Welcome to Mahjong in the Sun!
Your go-to spot for weekly mahjong meetups, upcoming Northeast Florida events, beginner resources, and private Mahjong in the Sun experiences.
Mahjong in the Sun Experiences, Meetups + Friday Mahj Club
Curious about all the mahjong buzz? Mahjong in the Sun hosts a variety of Mahjong 101 experiences, open play events, social gatherings, and community meetups throughout Northeast Florida designed to help players learn, connect, and play.
A great place to start is our Free Friday Mahj Club at Really Good Beer Stop in Nocatee every Friday from 12–3 PM. Whether you're an experienced player looking for a game or simply curious about learning more, Friday Club is the perfect opportunity to meet the Mahjong in the Sun team, connect with fellow mahjong enthusiasts, watch live games, and learn about upcoming Mahjong 101 lessons, events, and experiences.
Come see what makes mahjong so addictive, social, and fun—we'd love to welcome you to the table.
Stay in the Loop
Fill out the form to join the Friday Club email list and to be the first to know about:
upcoming Friday Club meetups
special themed events
Mahjong 101 lessons
open pay gatherings
new Northeast Florida event dates
partner perks, discount codes, and special offers
Celebrate International Mahjong Day with us!
Celebrate International Mahjong Day with us! Join Mahjong in the Sun for an afternoon of friendly competition, community, charcuterie, drinks and prizes at our first-ever International Mahjong Day Tournament. Limited seating is available—learn more and claim your seat at the table!
Upcoming Events
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FRIDAY MAHJ CLUB
Every Friday - NOON-3pm @ Really Good Beer Stop Nocatee
Join us every Friday for Friday Mahj Club — our weekly open play mahjong meetup filled with great games, social time, and lots of laughs.
This free community event is open to all levels, whether you’re a seasoned player or just mahj-curious. No RSVP needed — just drop in, bring your tiles, and meet new friends around the table.
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Mahjong + Candle Making Experiences
Mahjong in the Sun is excited to be partnering with Pour! DIY Candle Studio on upcoming Mahjong 101 and Open Play Experiences! Visit our event page for details and to purchase tickets.
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Mahj, Sip & Shop at The Gifted Boutique
Join Mahjong in the Sun at The Gifted Boutique for Mahj, Sip & Shop on Wednesday, July 22 from 5–8 PM! Choose from a beginner-friendly Mahjong 101 Experience or Open Play Mahjong for experienced players, then sip, shop, and connect with our growing mahjong community. Every guest will receive a special goody bag and raffle entry for prizes!
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International Mahjong Day Tournament
Celebrate International Mahjong Day with Mahjong in the Sun at our first-ever tournament on Saturday, August 1! Join our growing mahjong community for an afternoon of tournament play, a delicious charcuterie lunch from Let’s Cheese Jax, drinks from Really Good Beer Stop, photo opp from Bounce for Love, local shopping, raffle prizes, and plenty of fun on and off the tables. Come for the mahj, stay for the experience, and celebrate the game and community we love!
Helpful Mahjong Resources
Whether you’re brand new to mahjong or building your own setup, here are a few helpful resources to get you started.
Mahjong 101 Sheet
A quick reference guide to hep you feel more confident at the table.
2026 National Mah Jongg League Card
Purchase your official 2026 National Mah Jongg League card and be ready to jump into the Mahjong in the Sun community!
Favorite Brands + Discount Codes
Explore a few of our favorite mahjong brands, accessories, and partner offers. Use code MAHJONGINTHESUN to receive a discount.
We’re proud to share a few of our favorite brands and Friday Club partners to help you build your mahjong setup in style.
Meet the Mahjong in the Sun Team
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Laura Gainor
FOUNDER
Laura is the founder of Mahjong in the Sun and Pickleball in the Sun, where she creates community-driven experiences that bring people together through play. With a background in marketing and brand partnerships, she works with clubs, resorts, and companies to design engaging, social events rooted in connection.After building a platform in pickleball, Laura saw the same momentum building around mahjong and launched Mahjong in the Sun to introduce a modern, approachable way to learn and experience the game. From Mahjong 101 lessons to private events and brand activations, she’s passionate about creating spaces where people connect, learn, and have fun.
Her philosophy: pickleball in the morning, mahjong in the afternoon.
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Louis Carbone
AMBASSADOR
Louis is the youth ambassador for Pickleball in the Sun and Mahjong in the Sun, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a love for both games to the community. At just 10 years old, Louis is already making his mark—balancing his passion for pickleball with his growing role in helping introduce others to mahjong.A natural on and off the court, Louis assists with events, helps welcome new players, and creates content that reflects the fun and connection behind both games. His journey is a great example of the multi-generational spirit that defines the community—pickleball in the morning, mahjong in the afternoon.
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Jessica Carbone
AMBASSADOR
Jessica is an Ambassador for Pickleball in the Sun and Mahjong in the Sun, playing an integral role in bringing the community together each week at Friday Club. From helping set the stage for events to welcoming new faces, she is a natural connector who makes every gathering feel inviting and seamless.
As Louis’ mom—and his biggest supporter—Jessica also jokingly holds the title of his pickleball and mahjong “agent,” championing his journey while being deeply involved in the growth of the community. Her passion for connection and shared experiences is at the heart of everything she does.
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Alice Frazier
INSTRUCTOR
If there’s one person who proves Mahjong can become an obsession in the best possible way, it’s Alice. From the moment she learned the game, she was hooked.
A fun fact: Alice played more than 1,000 online Mahjong games on I Love Mahj in just two months—and that's in addition to countless in-person games, lessons, and community events. Her passion for the game is contagious, and her students consistently rave about her ability to make Mahjong approachable, engaging, and fun.
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Kennedy Blair
INSTRUCTOR
Kennedy Blair is a true people person and natural community builder. By day, she serves as a People & Operations Specialist at Pro Shop, and locally she’s been a familiar face at The Pickle Garden Pro Shop at The Yards. Her energy and enthusiasm shine through in every Mahjong 101 lesson she leads, creating a welcoming and fun environment for beginners. We’re excited to have Kennedy as part of the Mahjong in the Sun team for this special Mahj & Mingle experience at The Yards.
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Emerson Frazier
AMBASSADOR
Emerson has quickly become one of Mahjong in the Sun's most requested and beloved instructors. Since helping teach at our inaugural event at The Yards, players have continually asked when she'll be back at the table.
Known for her warm smile, positive attitude, and patient approach, Emerson helps make every Mahjong experience memorable.
Book Your Own Mahjong in the Sun Experience
Want to bring Mahjong in the Sun to your group, venue, brand, or celebration? We offer private mahjong experiences designed to make hosting easy and memorable.
Shop Our Store
Bring the tiles to the beach with the Mahjong in the Sun Beach Towel — designed for players who love sunshine, social games, and stylish summer vibes.
Featuring the vibrant Mahjong in the Sun logo with playful tile icons and bold beachy stripes, this towel captures the spirit of the growing mahjong lifestyle — from poolside game days to beach vacations and resort retreats.
Soft, absorbent, and generously sized at 30” x 60”, it’s perfect for relaxing between games, drying off after a swim, or packing along for your next mahjong getaway.
Details
Size: 30” x 60”
Soft, absorbent beach towel
Signature Mahjong in the Sun design with tile icons
Great for beach days, poolside lounging, travel, and mahjong meetups
A fun gift for mahjong lovers and sunshine seekers
Bring a little sunshine to your mahjong table.
The Mahjong in the Sun Tablecloth was designed to make hosting mahjong effortless while adding a vibrant, modern look to your game nights. At 56” x 56”, it’s the perfect base layer for your mahjong setup—simply place your playing mat on top and you’re ready to go.
The tablecloth protects your table, anchors your setup, and creates a polished backdrop for tiles, racks, and accessories. Featuring the signature Mahjong in the Sun gradient palette and playful paddle-inspired pattern, it blends the social energy of pickleball with the timeless fun of mahjong—perfect for game nights, mahjong clubs, and sunny gatherings with friends.
Features:
56” x 56” square — ideal for standard mahjong tables
Designed to pair with your mahjong mat for easy gameplay
Protects surfaces while creating a clean, styled game setup
Bright Mahjong in the Sun design that makes your table pop
Perfect for home games, clubs, resorts, and events
Whether you're hosting Mahj & Mingle, a Friday Club game, or a casual night with friends, this tablecloth sets the scene for a stylish and welcoming mahjong table.
Set the table. Shuffle the tiles. Let the games begin.
Meet your new go-to hat for sunny days and mahjong play. The MAHJ Trucker Hat is designed for the effortless, social lifestyle that defines Mahjong in the Sun—whether you're playing poolside, heading to the courts, or grabbing a drink after a game.
Featuring a structured front with bold MAHJ lettering and breathable mesh backing, this hat blends style and comfort for all-day wear. Lightweight, adjustable, and easy to throw on, it’s the perfect finishing touch to your “pickleball in the morning, mahjong in the afternoon” routine.
Classic trucker fit with mesh back
Bold MAHJ front design
Adjustable snapback closure
Made for sunny days, social play, and wherever the tiles take you
Wear it. Play in it. Live the lifestyle.
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