackson Heights


Hey neighbor,

A few tasty updates from around Jackson Heights this week.

First up, a new restaurant called Cora just opened on 37th Avenue and 84th Street. They are serving Peruvian and Colombian fusion food, which sounds like a pretty delicious combination.

Just along the avenue, Red Chilli also expanded and opened a new dining room. Always a good sign when a neighborhood restaurant is growing.

Which reminds me... If you enjoy trying new restaurants and meeting new people from around the neighborhood, our next Jackson Heights Insider Dinner Club is happening on the 25th. Here is how it works: We split neighbors into small dinner groups at different local restaurants around Jackson Heights. Then after dinner, everyone meets up at the same bar for drinks and conversation. Part neighborhood food tour, part social gathering, and always a fun night. Sign up for the this month's dinner club here.

In other neighborhood news, I also ran into Bobby, also known as Sleepy the Barber. He was born and raised here and runs two barber shops locally. And he is already getting ready for Jackson Heights Day in August, along with a give back BBQ for the neighborhood.

And finally, the weather is starting to behave itself again. Warmer air, longer evenings, and a sunset this week that felt like the neighborhood stretching its legs after winter.

lright. Let’s see what’s happening around Jackson Heights this week.
​


This Week in Jackson Heights

March 10 – March 16

Featured Event

🎸 Jackson Heights Acoustic Music Jam | Fri Mar 13 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop
Bring your instrument or just come listen. A relaxed neighborhood music jam where local musicians gather to play acoustic tunes together inside one of Jackson Heights’ favorite bookstores. All skill levels welcome. Free.

Feeling a little disconnected lately?

A new guided Wellness Circle is coming to Jackson Heights. A small group space to slow down, reflect, journal, and have meaningful conversations - no awkward small talk required.

Led by a mental wellness professional and designed for thoughtful community.

Tuesday

Paella Nights | 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Addictive Wine and Tapas • saffron rice magic → Reserve a table​

Wednesday

Dungeons & Dragons Night | 6:00 PM | The Queensboro • roll the dice adventure • $20+ → Get tickets​

Thursday

Easy Chair Yoga for All | 2:30 PM | Jackson Heights Library • gentle stretch, adults & seniors → Learn more​

Tango y Rumba Night | 8:00 PM | Romeos Italian Restaurant • tango show, then dancing → See event details​

⛽️ Quick Tip: Save on Gas, Groceries & Dining

Get 32% back at Bistro Eloise and 41¢/gallon back near Jackson Heights through an app called Upside. You activate the offer before paying and that’s it, cashback just shows up. If you want to test it, grab it with this link and use code EPQQ3V for 15¢/gal extra on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra on your first grocery or restaurant visit.

​

Friday

Jackson Heights Acoustic Music Jam | 7:00 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • bring an instrument or listen → Learn more​

Movie Night Meet-up: Oscar Preview | 7:00 PM | The Queensboro • free film night, RSVP encouraged → Reserve your seat​

Papercraft Workshop | 7:30 PM | A.R.T. Shop • fold paper like a boss, RSVP required → Reserve a spot​

Karaoke Friday Night | 10:00 PM | Nancy Blake’s Tavern + Tap • sing your heart out → Join the party​

Saturday

Music Show: Gaston + Paolo | 8:30 PM | Espresso 77 • coffeehouse tunes → See event details​

Domingo Lemus & Friends: Alt-Latin Celebration | 9:00 PM | Terraza 7 • cumbia farewell concert • $20 → Get tickets​

Monday

Flow + Connect Community Yoga | 5:30 PM | 2nd Story Pilates + Yoga • bilingual class, beginners welcome • $10 → Join the class​


More to do in Queens

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

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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.

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Create Your Hustle: An Entrepreneur Vision Board Workshop | Fri Mar 13, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Rochdale Community Center, Jamaica • dream big, meet fellow builders • RSVP encouraged, free → Claim your spot​

Food Scrap Drop Off (FSDO) | Sat Mar 14, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Moore Jackson Community Garden, Woodside • bring your peels and cores → See drop-off details​

Rough Draft Festival 2026: The Life and Times of Daisy Forbes | Sat Mar 14, 7:00 PM–8:30 PM | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, Long Island City • new theater, behind-the-scenes magic • $10, students free with RSVP and ID → Get tickets​


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​


đź‘‹ For Our Local Business Neighbors

Running a local service business in Queens?

I’m offering a free 20-minute “Local Visibility Tune-Up.”

In just one session you’ll get:

A quick scan of where Google may be hiding you

2–3 easy fixes to boost calls and clicks

A clear view of how small changes bring more leads

Spots are limited →

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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 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 all for this week. If you need me, I’ll be somewhere between the Acoustic Jam at the Bookshop, a coffee from Seba Seba, and quietly scouting restaurants for the next Dinner Club like a very serious neighborhood food detective. See you out there.

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.

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