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 limonata.

Of course, every good living room has a few house rules. No laptops on weekends (because conversations deserve your full attention), and if you must bring one during the week, keep it to the big communal table. It’s all part of what keeps the place feeling human - a mix of great coffee, local art, and real face-to-face connection.

They’ve just shared their October events lineup, and it’s a good one:

And here’s what else is happening in the rest of the coolest neighborhood in the world:

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

🎉 Featured Event

Let Freedom Read Day: Silent Reading Hour | Sat 2–3 PM | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights • Bring your favorite book, grab a quiet corner, and read together in support of the freedom to read. Giveaways while supplies last → Join the reading hour​

Tuesday, October 7

Elmhurst Greenmarket | 8 AM–3 PM | 41st Ave & 80th St, Elmhurst • Fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, and farm vibes → Shop local​

Wednesday, October 8

Queens Distance Runners: Jackson Heights Community Run @ Queensboro | 6:30–7:30 PM | 80th St & Northern Blvd • Weekly 5K run. Friendly faces, no Lycra required → Meet at the mural​

Thursday, October 9

One-On-One Computer Training | 6–7 PM | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights • 30-minute private tech help session. Adults only. RSVP required → Register here​

Friday, October 10

Ricardo Osorio “El Niño” – Flamenco | 7:30–10:30 PM (2 sets) | Terraza 7 • A night of passion and rhythm from Spain to Queens • $20 → Reserve a seat​

Saturday, October 11

Hispanic Heritage Month: Queens, The World’s Borough | 1–2 PM | Travers Park • Family-friendly nature walk celebrating Queens’ culture and history → Celebrate together​

Let Freedom Read Day: Silent Reading Hour | 2–3 PM | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights • Quiet power. Bring a book and friends. All ages welcome → Join the reading hour​

Conversation with Alberto Yepes Palacio | 5–7 PM | Terraza 7 • Talk on human rights and peace in Colombia. Free entry, RSVP encouraged → Save your spot​

FREE 2-Part Air Dry Clay Workshop: Make a Coat of Arms (Part 1) | 7–9 PM | Art Retail Therapy, 37th Ave • Artist-led workshop for ages 10+. Must attend both dates → Sign up early​

Sunday, October 12

Jackson Heights Greenmarket | 8 AM–3 PM | 34th Ave & 79th St • Fresh produce, fish, eggs, and flowers • Clothing drop-off 9 AM–1 PM → Support local farms​

Festival De Las Flores | Noon–3 PM | 37th Ave (69th–89th St) • Colorful flower parade and live music • Family-friendly → Join the fiesta​

More to do in Queens

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - another local events newsletter worth having in your inbox - sign up here.

The Conversations That Hold Families and Businesses Together, 201: From Awareness to Action! | Tue 7 Oct, 9–11 AM | Queens Chamber of Commerce • Workshop for family-run businesses to build better conversations. RSVP required • Adults → Register here​

Queens Night Market | Sat 11 Oct, 4 PM–Midnight | Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park • 100+ vendors, global eats, and live shows • $5 parking, take the 7 train → Plan your visit​

Sakai’s Saturday Concert: Shoko Amano Duo | Sat 11 Oct, 7:30–8:30 PM | Uke Hut, Long Island City • Cozy ukulele show with free drinks • $20, kid-friendly → Get tickets​

Taste of Sunnyside 2025 | Sun 12 Oct, 1–7 PM | Sunnyside Arch (46th St) • 60+ restaurants, live music, photo booths, surprise guests • $60 ticket → Grab a bite​

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

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Until next week - keep your book open, your cortado full, and your laptop closed on weekends. Jackson Heights never sleeps, but at least we caffeinate responsibly. ☕📚

Jonathan (JBS)