Looking to learn to play privately, in groups, host a fundraiser, team building, corporate event, online Zooms and presentations? Email ModernAmericanCanasta@gmail.com. Dara and Donna teach in-person, locally, and travel for events.
We are continuing to compile an online resource to find Canasta games. Please email us city, state and contact information for games. Please do not include private home addresses. Email is preferred.
TIPS FOR FINDING CANASTA GAMES:
1. If you don’t know somewhere to play near you or where you are visiting, a great place to search is the website Meetup.com. It is free to join and search.
2. Other members have found games by searching the Nextdoor app. Also, use different spellings.
3. When searching on Google, great searches include separate searches using Canasta and the following terms:
- instructors
- classes
- drop in
- game
- newcomers or newcomers club
- the area you are looking for city, county, library, Temple, Church, community center
- Institute for Learning in Retirement
4. Many libraries, continuing education classes, temples, churches, senior centers and community centers offer classes or are great resources to find a game.
5. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an amazing foundation and has institutes across the country. They offer many different courses, which at times include Canasta. It’s another great idea to search.
The information below is accurate when posted. Confirm before attending. Please email us if there are any incorrect listings and/or for us to add additional places to play!
If you have any information to share, please email us at ModernMahjong(at)gmail.com to add to our Directory.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Sun City, AZ: Contact for more information. https://suncityaz.org/recreation/clubs/canasta-club/
- Arkansas
- California
- Santa Barbara, https://learncanastasb.com/ Contact for information and suggestions about games.
- Colorado
- Connecticut
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Geri Rhoades: Fairfield CountyI'm a retired teacher, using my skills for a game I love. I teach beginning, intermediate and strategy classes. Here's what some of my previous learners have said: "From the moment Ms. Rhoades began to teach, everyone in the room immediately felt comfortable and quickly learned the game. Ms. Rhoades’ enthusiasm made it easy to learn proper canasta technique, etiquette, and even some canasta history. She shared her vast knowledge through her amazing teaching style." Greenwich YWCA "Geri is a terrific canasta teacher! After only a few group lessons, my friends and I were thrilled to be able to play on our own. " R.B. Stamford gerirhoades(at)gmail.com
- Stamford, CT, We have Canasta on Wednesdays 11-1 at the Henry Bennett Library 115 Vine Road Stamford, CT. Contact for more information, Jennifer Zorek- Pressman, Phone: 203 227-9503, Cell: 973 222-4006
- Westport, CT and Norwalk, CT, Wednesday at 2 p.m. and Friday at 9:30 and 1 pm, Saturdays at Noon. Contact for more information, Jennifer Zorek- Pressman, Phone: 203 227-9503, Cell: 973 222-4006
- Stamford, CT: Contact for more information. https://www.templesinaistamford.org/worship.html
- Jamie Meadow, Southern CT: I also teach in Westchester County, New York and Palm Beach, FL. Contact me at canastateacher(at)gmail.com or 914-879-5204
- Delaware
- Florida
- Dara Collins, South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties) Currently teaching virtually and will be sharing more information about upcoming classes soon. Available for Book Talks, Strategy and Speaking Engagements. Darajcollins(at)gmail.com or ModernAmericanCanasta(at)gmail.com.
- Miami, FL: https://www.alperjcc.org/events/2022/07/04/adult-classes/mahjong-canasta-bridge-oh-my/ Contact for more information.
- Miami, FL: Elyse Cremins, I have been teaching canasta for the past 12 years, taught at the 92nd Street Y, JCC and various Temples throughout NYC. I also started the very successful NYC Canasta Club. To date, I have taught 2500 people how to play this fun game. Contact Elyse at elyse(at)canastalessons.com.
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I offer personalized lessons in person at private homes on Long Island, as well as convenient Zoom options for those who prefer online learning. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. For tips, tricks, and Canasta fun, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @Canasta_consultant and check out my TikTok for engaging content. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a lesson, feel free to reach out via cell at 516-413-0127 or email me at canastaconsultant(at)gmail.com. Let's play Canasta!
I will be registering for the convention! I appreciate you letting me know.
- Bonnie Keiles, Delray Beach and Boca Raton, FL: I retired 18 months ago from a 33 year career in public education and became quickly addicted to Canasta. I spend 4 months a year in Ventnor, New Jersey where I teach Canasta in Ventnor, Margate and Longport, NJ. Contact Bonnie at bonniekeiles(at)icloud.com. (June through Sept in NJ
Oct through Mar in Florida)
- Jamie Meadow, Palm Beach, FL: I also teach in Westchester County, New York and Southern, CT. Contact me at canastateacher(at)gmail.com or 914-879-5204
- Pointe Vedra Beach, FL Looking for Modern American Canasta players to meet @ the Tournament Players Club, Sawgrass Players Club Community, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. There are many versions of Canasta, this group will play the Modern American Canasta version. If you’ve played Hand & Foot (5 decks), or Pennie’s from Heaven (3 decks), Modern American Canasta will challenge you with their Special Hands To join e-mail swinalu(at)gmail.com
- Georgia
- Evans, GA: Columbia County Library, Welcome back Canasta players! We are excited to restart this card playing group. We meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the upstairs Classroom B. Come learn to play or just join in on the fun. https://www.facebook.com/events/893447667962070/897950754178428/
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Deerfield, IL: Canasta with Judie, L’Chaim Center Deerfield Park Plaza 405 Lake Cook Rd STE 207 Deerfield, IL 60015. https://www.lchaimcenter.org/canasta-with-judie/ Contact for more information.
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Channahon, IL: St. Ann Catholic Church - Channahon, ILPublic Anyone on or off Facebook. Join us for a fun evening of light food, drinks, cards and fraternity. Only $10 per person. And if you don't know how to play, don't worry...we'll teach you! Confirm before attending.
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Pelican Park, Mandeville, LA: https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program. Confirm before attending.
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts:
- Bev and Emily Cape Code and Boston, MA, We are a mother-daughter Canasta teaching duo in Greater Cape Cod and Boston, Massachusetts. Canasta Connection with Emily and Bev. We teach Modern American Canasta: www.canastaconnection.com. Email: emily.shire(at)gmail.com
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Margate, NJ: Please visit our website www.jccatlantic.org 501 North Jerome Ave, Margate City, NJ, 08402. 609-822-1167. Bring a friend or make new ones at our brunch event! Everyone wins when you play games and enjoy tuna, egg salad, white fish, lox bagel sandwiches, salad, fruit, desserts, coffee and tea. https://www.jccatlantic.org/adult-and-youth/jewish-culture/ Mahjong & Canasta Brunches are scheduled on multiple dates, please contact them directly for more info
- Bonnie Keiles, Ventnor, Margate and Longport, NJ: I retired 18 months ago from a 33 year career in public education and became quickly addicted to Canasta. I spend 4 months a year in Ventnor, New Jersey where I teach Canasta and relocated to Florida will teach in Delray Beach and Boca Raton. Contact Bonnie at bonniekeiles(at)icloud.com. (June through Sept in NJ and Oct through Mar in Florida)
- Helaine Neiman, Northern NJ. Teacher and founder of New Jersey Canasta Club. The first social canasta club in NJ where canasta enthusiasts meet to meld with currently 1200 NJ canasta players registered by county & level of play. The Club holds monthly tournaments, Lunch & Play events, supervised play & strategy classes. Mastacanasta(at)gmail.com or 973-768-3080
- New Mexico
- New York
- Donna Miller-Small, Long Island, NY: I teach at many libraries in-person, group classes and also teach virtually. Contact by Email: mahjonggcanasta(at)optimum.net
- Clifton Springs Library, Join us Tuesday afternoons for Canasta! Games are formed on a first come, first served basis.Confirm before attending. https://www.facebook.com/events/1063061824279414/1137582780160651/
- A great opportunity for beginners, intermediate, advanced, or anyone looking to find a future game. Beginning on Tuesday, Aug 30 @ Young Israel of Holliswood 86-25 Francis Lewis Blvd Holliswood NY 11427 phone 718 776-8500 there will be canasta lessons offered from 10 am-noon. Fee is minimal.
- Mid Nassau Canasta Group, East Meadow, NY: Long Island Canasta meeting place for our group. We play online and in person, usually in middle Nassau County, NY. We are open to new members but please message the host, Diana, to join. Our favorite spot to play in person is Panera in East Meadow. We play online in Canasta Junction as well. We are a friendly group that plays the New American style canasta. Not training rookies at the moment but may do so again in the future. We like friendly but competitive play. https://www.facebook.com/groups/223029495952476
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- Rachelle Schuster, Long Island, NY: I offer personalized lessons in person at private homes on Long Island, as well as convenient Zoom options for those who prefer online learning. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. For tips, tricks, and Canasta fun, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @Canasta_consultant and check out my TikTok for engaging content. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a lesson, feel free to reach out via cell at 516-413-0127 or email me at canastaconsultant(at)gmail.com. Let's play Canasta!
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Altoona, PA: Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, Canasta and Mah Jongg games are held at 11 a.m. Mondays. Beginners are welcome. Call Harriett at 814-693-9292 with questions.
- Richboro, PA: Ohev Shalom of Bucks County Sisterhood invites the community to a friendly weekly canasta game, Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Open play is $4. Call 215-968-6755 for more information. 944 Second Street Pike, Richboro.
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Christine Blackford, Gettysburg, PA, In person & Virtual Teaching Beginner & Advanced strategy American Modern Canasta, Small to large classes & private 1:1 Coach n Play. Check out my YouTube Channel Canasta Class to reenforce you Canasta lessons. Contact Christine: 732-
785-5923, mahjonggclass(at)yahoo.com
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Manchester, VT: Looking 👀 for MODERN AMERICAN 🇺🇸 CANASTA ♠️ ♦️♣️♥️ PLAYERS. There are many versions of Canasta. This group will play the Modern American 🇺🇸 Canasta version. If you’ve played -Hand 🤚 & Foot 🦶 (5 decks), or Pennie’s from Heaven ( 3 decks), Modern American 🇺🇸 Canasta ( 2 decks) will challenge you with their Special Hands 🙌 . Join us @ The Arlington Common, 3938 a Route 7A, Arlington, VT Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9 - 11am, Contact Arlington Commons for updated information info(at)arlingtoncommon.org, Mah Jongg 🀄️ Players welcome.
- Modern American Canasta Open Play. Join us at the Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT Mondays 12:00-3:00pm. Lessons available. Contact Manchester Community Library, mclvt.org for current information or call 802 362-2607.
- Virginia
- Arlington, VA: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Programs/55-Membership/Senior-Activities
- Charlotesville, VA: Contact for more information. https://thecentercville.org/calendar/event/25/2022/05/18/
- Lynchburg, VA: https://webapps.lynchburgva.gov/registration/ViewCourseActivityDetails.aspx?id=C8347 Contact for more information
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- District of Columbia
- OUTSIDE OF THE US:
- Canada
- Port Coquitlam, 3:30 pm at 2150 Wilson Ave, Port Coquitlam, CAN V3C 6J5 Confirm before attending. https://parkbench.com/event/canasta-drop-in-26
- Vancouver, Canasta at the Vancouver Jewish Community Centre, Mondays, 1 to 3:30pm. Members play for free. Non-members pay $4 for a single drop in or $30 for a 10 games day punch card (no expiry date). Canasta cards, score sheet and card tray provided. There are also card holders for those who have difficulty holding the cards in their hand. Contact if you are looking for a game. Lisa Cohen Quay, MSW, RSW, MPA (pronouns: she/her) Adult Programs Coordinator Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, 604.638.7283, lisa(at)jccgv.bc.ca If someone is looking for a game, Lisa Cohen Quay is the one to contact since she helps table groups find a 4th if someone in that group is away or helps form table groups for those looking to find a regular group of 4
- VIRTUAL: Contact Dara and Donna Miller-Small at ModernAmericanCanasta(at)gmail.com for more information about virtual classes.