Upcoming Dates of Note
Friday, June 14 - Sunday, June 16
  • Sidewalk Sales Days, a favorite warm weather activity, are back for week two in June on Jamaica Avenue! Shoppers learn more here. Participating retailers, download your permit here.

Sunday, June 16
  • Father's Day
What's Happening This Week in
Downtown Jamaica
Last Week was big in Downtown Jamaica!

Last week the BID was busy throughout the district! We attended Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning's (JCAL) grand opening of their Co-Work space and canvassed the Ave talking to businesses about NYC Department of Small Business Services' Storefront Improvement Program. You can find out more about the program in this newsletter.

Lastly, Burlington Coat Factory opened providing the community great deals for the entire family! Welcome Burlington!
SAVE THE DATE! Family Fun On The Ave!

Weekend Walks comes to Downtown Jamaica for the first time ever! On Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, August 17 on Jamaica Avenue (Parsons to 162nd Street) we'll enliven the street with games and activities for kids and families.

Slated Activities will include musical performances, life-sized games, a mini golf course, dance classes, kids’ corner (including hands-on science and reading activities via the Uni Project ), Bubbledad, community vendors and plenty of movable tables and chairs for lingering.

Stay tuned for more information on this exiting event for the community!
Call Me By Your Name: How a Little Film Touched So Many Lives: Film Screening and Book Talk

In celebration of LGBTQ pride month, the Queens Public Library presents a public screening of Luca Guadagnino’s Oscar winning film, “Call Me By Your Name” (2017), in tandem with Barbara Mirell’s book “Call Me By Your Name: How a Little Film Touched So Many Lives.” The author will be leading a discussion and Q&A with the audience after the film screening.

Thursday Night Jazz with Kalia Vandever

See Kalia Vandever, a trombonist, composer, and educator perform at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning's(JCAL) Thursday Night Jazz!

Spanning the Caribbean with AfriCarib Steel Pan Band

Enjoy the smooth sounds of the AfriCarib steel pan band and try to stay in your seat. They will have you feeling like you are on an island as they play all of the familiar soca, calypso, and reggae tunes.

The Jamaica Dance Festival 2019

In celebration of the legacy of dance in Jamaica, Queens, A Better Jamaica is pleased to present The Jamaica Dance Festival 2019. This year's festival will span two more Saturdays -- June 15th and June 22nd at Rufus King Park and is FREE to the public. Harlem Stage E-Moves On Tour artists It's Showtime NYC , TweetBoogie , Sun & Cein and Long Arms will be performing this Friday!

Bring a chair/blanket, or come early to grab one of the park's cafe tables!

Queens International Children's Festival

A two-day fun-filled family event that brings high-quality arts, performances, and arts & crafts to downtown Jamaica Queens. Each day is filled with hands-on activities to inspire young people and families to enjoy the arts together.

Queens Arts Fund 2020

Applications are now open! If you are planning a new Queens-based arts project or cultural program in 2020, the Queens Arts Fund can support you!
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.

We're adding new stores weekly! Below are the updated 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

  • The Big Deal Sale
  • Up to 33% off sofas
Downtown Jamaica Business Resources
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!
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!
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 162nd Street.


  • Heavy foot traffic

  • In the heart of Downtown Jamaica

  • Located on the #1 retail corridor in Queens

  • Steps away from five bus lines and three subway lines. Accessible via LIRR and Airtrain
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
Community Assistance & Resources
Power Of A Father's Faith Conference

The Power of a Father’s Faith conference is part of a larger goal of personal awareness for men, particularly men raising young women and girls. This conference will highlight how a father's influence help shape female self-esteem, self-image, confidence and opinions of men.

2019 Housing Resource Fair

Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica invites one and all to the 2019 Housing Resource Fair. Come find out what it takes to buy a home in today’s market, learn about financing for home repairs, find out how to save on property taxes, learn how and where to look for apartments, find out about scams affecting seniors.

New From NYC DOT

NYC DOT will implement safety improvements on Union Hall Street between Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue. Implementation has begun

  • Add new Access-A-Ride stop mid-block between Jamaica Ave. and Archer Ave

  • Install an enhanced crossing mid-block at the new Access-A-Ride stop

  • Install pedestrian ramps at the new mid-block crossing
About Business and Event Promotions in this Newsletter : Businesses 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 around the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District are also included. 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.