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Hey neighbor, I just recently got back from Web Summit (in Lisbon, Portugal), which is basically Disneyland for tech people. Lights. Stages. Badges everywhere. Fun, sure, but my heart kept wandering back to Jackson Heights. I found myself surrounded by fancy robots doing handstands and still thinking “I miss my corner store guy who calls me ‘my friend’ whether he remembers my name or not.” Then out of the blue, I get a message from Jai Punjabi from the Masters of Scale podcast (which he runs with Reid Hoffman, founder of Linkedin). He reached out because he used to live in Jackson Heights and was delighted that someone is running a newsletter about his old stomping grounds. Very sweet guy. He even bought me breakfast! Jai said he might pop into one of our gatherings when he’s back in town - that could even be one of our new “New in the Hood” coffee meetups, which are all about helping new and longtime neighbors connect, swap tips, and feel at home. We're holding our first one next Wednesday at 5.30pm at a super secret chill local cafe - very limited spots are available so worth RSVPing in advance! Speaking of gatherings in the neighborhood, tonight’s communal dinner is full, but go ahead and mark your calendar: the next one is happening December 16th at 6:30pm. More details about that one coming soon! Now in the meantime, let’s check out what’s happening around the neighborhood this week: (Looking for more? This is just a short list. See the full calendar at jacksonheightsinsider.com/events) This Week in Jackson HeightsNovember 18–24, 2025 Featured Event🎥 “You Were Here” - Opening Night of Nitin Mukul’s New Video Installation A stunning new video installation by local artist Nitin Mukul debuts inside the 74th St–Roosevelt Ave station. Slow art, vivid imagery filmed entirely in Jackson Heights, and a rare chance to see our neighborhood reflected back at us in a whole new way. Join the opening this Fri, Nov 21 from 5–7 pm Tuesday, November 18GrowNYC Community Day | 10AM–12PM | 41st Ave &, 80th St, Elmhurst • Enjoy delicious samples, take part in fun activities, score some great prizes! • Free & open to the public → Get some prizes Harold Forero “El Indio Moniquireño” / Costumbrista Musical Monologue | 7:30-8:30 pm | Terraza 7, Elmhurst • Storytelling from rural Boyacá, in Spanish • $20 cover → Grab your seat Wednesday, November 19Play Dungeons & Dragons @ The Queensboro | 6:00-10:00 pm | The Queensboro, Northern Blvd • Beginner friendly, RSVP encouraged → Join the adventure Thursday, November 20One-On-One Computer Training | 6:00-7:00 pm | Queens Public Library, Jackson Heights • Adults, RSVP required, very patient help → Book a slot Queens Community Board 3 Monthly Meeting | 7:00-9:30 pm | Renaissance Charter School • Neighborhood updates, public comment time → Show up and listen Open Mic Night | 8:00-9:00 pm | Nancy Blake’s Tavern + Tap • Take the mic, enjoy drink specials → Sign up at the bar Friday, November 21What Tastes Like Home: Recipes From Jackson Heights Community Members | 11:00 am-12:00 pm | Queens Public Library, Jackson Heights • Adults, RSVP encouraged, recipes and stories → Join the zine “You Were Here” - Opening Reception | 5:00–7:00 pm | 74th St–Roosevelt Ave Station • A one-night-only neighborhood moment: slow art, community energy, and a surreal cinematic look at life above and below our streets. → More info Music Show: Keith Jordan Trio | 8:30-10:00 pm | Espresso 77 • Cozy jazz, good coffee, neighborhood vibes → Save your table Saturday, November 22El salón del Mundo open mic | 12:00-2:00 pm | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Readings plus open mic, RSVP required → RSVP for a slot Sunday, November 23Jackson Heights Greenmarket | 8:00 am-3:00 pm | 34th Ave & 79th–80th St • Farmers, fresh produce, SNAP and EBT welcome → Plan your market run Max Pollak & Friends – The RumbaTap Jam Session | 7:00-10:00 pm | Terraza 7, Elmhurst • Tap jam, bring shoes, $15-20 cover → Get your ticket Monday, November 24La tienda del Pueblo Clothing Donations | 7:30-11:30 am | 34th Ave & 77th St • Bring clean clothes to share, all welcome → Drop by and donate Tatreez Embroidery Workshop | 3:30–5:30pm | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Create Palestinian-style embroidery. Includes kit, coffee, dessert • $45 → Reserve your spot Nearby events in QueensIn partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - another local events newsletter worth having in your inbox - sign up here. Global Mashup: Seffarine (Moroccan Crossroad Ensemble) Meets La Cumbiamba eNeYé (Colombia) | Fri Nov 21, 7:00–9:00 pm | Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing • Dance lesson first, then two bands mashup • $25 adults, $20 members, $5 kids 12 and under • Easy 7 train ride from Jackson Heights → Get tickets Kana Miyamoto Duo | Sat Nov 22, 7:30–8:30 pm | Uke Hut, 36-01 36th Ave, Long Island City • Ukulele night in cozy, kid-friendly space • $20 ticket with free drinks → Reserve a 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 High-Fives & Local LoveShout-out to the brands keeping this newsletter going: Want to help this newsletter? → Join our supporters here (or reply to this email for brand placement) Alright neighbor, that’s it for this week. If you see me at the Sunday Greenmarket happily straggling behind my wife while she makes all the real decisions, just smile and let me think I’m being helpful…. See you out there! Jonathan (JBS) |
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.
Hey neighbor! It has been a lively week around here. Our first communal dinner meetup on Tuesday was super fun and it was great meeting everyone at the bar afterwards. Such an easy group to chat with! Dinner meetup at the bar after! Also, a big shoutout goes to Keetick, who hosted a business Thanksgiving potluck on 82nd Street with a really impressive bunch of small business owners and new entrepreneurs. The Queens Success Collective Potluck Meetup If you run a business, I highly recommend...
Hola amigo, Do you ever notice how the best conversations in Jackson Heights don’t happen at big events, but over a good meal? Someone passes the salt, someone else shares a story, and suddenly you’ve got new ideas and a new friend. That’s the spirit behind our community dinner happening next Tuesday, November 18th at 6:30pm. It’s simple. You answer a few quick questions: things like your dietary preferences and what kind of conversations you enjoy… and we’ll match you with five other locals...
Hey neighbor, Big day in the neighborhood… we’re voting for our next mayor! 🗳️ If you haven’t voted yet, this is your moment. You can find your closest polling place here. And if those ballot questions have you scratching your head, our friends at Epicenter NYC made a super clear cheat sheet that explains it all. Oh, and in fun local news - Jackson Heights Insider just won the Awesome Foundation grant! Feeling extra grateful for this wonderful community that made it possible!!! But enough...