Mahjong Resurgence Spawns Hidden Parlor in Andover

ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 7, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- More than a century after Mahjong swept across America in the early 1920s, the game is experiencing a resurgence, drawing in both longtime players and a new generation. According to Eventbrite data reported by Boston.com, Boston-area Mahjong events increased by 420% from 2024 to 2025. This trend is mirrored in search data from Yelp's 2026 Trend Forecast, which found that searches for "mahjong clubs" increased by 4,467%, while searches for "mahjong lessons" rose by 819%, as reported by The Boston Globe.

In the heart of downtown Andover, The Hidden Parlor has opened its doors, offering a unique space for American Mahjong enthusiasts. Located at 69 Park Street, the Parlor features a hidden entrance that leads to spaces for playing Mahjong, a library lounge, a Zoom room, and member lockers. More than 70 people from over two dozen communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire have already joined the Hidden Parlor Society, a testament to the game's enduring appeal.

Working mothers with elementary-school children, empty nesters, and retirees are among the diverse group of members, bringing people at different stages of life together at the same table.

The Hidden Parlor's opening week saw more than 60 members and guests visit, with six tables in play for the opening night of the Tuesday Evening League. While American Mahjong is at the center of The Hidden Parlor today, plans extend beyond the game, with a book club, bridge, and other social games in the works. Guests can reserve open play, lessons, guided play, and select events.

The Hidden Parlor Society Website: www.thehiddenparlorsociety.