Shop, Mingle & Mahj: Mahjong in Carlsbad
The Night
Some things just feel right from the start, and Tuesday night at Khara Collective was one of them. Khara has been building something special in this community since 2010 and if Tuesday night was anyone’s first time in her shop, it will likely not be their last.
On April 21st, Carlsbad Days hosted the Shop, Mingle & Mahj event and the energy in the room said it all. A sold out, group of locals gathered at a favorite spot of mine for an evening of shopping, mingling, and a crash course in Mahjong.
The space smelled absolutely incredible. Khara Collective had beautiful candles burning throughout the shop all evening and it set the most perfect tone the moment you walked in. If you haven't been into the shop yet, the candle selection alone is reason enough to go.
Before the lesson everyone had time to explore the shop and it did not disappoint. Khara Collective is not your average boutique. Yes there are beautiful things to browse and buy, but the heart of what Khara has built is really about gifting… pre-curated collections, completely custom creations, and the kind of thoughtful curation that takes the stress out of finding something meaningful for the people you love. She handles everything (including wrapping) so you don't have to, which is such a gift in itself.
Some women came not knowing a single soul. By the end of the night they were laughing, strategizing across the table, and exchanging numbers.
That might be the thing I am most proud of from the entire evening. Something about learning together, really focusing and being present, has a way of fast tracking connection. Mahjong demanded our full attention and it turns out that was a gift. No phones, no distraction, just the tiles and the people across from you.
The charcuterie spread from Graze deserves its own moment. Kathleen, who owns and operates Graze, is truly an artist. The way she selects and pairs ingredients, cheeses that complement the crackers perfectly, salami rolled into the most beautiful little flowers, fruit and accents placed just so… it is as much visual as it is delicious. Her boards are always dependable, always stunning, and they have a way of making any event feel instantly elevated. The spread was the first thing guests gravitated toward when they walked in and it set the tone for the whole evening. If you are planning an event in the San Diego area, Kathleen is your person.
And then there were the napkins. The most adorable Mahjong napkins that said MAHJONG WITH MAHGIRLS and honestly, that is exactly what the night was.
It is worth noting that Khara Collective is one of the few places I have found in the area where you can find Mahjong themed gifts and merch in person. If you are looking for a hostess gift, a birthday idea, or just a little something to celebrate your new tile obsession, start here.
One of my favorite things Ashley taught us was the Bird Bam tradition. In American Mahjong the 1 Bam tile is traditionally depicted as a bird rather than a bamboo stalk alone, and when a player discards it the table erupts in a "Bird Bam!" toast. It is one of those little rituals that makes the game feel alive and I have a feeling it is going to become a staple at every Mahjong night in my future.
Tiffany of Magnolia Rose Photography was there capturing the evening and we are so grateful for every shot. She really is a photo storyteller!
Meet Ashley, Founder of Mingle & Mahj San Diego
Every great night has a person behind it who makes the magic happen, and for our Shop, Mingle & Mahj event that person was Ashley, founder of Mingle & Mahj San Diego.
Ashley launched Mingle & Mahj San Diego with a simple but powerful mission, to bring people together through the game of Mahjong.
Based right here in Carlsbad, she teaches beginner classes and hosts events designed to make learning Mahjong feel less like a lesson and more like a night out with friends. She brought her poster boards to teach the game visually and walked the group through the basics in a way that actually made sense for complete beginners. Everyone felt included.
What makes Ashley's approach special is that she understands the game is really just the vehicle. The connection, the laughs, the "wait I think I've got it" moments. That is what she is really creating space for and it shows.
We also got to see a few different Mahjong mat and tile styles and learned a little bit of the history of the game along the way. It made the whole experience feel richer and more meaningful, not just a tutorial.
The fact that Ashley is a Carlsbad local launching her business right here in our community made the night feel even more special. We were not just learning Mahjong. We were cheering on one of our own.
Ashley plans on adding more classes to her website so keep an eye out. My PSA today is that she has gift cards for sale available on her website, which makes for a truly unique and memorable Mother's Day gift. Or honestly, any gift. Browse her upcoming classes and gift cards here.
So What IS Mahjong?
If you have been Mahjong-curious but had no idea where to start, you are not alone. Most people have seen the tiles, heard the click-clack sound, and thought "that looks fun but also kind of complicated." Here is the thing… it is way more approachable than it looks.
Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China and has been played for many years. A version that is popular in the United States is American Mahjong, which is governed by the National Mahjong League and played with a card that changes every year. This is the version that Ashley of Mingle & Mahj San Diego teaches. Think of it like a bingo card meets a puzzle meets a social event. You are drawing tiles, building combinations, and racing to complete a hand before anyone else at the table does.
Each game is played with four players, 152 tiles, and one very important card, the 2026 National Mahjong League card. The card lists all the winning combinations for that year and is basically your cheat sheet and roadmap in one.
What makes American Mahjong special is what happens around the table. It is a social game by nature. You are talking, laughing, strategizing, and spending real time with the people across from you. It is the kind of game that turns a Tuesday night into a FUN Tuesday night.
What You Need to Start Playing
Some links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tiles pictured are from Mahjong Co., Celestial Mahjong Tiles. See below for the link.
One of the most common things that happens after a first Mahjong lesson is an immediate online shopping spiral. It’s a natural response when you are riding the Mahjong high. Here are a few ideas worth checking out so you can start playing right away. Whether that is at your kitchen table, on the patio, or on a Carlsbad beach (I haven’t tried it yet but it’s on my Summer Bucket List).
The 2026 National Mahjong League Card Non-negotiable. You cannot play American Mahjong without the current year's card — it lists every winning hand for the season. Here is the link to the 2026 National Mahjong League card.
A Mahjong Tile Set This is your starting point after snagging your card. Remember that there are beautiful sets at every price point.
Mini Mahjer for Beginners AND Families
A note on Mahjong sets — there is truly something for every budget and every style. The sets linked above are fantastic options for anyone just getting started or wanting a quality set without a big investment. But it would not be right to talk about Mahjong accessories without mentioning a few brands that have built a cult following in the Mahjong world for their stunning, high end designs. Oh My Mahjong, My Fair Mahjong, and Bam Bird Boutique are names you will hear repeatedly as you fall deeper into this hobby (amoung others). Their sets and accessories are beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and absolutely worth knowing about when you are ready to treat yourself or someone you love. Choose whatever set gets you playing but consider this your introduction to the world of Mahjong shopping.
A Mahjong Mat There are endless options here as well. Here are a few to check out.
A Mahjong Tile Bag Because you will want your beautiful tiles to stay somewhere safe and cozy.
Tile Racks Good racks make the game so much easier to organize and enjoy. Here are a few options.
A Mahjong Carrying Case or Bag Because once you have a set, you are going to want to bring it everywhere. These keep everything organized and protected.
Bird Bam Glasses Because what is a Bird Bam toast without the right glass? Once you learn the tradition you may want a set of these on your table. They make the perfect hostess gift, birthday present, or treat yourself moment for any new Mahjong player.
Mahjong Napkins Theme out your Mahjong night with these.
Mahjong Jewelry and Accessories This is where it gets really fun. The Mahjong world has a whole aesthetic and the accessories are adorable. Tile earrings, charm bracelets, tote bags. This candle is fun and would make a great gift for anyone who just caught the bug.
Extras for the Table
Also, this is just a short list. I discover new options daily and will add them in as I can.
Stay in the Loop
Events like this one will get announced to Carlsbad Days newsletter subscribers first, before anywhere else. If you want to be the first to know about what is coming next, make sure you are on the list.
