American Mahjong Open Play at HomeState Sherman Oaks

Most American mahjong games in LA happen at someone's dining room table, with a borrowed set and whoever could make it that week. HomeState's open play nights in Sherman Oaks move the game into a restaurant. Mahj Los Angeles runs the night, the tiles are already set out, and your ticket covers a drink and tacos. The next one is Tuesday, October 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. If you already know your way around a card, it's one of the easier weeknight things to do in Los Angeles to say yes to.

Who it's for

The organizers are blunt about this: experienced players only. This isn't a first lesson. If you've never passed tiles in the Charleston or aren't sure when a joker can fill in, you'll be lost at the table. Carolyn, the Mahj Los Angeles instructor, also teaches the game from scratch, so newer players are better off starting with a lesson.

You don't have to be an expert, though. Carolyn will be on hand for all three hours to help with questions, and that's useful when you're stuck on a hand and don't want to slow down the table.

You also don't need a full foursome. Book with three friends and you'll play together, or book on your own and the organizers will seat you with other solo players to fill out a table of four. Their FAQ says mahj is about mingling, and the solo option is built for exactly that.

The 2026 card

The National Mah Jongg League puts out a new card each year, listing the hands that count, so even longtime players spend a while relearning it. Part of the evening is an overview of the 2026 NMJL card from Carolyn. She's an ambassador for The Mahjong Line, a female-owned company that sells its tile sets directly to players, and the sets on the tables are theirs. If you've been eyeing one of their sets, this is a chance to play on it for a few hours before you buy.

Bring your own card. The tile sets and table setups are provided.

What the ticket covers

Tickets are $55.20. That gets you a food and drink ticket for one cocktail and two vegetarian tacos. The Eventbrite listing for the series says a non-alcoholic drink works too. You can order more food and drinks during the night.

If you don't plan to eat, you still need a ticket, because the price covers the space and the restaurant's service fees. Eventbrite lists the event as no refunds, so check your Tuesday before you book.

Getting there

HomeState's Sherman Oaks location is at 13424 Ventura Boulevard, a couple of miles east of the 405. A 5 p.m. start on a Tuesday puts most drives in the middle of rush hour, so leave extra time if you're coming over the hill. The listing doesn't mention parking. Plan to look for a spot on Ventura or the nearby side streets, and remember that Metro buses run along the boulevard too.

HomeState runs these as a recurring series of open play nights, so if October 6 doesn't work, watch the organizer's Eventbrite page for the next date. For more Things Happening In Los Angeles, browse the Los Angeles events page or the food and drink calendar. Pack your 2026 card. The tiles will already be on the table.