In a remarkable shift, younger generations in Chicago are embracing age-old activities traditionally associated with older adults, such as mahjong, knitting, and baking. This trend is particularly evident at Dovetail Brewery’s taproom in North Center, where the unmistakable clack of mahjong tiles has taken center stage.
The game, once predominantly played by Chinese elders, is now attracting a younger crowd. According to Eventbrite, an online invitation platform, mahjong and baking events in the city have seen substantial growth over the past year, reflecting a broader movement across the United States.
Young people, particularly those from Gen Z, are exploring the analog world their grandparents once inhabited. They are finding joy in hands-on, screen-free activities, as noted by Eventbrite’s trends expert Roseli Ilano.
“This shift goes beyond simple nostalgia — it’s about building connections through shared, in-person experiences,” Ilano said in a recent blog post.
Eventbrite has been witnessing a surge in granny-inspired activities, ranging from knitting circles and baking classes to innovative events like mahjong nights in cocktail bars and embroidery circles in coffee shops.
The statistics reveal a booming interest in mahjong nationwide, with searches on Eventbrite rising by 365% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Chicago has also experienced a significant increase, with a staggering 233% jump in mahjong events, ranking second in the U.S. after Houston, which saw an astounding 867% growth.
This trend is not limited to mahjong alone; baking events in Chicago have surged by 119%, trailing behind cities like Miami and Houston. Across the U.S., a renaissance of needlework events is also gaining traction, with notable growth in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
Jenny Pfafflin, the brewer and marketing manager at Dovetail Brewery, attributed the brewery’s decision to host mahjong events to the need for engaging indoor activities during the long Chicago winter. Pfafflin reflected on her childhood memories of playing mahjong and observed friends in their 30s and 40s sharing the same passion for the game.
“It’s a low-key and fun way to socialize, and you get to learn a new game,” Pfafflin remarked. “After the pandemic shutdown, people are looking for ways to reconnect.”
Alyssa Gross, the founder of the Mahjong Society established in 2023, indicated that the society has rapidly gained traction by teaching nearly 1,500 people at various venues, from bars and restaurants to birthday parties. Gross emphasized that the demographic of participants varies widely, including individuals in their late twenties to mid-sixties, with the majority not being of Asian descent.
“Mahjong is booming in Chicago,” Gross stated, pointing out the appeal of the game’s slow-paced, screen-free nature. She noted that interest has been amplified by cultural references, such as the mahjong scene in the film ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’
Originating in China during the mid-1800s, mahjong found a new audience among Jewish American women during the 1950s. Its aesthetically pleasing tiles, engraved with Chinese characters, flowers, and dragons, contribute to its ongoing allure, with some sets even made from jade.
Residents like Karen Cornelius, 44, have also become enthusiastic players since discovering the Mahjong Society earlier this year. For Cornelius, the blend of social interaction and gameplay has been a refreshing addition to her life, evoking feelings of nostalgia and excitement.
“I think of 2025 as the year of the hobby — everyone is looking to add more to their lives,” Cornelius expressed, likening mahjong to a modern-day book club for socialization.
In addition to mahjong, other nostalgic crafts are re-emerging, highlighted by Jessica Woodburn’s Round Two Upcycled Craft Parties. Recently, she hosted a needle felting class at Old Irving Brewing, attracting a diverse group eager to engage in eco-friendly crafts.
Woodburn, who began her business in 2019, noted an overwhelming positive response from attendees who often express their long-lost desire for creativity. “People say ‘I am not creative, but this was so fun!’ Everyone is creative, and we should be using it more often,” she insisted.
The surge in interest for retro activities is apparent in Woodburn’s offerings, including classes to make Shrinky Dinks out of recycled plastic.
Reflecting on her millennial upbringing during a period of significant societal shifts, Woodburn opined that nostalgia provides comfort amid modern complexity, allowing individuals to reconnect with a simpler time. “There is very little we can control in today’s world. Focusing on activities tied to a less complicated era helps distract from current stressors,” she added.
Similarly, Kristin Hoffman, the owner and head chef instructor at Bettie’s Chicago, a retro-inspired cooking school, has experienced strong demand from individuals seeking meaningful social engagements.
Hoffman launched her cooking classes in 2018 but expanded her operations following positive feedback from participants, particularly due to the nostalgic diner atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.
“The hands-on experience is a huge draw for attendees,” Hoffman explained. “People are eager to learn and walk away with a new skill. It instills a sense of empowerment.”
As more individuals eagerly participate in mahjong nights, baking classes, and crafting workshops, it’s clear that a collective yearning for community, creativity, and meaningful experiences is on the rise.
These activities are bridging generational gaps and fostering connections that encapsulate the essence of shared experiences in today’s digital age, heralding a resurgence of nostalgic pastimes enjoyed by both young and old. In this way, they not only bring joy and satisfaction but also reinvigorate the social fabric of communities across Chicago and beyond.
image source from：chicago
