Am I a teacher or a curator? I've been asking myself that for months in Austin. Turns out the answer was "both," and Mahj in the Wild is what happens when I stop picking one.
What it actually is
Mahj in the Wild in Austin:
Sunrise is exactly what it sounds like. We hike to a secret Austin spot, watch the sun come up, and play mahjong while the city wakes up underneath us. Light breakfast and cold beverages included. This isn't a lesson — it's an experience built around a shared table. Capacity is capped at 4–8 players, on purpose. Wear comfortable activewear and closed-toe sneakers.
Mahj in the Wild takes the game out into Austin - a bridge at sunrise, a boutique, a salon, anywhere a table fits. No instruction, just skilled players, new friends, and a view.
Why play in a boring spot when you can play someplace amazing?!
Why I built this
It's not really about doing something unique for its own sake. It's about community and connection. I get to use my creative side to come up with wild ideas for where to play mahjong — a sunrise hike, a hidden Austin restaurant — but underneath the concept, it's always the same thing: the memories a table of people build together over a few hours. That's the actual gift here, and it's what keeps people coming back.
Boot Camp gets you playing. League play gives you a reason to come back regularly. But if you don't have time for a weekly commitment and you still want that connection — the wild idea, the fun, the shared table — this is for you. Come fill your bucket.
Who it's for
Sunrise is for the early risers who want a real Austin experience wrapped around their mahjong. Mahj in the Wild is for anyone craving their regular mahjong fix with better food and new faces at the table. (I come to get a break from cooking for my kids and further teach them independence) Both are for people who want community first and a game as the reason to gather. Perfect for a birthday, a milestone, a girls' morning, or any excuse to round up your favorite people.
See you out there,
Laurie 🌵
