Mahjong has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, with the number of events posted to Eventbrite rising 179 percent nationally between 2023 and 2024.
Here in the Bay Area, the growth is particularly notable, with mahjong gatherings happening nearly every day of the week—not to mention frequent pop-ups and community events throughout the region.
One of those leading the surge is San Francisco’s The Mahjong Movement, an organization born with the hope of promoting empathy and compassion for Asian culture and community and bringing together people from different communities and age groups.
Players at a mahjong event hosted by The Mahjong Movement(Courtesy of @mahjongmovement)
“I was looking for a way to bridge connections with Asian elders and the Bay Area community,” says founder and president Lily Ho. “It brings me joy when I see people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds sitting at a table together, playing a shared game.”
The Mahjong Movement now hosts events and pop-ups across the region in partnership with venues like The Jay Hotel and the Asian Art Museum. We’ve rounded them up—along with several other regular events—so you can find a mahjong game (almost) any day of the week.
Mondays
Mamahuhu Mahjong Mondays: Mamahuhu hosts Mahjong Mondays at all four of their restaurant locations in Inner Richmond, Noe Valley, Mill Valley, and the recently opened Palo Alto. Each week, they bring people from all walks of life together over a beginners’ table and open table play. The restaurant by chef Brandon Jew crafts the perfect snacks for play: Chinese-American takeout classics from perfectly crunchy sweet-and-sour chicken to a delightful pineapple bun chicken sandwich. Don’t forget to end your game with one of their iconic chop suey sundaes spanning a unique selection of flavors. // Multiple locations, details at eatmamahuhu.com
Mahjong Mondays at Mamahuhu(Courtesy of @eatmamahuhu)
Tuesdays
The Mahjong Lair at Dragon Well Tuesday Nights: Tuesday nights from 5pm to 9pm, The Mahjong Lair at Dragon Well offers mahjong tables, tiles, complimentary snacks, and Red Blossom teas for $20 a person. Guests can reserve single seats or complete tables, as well as instruction for either Hong Kong- or American-style play. Seasoned mentors are at each event to share their love of the game, and snacks include crab wontons, Kung Pao tofu, and a variety of other small plates and drinks. // 2142 Chestnut St. (Marina), dragonwell.com
Wednesdays
The Ferry Building Marketplace Wednesday Mahjong Meetup: Head to The Ferry Building for an afternoon of mahjong on Wednesdays from 3pm to 6pm. Players of all skill levels gather in the plaza, where mahjong sets and Chinese-style play instruction are provided. (Guests are welcome to bring their own sets if they prefer.) Currently on a holiday break, mahjong play will pick back up again in January. // 1 Ferry Bldg. (Embarcadero), ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
Thursdays
Mahjong and Martinis at The Jay Hotel: The Jay Hotel hosts a Mahjong & Martini Happy Hour in partnership with The Mahjong Movement on its terrace every other Thursday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The free event offers four open-play tables, complimentary mahjong sets, and a martini menu inspired by iconic mahjong moves and concepts. Sip on a signature “Pong” or “Chow” and enjoy delicious bites from the Third Floor’s happy hour menu—all while taking in sweeping views of the Embarcadero cityscape. Open to all skill levels, the event also makes instructors available to guide and assist players throughout the evening. // 433 Clay St. (Jackson Square), jayhotelsf.com
Mahjong players meet up at the Ferry Plaza on Wednesdays.(Courtesy of The Ferry Building Marketplace)
Fridays
13 Orphans Friday Night Mahjong at Baba’s House: 13 Orphans is an intimate, Asian-American-owned mahjong den and speakeasy built on community and connection that brings people together over the shuffling of tiles and thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails inspired by the elements of traditional Chinese medicine and tea. 13 Orphans’ Friday night event is $17.77 a person, and includes mahjong sets, instruction, and tea elixirs. // 410 15th St. (Oakland), thisisbabashouse.com
Sundays
Sunday Mahjong Sessions at UN Plaza Civic Center: Spend your Sunday at UN Plaza with drop-in games of both mahjong and chess offered every week from 11am to 2pm. The Mechanics’ Institute provides free lessons and on-site guidance, making it a welcoming spot for beginners and seasoned players alike. It’s the perfect way to follow up a visit to the vibrant Fulton Plaza market just across the street. // UN Plaza, 1150 Market St. (Civic Center), sfciviccenter.org
Sunday Mahjong at The Asian Art Museum: In another offering from The Mahjong Movement, The Asian Art Museum hosts free, open-table mahjong play on the second Sunday of each month. Guests can mingle, listen to great tunes, and snack on Pocky, hawthorn berry, and White Rabbit sweets—all while learning and playing the great game of mahjong. // 200 Larkin St. (Civic Center), calendar.asianart.org
The Jay hosts mahjong every other Thursday.(Courtesy of The Jay Hotel)