Arts In The Parks
"Arts in the Parks" is a cultural creative program designed to introduce children to various forms of art. It takes place every Tuesday in the summer on the lawn@ Rufus King Park, Jamaica Ave btw 150th & 153rd St, courtesy of Cultural Collaborative Jamaica. This program not only promotes artistic exploration but also encourages outdoor play and community engagement.
Jamaica Arts & Music Summer (JAMS) Festival
The Jamaica Arts & Music Summer (JAMS) Festival marks its 30th anniversary with a dynamic, two-day celebration in downtown Jamaica on the first weekend in August. Attracting over 100,000 attendees, the festival transforms 10 blocks of Jamaica Avenue—from Parsons Blvd. to 170th Street—into a vibrant, car-free corridor filled with live entertainment, global cuisine, arts & crafts, and family-friendly activities.
JAMS highlights the rich cultural diversity of Queens while showcasing local artists, small businesses, and community organizations. The event promotes tourism, supports economic development, and connects residents to valuable community resources—all in a festive, inclusive atmosphere.
As a special bonus, the celebration begins the night before with “JAMS Under the Stars,” a lively moonlight concert that sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
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"JAMS Under the Stars," serves as the kickoff event for the following day's festivities.
Held in the historic greenery of Rufus King Park, this special musical tribute pays homage to the musical icons of Southeast Queens, featuring a mix of Jazz, R&B, rock, and funk and highlights the rich musical heritage of the area and setting the stage for a weekend of cultural at the JAMS Festival.
Holiday’s on the Avenue (HOTA)
Holidays on the Avenue (HOTA) brings festive energy and cultural programming to downtown Jamaica Center during the holiday shopping season. The initiative enables CCJ members to present diverse afternoon and evening events that engage the community and celebrate the arts.
Spanning November through January, HOTA honors the rich cultural traditions of Southeast Queens, including Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day—encouraging broad community participation in cultural arts programming.
The season officially begins with a Community Tree Lighting at Rufus King Park, marking the start of the holidays and symbolizing the continued revitalization of Jamaica.
Cultural Cafe
The Cultural Café is an exciting new performance series and venue dedicated to exploring various forms of creativity & musical expression. It serves as an ongoing platform for both professional and aspiring artists to develop their skills in vocals, instruments, and spoken word formats. The Cultural Café aims to provide a safe, educational, and exciting environment for the community to engage with diverse artistic performances. and experience a rich tapestry of musical talents and creativity.
