What's Happening This Week in
Downtown Jamaica
Dates of Note This Week

July 2019
  • NYC Foam Ban is being fully enforced. NYC establishments found in violation of the NYC Foam Ban will receive fines. For more information, visit here.

Saturday, July 13
  • Family Fun on the Ave begins and the Jamaica Downtown Jazz Festival continues!

Friday, July 12 - Sunday, July 14
  • Sidewalk Sales Days, a favorite warm weather activity, are back on Jamaica Avenue for the second weekend in a row! Shoppers learn more here. Participating retailers, download your permit here.
Jamaica Center BID Brings Family Fun to Jamaica Avenue!

This Saturday, July 13, all vehicle traffic will be diverted off of Jamaica Avenue from Parsons Boulevard to 162nd Street allowing the street to be transformed into a unique playground with plenty to do for all ages. The day’s entertainment will include a bubble art performance by Chris Catanese, better known as “Bubbledad ”, and a hands-on history activity courtesy of King Manor Museum .
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning will provide a hip-hop class to kick off the event at 11:15 a.m. and will showcase jazz performer Napoleon Revels-Bey at 1 p.m., who will be participating in their Downtown Jamaica Jazz Festival also happening the same weekend. Jamaica Center BID’s Family Fun on the Ave will also include free face-painting, a variety of games ranging from giant Jenga to huge checkers, the schoolyard favorite: double dutch jump-roping, and a coloring area where adults and children alike can enjoy the relaxing activity of coloring using a selection of quirky and cute coloring books!

We're so excited for this new event and we're looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday!
Jamaica Downtown Jazz Festival

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) proudly announces the inaugural Jamaica Downtown Jazz Festival launching this Friday, July 12 and continuing through the weekend . The Jamaica Downtown Jazz Festival is a flagship music festival for Downtown Jamaica, Queens – “home of jazz." The festival aims to celebrate the rich jazz heritage rooted in Southeast Queens by promoting generations of talent who hail from diverse cultures residing in our community today. 
 
This weekend-long music marathon is paying homage to Southeast Queens native Milford Graves and featuring some of the most prominent names in jazz along with emerging musicians. These concerts will take place in venues along Jamaica Avenue, particularly between the Jamaica Arts Center and Jamaica Performing Arts Center, a downtown cultural corridor envisioned by JCAL.
 
The BID and JCAL would like to see the entire community come out to celebrate this unique celebration of our cultural heritage! 
  • Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning presents: JAMAICA DOWNTOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL

  • Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14, 2019

  • 16 FREE jazz concerts, 2 FREE exhibitions, 2 films, 2 headline concerts, and 1 jazz tour
District Deals
Jamaica Center BID Value Card

Sign up for our Value Card and we'll send you a digital version of the card to use in participating stores on Jamaica Avenue.

Below are the stores that are accepting the Value Card with 10% discounts! Check them out when you're out and about.



Jamaica Center BID businesses: Have a district deal you want to share with over 3,000 people? Send it to us, and we'll post it in our newsletter! Email us below!
Raymour & Flanigan

  • Save up to $1,000 on mattresses!

Downtown Jamaica Business Resources
Application Deadline Approaching!

Downtown Jamaica Storefront Improvement Program

New York City Department of Small Business Services' Downtown Jamaica Storefront Improvement Program provides funding to local property owners and businesses to complete exterior building renovation projects. The program reimburses up to 75% of the cost of eligible improvements with a maximum grant of $20,000 per property!  
Jamaica Center BID Banner Program

Calling all businesses! Participate in our banner program and promote your brand throughout Downtown Jamaica through a sponsorship banner! This September new banners will be raised throughout Jamaica Avenue. Contact the BID to learn more.
Building Bridges: Understand Fundraising for 2020

At this workshop, you'll learn fundraising strategies to support your organization’s funding efforts by identifying, cultivating, asking, and saying thank you to donors. You'll also receive free resource guides on volunteer management and board governance and network with other community leaders.

Restaurant Loan Program

Jamaica Center BID's recent Commercial District Needs Assessment identified that local residents and workers want more restaurants in the neighborhood. Now is an opportune time to open a restaurant: Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is looking to help restaurant entrepreneurs open restaurants in Downtown Jamaica with a loan program offering up to $150,000! Learn more and apply below.
Downtown Jamaica Leasing Opportunities
Jamaica Avenue Retail Opportunity

Located at the northeast corner of Merrick Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue.


  • Heart of Downtown Jamaica shopping

  • Heavy foot traffic

  • Steps away from five bus lines and three subway lines. Accessible via LIRR and Airtrain
Jamaica Avenue Prime Commercial Office Space for Lease

Prime commercial office space for lease on Jamaica Avenue!


  • Turn key space located on Jamaica Avenue

  • Heavy foot traffic in the heart of Downtown Jamaica

  • Steps away from five bus lines and three subway lines. Accessible via LIRR and Airtrain
About Business and Event Promotions in this Newsletter : Businesses and organizations located in the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District between Sutphin Blvd and 169th Street are invited to submit promotional information for possible inclusion in our newsletter. Events happening near or immediately adjacent to the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District may also be considered for inclusion on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to reject or edit materials for length, style, timeliness, and appropriateness. This newsletter serves to inform our community about events, opportunities and commercial activity in Downtown Jamaica, within specifically the Jamaica Center BID boundaries.