Hola amigos, I spent the weekend hanging out at the World’s Borough Bookshop on 34th ave and 73rd st… and it was a blast! Saturday’s ”jackson heights in a cup” was a feast that mixed latin american and south asian flavors: desi chicken pastelito, fluffy conchas, fusion agua frescas, even an ice kaapi-chata. Then on sunday, I came back to catch a talk tracing the roots of Brazilian baile funk - a genre with as much story as sound. Adrian, the force behind the shop, is building more than a bookstore - it’s quickly becoming one of the neighborhood’s cultural hubs. Follow his bookstore on instagram or check out the podcast interview with epicenter nyc to learn more about his journey. The rest of their September schedule is out too! And here’s what else is happening around our neighborhood from September 9 – 15, 2025: (Looking for more? This is just a short list. See the full calendar at jacksonheightsinsider.com/events) Featured Event🎶 Cultura Nueva, York | Sat 6:30 pm | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave • Photo gallery meets live cumbia, community, and culture • Suggested donation $15–25 → Come dance and celebrate​ Tuesday, September 9Jackson Heights Tuesday Cinema: Entre Nos | 3 pm | Queens Public Library, 35-51 81st St • Free movie screening for adults, RSVP encouraged • Adults → Reserve with the library​ Wednesday, September 10SNAP Benefits Enrollment Assistance | 1 pm | EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, 40-31 82nd St • Help signing up for food benefits • Free → Drop in for support​ Play Dungeons & Dragons @ The Queensboro | 6 pm | The Queensboro, 80-02 Northern Blvd • Roll dice, slay monsters, eat good food • $20 → Grab tickets​ Queens’ Awesomeness Karaoke Night with Machiran | 11:30 pm | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St • Karaoke in any language, hosted with flair • RSVP encouraged → Sing your story​ Thursday, September 11Jackson Heights Book Club: We Solve Murders | 5 pm | Queens Public Library, 35-51 81st St • Book chat with your neighbors • Adults → Join the discussion​ Trevor Turla Trio / Soul Jazz | 7:30 pm | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St • Brass, grooves, and soulful vibes • $20 cover → Get your groove on​ Friday, September 12Puppet Show: The Little Red Hen | 5:30 pm | 34th Ave & 93rd St • Classic puppet show outdoors • Kids welcome → Bring the family​ Saturday, September 13Poetry Reading with Richard Jeffrey Newman | 2:30 pm | Queens Public Library, 35-51 81st St • Healing, poetry, and reflection • Adults → Hear the poems​ 🎶 Cultura Nueva, York | 6:30 pm | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave • Photo gallery meets live cumbia, community, and culture • Suggested donation $15–25 → Come dance and celebrate​ Sunday, September 14Children Bilingual Storytime | 4 pm | The World’s Borough Bookshop, 34-06 73rd St • Authors reading magical stories, ages 4+ • Kids + families → Catch the readings​ Monday, September 1534 Ave Bike Classes | 6 pm | 93rd St & 34th Ave • Learn to ride or get back on the bike • All ages → Hop on two wheels​ 💡 Quick TipHere’s one for anyone trying to stay focused (and actually get stuff done… like this newsletter!). I’ve been using Focusmate - it pairs you with an accountability buddy for virtual co-working sessions, and it’s surprisingly effective. If you’ve got tasks you’ve been putting off, give it a try. Use this link for a free month of Focusmate Plus, and don’t forget to favorite my profile so we can team up! More to do in QueensIn partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - another local events newsletter worth having in your inbox - sign up here. Does Your Family Business Need An Advisory Board? | Tue Sep 9, 12–2 pm | Queens Chamber of Commerce, 75-20 Astoria Blvd S • Practical talk on boards and growth • RSVP encouraged → Join the discussion​ Queens Night Market | Sat Sep 13, 4 pm–midnight | Flushing Meadows Corona Park • 100+ vendors, global bites, live music • Transit encouraged, $15 parking → Explore the market​ 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: |
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.
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...