Mother’s Day Activities (Besides Brunch)

Every mother deserves to be treated like a queen, especially on Mother’s Day. Flowers, gifts, and a special meal (especially Mother’s Day Brunch) are all popular ways to show our moms how much we care. But this year, why not do something different? There are plenty of things to do on Mother’s Day weekend in Sacramento, from concerts to festivals and everything in between. 

But first, a little background on Mother’s Day. The holiday started in the early 1900s by Anna Jarvis as a way to honor her mother and the sacrifices of all mothers. The first Mother’s Day was in 1908 and it was made an official holiday in the United States in 1914. In addition, “Mothering Sunday” — the fourth Sunday of Lent — was observed as a time to give gifts to mothers in the Christian tradition.

So, if you’re looking for something to do on Mother’s Day weekend besides brunch, check out the following events in and around the greater Sacramento area.

East Sac Garden Tour | East Sacramento

Courtesy of East Sac Garden Tour

This annual event, held May 10-11 in East Sacramento, is ideal for those who love beautiful gardens! Residents of East Sacramento open their blossoming backyards to ticket holders to admire the artistry in their designs. There’s also a vendor boutique, a café, and a wine garden, with proceeds supporting a local public elementary school.

Mother’s Day Pre-Celebration | Clarksburg

Get a jump start on Mother’s Day with this pre-celebration on Saturday, May 10 at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg. With more than a dozen wineries under one roof, mom will have a field day sipping her way from tasting room to tasting room. There’ll also be live music and food trucks. Tickets aren’t necessary, but if you register in advance, you get a free souvenir wine glass.

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Rocklin Community Festival | Rocklin

Held May 8-11 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin, this annual event is fun for the whole family! There’s a “Midway of Fun” carnival with games and rides for kids of all ages, as well as food vendors, live music, and a beer and wine garden. You can even get discounted ride wristbands in advance up until May 7.

Whole Earth Festival | Davis

Having begun in 1969, this annual festival in Davis celebrates the greatest mother of all: Mother Earth! Held May 9-11, the event features live music, dance performances, food vendors, arts and crafts, and plenty of activities for the kids. You can also learn about important environmental issues such as sustainability and climate change.

Courtesy of Whole Earth Festival

Mother’s Day Charity Concert | El Dorado Hills

Celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day with this high-energy concert in El Dorado Hills! The event features The Spazmatics, a lively new wave/80s cover band that’s sure to get the whole family on the dance floor. Best of all, proceeds from the event benefit the Women’s Fund El Dorado.

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Foodieland | Sacramento

Does your mom like to eat? If so, skip the brunch and instead head to this vibrant food market held at Cal Expo in the Arden Arcade area. There will be more than 100 food vendors selling cuisine from across the globe, from bulgogi to birrieria, pupusas to paella. There’s also all kinds of sweets, such as hwachae (Korean fruit bowls), tanghulu (Chinese candied fruit skewers), and Japanese souffle pancakes. Plus, there are activities for the kids and live entertainment.

Mother’s Day Celebration | Placerville

Is your mom a wine lover? If so, head up to the Apple Hill region near Placerville for a special Mother’s Day wine tasting event at Lava Cap Winery. Relax in the garden, enjoy the live music, and bring a picnic and make a whole day of it!

Photo Courtesy of Lava Cap Winery

Mother’s Day Cruise | Sacramento

Now in its fourth year, this annual cruise along the Sacramento River celebrates all things mom. The three-hour cruise, offered May 11 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., offers food, drinks, music, and dancing, all while taking in the sites on the river. There will also be massages available, as well as prizes. Another option is the annual Mother’s Day Sites and Sips Cruise, also on May 11.

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Mother’s Day Craft Show | Roseville

If your mom is the crafty type, consider spending the afternoon with her at this craft show held at Vernon Street Town Square in Roseville. There will be dozens of local vendors selling handmade gifts, jewelry, clothing, bath and beauty products and home décor. Best of all, the event is free!

Mother’s Day Spring Fling | Placerville

Games, prizes and live entertainment are in store for visitors to Placerville’s annual Mother’s Day Spring Fling, scheduled from 11 am.-5 p.m. May 11. Held on historic Main Street, you and mom can browse the eclectic shops, sip on mimosas from participating bars, and even enjoy a bite to eat. 

High Tea Service | Downtown Sacramento

Held at Le Macaron French Pastries in Downtown Sacramento, this special event gets you and mom full tea service along with a three-tiered tower of delectable French pastries. Spend the afternoon in an elegant, French-inspired atmosphere. You can even take home a box of macarons, with flavors such as mango, red velvet, and champagne. Tickets are available on both Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11.

Photo Courtesy of Le Macaron Sacramento

BerryFest Strawberry Festival | Woodland

Head to Woodland this Mother’s Day weekend for the sweetest festival in town. BerryFest celebrates all things strawberry, from strawberry shortcake to strawberry ice cream. There’ll be a Berry Pageant, cooking demonstrations, and a classic car show too. Plus, the event will feature dozens of local vendors selling strawberry-themed merchandise and food. 

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Mother’s Day Wine Tasting | Placer County

Experience the amazing wines produced in the Sierra foothills during a special Mother’s Day wine tasting along the Placer Wine Trail. The trail has nearly two dozen wineries stretching from Auburn to Granite Bay, each turning out stellar Italian, Iberian, and Rhône-style varietals. Each winery hosts its own special events, including live music, food trucks and specials.

Blissful Mother’s Day Weekend | Midtown, Rancho Cordova & Roseville

Treat mom to a little retail therapy this Mother’s Day at Bliss Marketplace, which has locations in Midtown Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, and Roseville. The shops are chock-full of vintage treasures, handmade items, antiques, clothing, and gifts. May 10-11, they’ll be hosting a free Mother’s Day card-making station, offering a 10 percent discount for moms, and holding a gift basket raffle.