Making Northwest Arkansas the Mahjong Capital of the South
When we first started teaching mahjong classes here in Northwest Arkansas, we thought we were simply sharing a game we loved. Over time, we’ve realized that mahjong is so much more than that. It’s a way for women to find connection, laughter, and belonging in a season of life when friendship can sometimes be hard to come by.
Something we hear all the time in our classes is, “I wish there was an easy way to find people to play with.”
That simple comment lit a spark for us and inspired an idea to help mahjong grow beyond our own tables and into the wider Northwest Arkansas community.
The Birth of the Northwest Arkansas Mahjong Community
We created the Northwest Arkansas Mahjong Community Facebook group because we believe this region is special and that mahjong can make it even more connected.
This group isn’t just for Mockingbird & Magnolia players or for people who have taken one of our classes. It’s for everyone who loves this game—or wants to learn it.
Image Courtesy of Jaclyn House, KNWA
We wanted to build a space where the mahjong community in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and beyond can come together to:
Find playing partners and start new tables
Share tips, favorite sets, and house rules
Ask questions without judgment, no matter your experience level
Learn about local events, open play nights, and tournaments
Celebrate wins, funny moments, and all the mahjong magic that happens around the table
Because at the end of the day, mahjong isn’t just about tiles and strategy. It’s about connection.
Why This Matters So Much to Us
Northwest Arkansas is growing faster than ever. In 2024 alone, more than 13,700 new residents moved here, and Benton County adds about 36 new neighbors every single day.
That means every week, new families are unpacking boxes, finding grocery stores, and wondering how to build community in a brand-new place. And for locals who’ve been here for years, many are still craving fresh friendships and meaningful connections beyond kids’ activities or the usual small talk.
We see mahjong as the perfect bridge.
When you sit at a mahjong table, you don’t have to worry about what to say or how to break the ice. You’re focused on learning, laughing, and cheering each other on. The game does the connecting for you.
We’ve watched strangers become friends after just one afternoon of playing together, and that’s the kind of magic we want to multiply across Northwest Arkansas.
What Makes This Group Different
From the beginning, we knew this group couldn’t just be another business page.
Yes, Mockingbird & Magnolia helped launch it, but the Northwest Arkansas Mahjong Community belongs to everyone who calls this region home and loves the game.
Image Courtesy of KNWA
It’s not a sales space or a self-promotion board. It’s a community hub—a place to lift each other up, share knowledge, and make sure no one ever has to say, “I want to play, but I don’t have anyone to play with.”
Whether you’re a complete beginner who’s never touched a tile, a seasoned player with a well-worn card, or someone who learned decades ago and wants to dust off the rack, you belong here.
We welcome every play style, every generation, and every background. If you love the sound of tiles clacking across the table, you’re one of us.
How You Can Join (and Help the Movement Grow)
We’d love for you to be part of the Northwest Arkansas Mahjong Community Facebook group.
Here’s how you can join in:
Join the group!
Introduce yourself and share where you live.
Post when you’re hosting a game or looking for a fourth.
Ask rules questions, swap strategy tips, or share a funny “Mahj moment.”
Shout out other local groups, teachers, or events you love. This community is built on inclusivity, not competition.
Our hope is that this becomes the place where anyone in NWA who loves mahjong can find their people.
And as more tables pop up in homes, coffee shops, breweries, and event spaces, we’ll be working together to make Northwest Arkansas truly the Mahjong Capital of the South.
Let’s Mahj y’all!
