Kelly Walker was eager to connect with new friends when she started hosting mahjong nights at her home about a year ago.

Why it matters: The game nights became so popular that venues across New Orleans are asking her to set up shop.

The big picture: Mahjong is an ancient Chinese game that's grown wildly popular across the U.S. in the past few years.

• Searches for the game on Eventbrite were up 365% between 2023 and 2024, the event app reports.
• Mahjong is even reshaping holiday traditions and creating a new career path for expert teachers.

Zoom in: As for Walker, she just wanted a way to expand her social circle.

• "None of my friends in New Orleans knew how to play mahjong, and those who did know how to play weren't interested in newcomers" to their established games, Walker says. "I got together with a group of eight ladies who were interested, and had a friend come over and teach us how to play."
• And that was that, but soon the demand outpaced Walker's home. Now, she hosts pop-up game nights at The Chloe and Hotel Saint Vincent.
• But even that seems not to be enough. A one-night event at Saba in December quickly became two.

What she's saying: "It's a reflection of how much people are craving time with other people and casual conversation," Walker says.

• Plus, learning the game itself is all part of the fun.
• "It's very rewarding when you win because the learning curve is pretty steep," she says. "It's pretty intimidating, so I'm trying to break those barriers down and make people feel like it's an approachable game. ... Anybody can come and play."

If you go: Follow SaintMahj on Instagram to find the next event.

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Another weekend. Another packed schedule.

• What's on tap...

🐷 Hogs for the Cause: One of the country's largest and most popular barbecue and music festivals.

• We judged their barbecue competition last year.

🤠 Hondo Rodeo Fest: Organizers say this event at the Caesars Superdome is the biggest rodeo in Louisiana history. Our guide.

🚤 New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix: The second annual event takes over the Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie.

🌷 Spring Garden Show: This fundraiser at City Park tomorrow has lectures, specialty plants and lots of gardening enthusiasts.

😱 Overlook Film Festival: A four-day celebration of all things horror.

🤩 Giant Puppet Festival: Artists from around the globe perform at various venues. Several are family-friendly.

🇹🇭 Thai Food Festival: Celebrate the Thai New Year on Sunday at the Thai Temple in English Turn.

🌎 Earth Day Fest: This free celebration at the Broadside has music, food trucks and green vendors.

🎀 Hello Kitty: The cafe truck will sell merch tomorrow at Lakeside Shopping Center for its 10th anniversary tour.

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