There are ways to spoil mom for free this year.
By Jenny Hoff, Photo by Liana Mikah
Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate love and appreciation for our mothers, with our children, with a friend or with someone who played a motherly role in our lives. But between brunches, massages, facials and all the trappings that have become associated with the holiday, it can also put us in a lot of financial stress.
Don’t worry, you can still celebrate Mother’s Day on or around the actual date without having to give Mama something additional to worry about (like racking up credit card debt). With plenty of free or affordable events around town, you can make this Mother’s Day truly special, without adding more financial stress to your life.
Other ideas include packing a picnic and going to an idyllic park; visiting the Bee Cave Sculpture Garden, where you can look at artwork for free; or hitting up some of Austin’s famous murals and taking photos together to make into a collage. Or you could make it a girls’ night in, doing your Mom’s nails, giving her a nice foot massage and thanking her for all she has done. Love doesn’t have to cost a thing. The best gifts are the ones from the heart.
May 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Beauty & Blooms at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave (FREE)
Head on out to the Hill Country Galleria on May 4 for the City of Bee Cave’s Beauty & Blooms event for moms. Co-sponsored by the Hill Country Galleria and the International School of Texas, this special event will have a photo booth with a floral backdrop where you can capture a beautiful family photo and take home a physical picture to frame! Moms will also get a special bouquet to take home from the event’s flower bar.
May 11, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Create & Heal: The Art of Grace, George Washington Carver Cultural and Genealogy Center (FREE)
A celebration of Black motherhood, this Create & Heal event includes “a fabulous brunch, jewelry making workshop and fabulous door prizes!” The event is limited to 50 participants, so reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
May 4, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m: Moms of Mueller Yoga, Mary Elizabeth Branch Park (FREE, with suggested donation of $20)
Before heading for the photo booth at Beauty & Blooms, work up a sweat at this event benefiting Partners in Parenting. A spread of snacks and mimosas will be on hand after the yoga class. Free to attend, but there’s a suggested donation of $20, if you are able.
May 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Second SUNDAY: Take Mom to the Museum, Blanton Art Museum (FREE for Blanton members, $10-$20 for non-members)
While this event isn’t free for non-members of the museum, it packs a lot of punch for the ticket price. Not only will you get to soak up some culture with Mom or with the family, but there will be special treats throughout the museum including a photo booth, chocolates and roses for Mom sponsored by H-E-B, and a card-making activity. Plus, they are encouraging attendees to bring their own picnic, making Mother’s Day brunch a lot more affordable.