Upcoming Dates of Note
Wednesday, June 19
  • Juneteenth

Friday, June 21
  • First day of summer

Friday, June 21 - Sunday, June 23
  • Sidewalk Sales Days, a favorite warm weather activity, are back for week three in June on Jamaica Avenue! Shoppers learn more here. Participating retailers, download your permit here.
What's Happening This Week in
Downtown Jamaica
Power Washing on Jamaica Ave is Complete and the Farmers Market is Back for the Summer!

Last week our Streetplus team did some power washing in the district continuing our spring cleaning on the Ave. Be gone grit and grime!

We also noticed that the Down to Earth Farmers Market is back for the summer in Parsons Public Space. The market will be open every Friday until 4 p.m. through the fall! Eating your veggies has never been easier!
SAVE THE DATE! Family Fun On The Ave!

Come hang with your neighbors when 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!
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.

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 one last Saturday -- June 22 at Rufus King Park and is FREE to the public. Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute's artists, White Wave Rising Young Soon Kim Dance Company and Parul Shah Dance Company will be performing this Saturday!

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

Telling the Art Deco Story of Jamaica

Did you know that Jamaica has a rich and exciting history told through its beautiful and special Art Deco buildings? Discover the neighborhood’s fascinating Art Deco architecture and design of the 1930s and ’40s with an expert from the Art Deco Society of New York, architectural historian Anthony W. Robins.

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.

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

  • Summer Frenzy Sale
  • Up to $700 off sectionals
Downtown Jamaica Business Resources
FREE Instagram Workshop for Small Business Owners

Attention Small Business Owners: Come to Downtown Jamaica’s Queens Central Library to learn how to set up your business Instagram page, take appealing pics, attract customers and use hashtags effectively. We’ll also show you how to get your business on Google Maps!

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!
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
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.