The short answer: National Mahjong Day is August 1 every year. The US observance started in 2019 and is promoted by Mahjong organizations including the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). On that day, players across the country host meetups, tournaments, and charity games — and it is a perfect excuse to start playing.
If you are asking when is National Mahjong Day, the answer never changes: August 1, every year, since 2019. It is not a public holiday — no banks close — but for players, it is a holiday.
What is National Mahjong Day all about?
- A yearly US observance held on August 1, created in 2019.
- Goal: get people to learn Mahjong and grow the social side of the game.
- Backed by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) and other Mahjong groups.
- Marked with meetups, tournaments, charity events, and free play nights.
That date answers the core question of when is National Mahjong Day, but the point is why: the organizers wanted one fixed day to celebrate Mahjong’s community, not its competition.
How can you celebrate on August 1?
- Host a game night. Four players, a table, and one NMJL card is all you need.
- Join a club event. Many clubs run open houses and charity tournaments on the day.
- Learn first. Read our what is Mahjong guide and the history of who invented Mahjong.
- Play online. No group nearby? Play free mahjong solitaire online right now.
So when is National Mahjong Day? August 1, every year. Circle the date, find three friends, and deal. For the full picture, see when Mahjong was invented and where it originated.
Related Questions
Is National Mahjong Day a public holiday?
No. It is an observance day, not an official holiday. Schools, banks, and offices stay open — but mahjong tables get busy that evening.
Who started National Mahjong Day?
Mahjong organizations, led by the National Mah Jongg League, promoted the day starting in 2019 to welcome newcomers and celebrate the community that keeps the game alive.
Is there an International Mahjong Day too?
Some countries and communities mark their own mahjong celebrations on different dates, and international play is growing fast. August 1 remains the main US date for National Mahjong Day.