American Mahjong Open Play at HomeState Sherman Oaks

Mahjong has quietly become one of the more social ways to spend a weeknight in the city, and this one comes with dinner nearby. Mahj Los Angeles is taking over HomeState in Sherman Oaks for an American mahjong open play night, billed as an evening of "mahjong, friends + food." If you are sorting through things to do in Los Angeles that do not involve a screen, this is a good pick.

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Where: HomeState, 13424 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks Price: $55.20 through Eventbrite

What to expect

Open play means you show up, get seated and play. Sets are provided, so nobody has to haul a case of tiles across the Valley. Bring your own card, the scoresheet American players use to know which hands are legal for the season.

You do not need to arrive with a group of four. People who sign up on their own are matched with similar players to fill a table, which suits the mingling the organizers have in mind. Most tables will be American mahjong, but the host says she is happy to set up a table for Taiwanese or Hong Kong style if you let her know ahead of time.

Who it is for

The listing is clear that this is meant for people with some experience. You should know the basics of the game already. Even so, Carolyn, the founder of Mahjong Los Angeles, will be on hand to offer guidance through the night, so a rusty player or a recent learner should feel fine asking a question mid-hand.

Carolyn comes from a television background and has built her classes around teaching the game in a way that is easy to follow for all ages. Her group also works with The Mahjong Line, a female-owned company, so you may get a look at some striking tile designs in person.

Practical info

The ticket is required even if you do not plan to eat or drink, since the price helps cover the space and the restaurant's service. Plan to order food at your table while you play. HomeState sits along Ventura Boulevard, with street and nearby lot parking typical for Sherman Oaks, so give yourself a few extra minutes at the 5:00 PM start.

This is a Tuesday evening, which makes it an easy add to a week of upcoming events in Los Angeles that is otherwise light on plans. Browse more arts and culture events for other low-key nights out, or check what is on in the Los Angeles area before you book.

Grab your tickets through the official Eventbrite page, and bring your card.