Umlauf Sculpture Garden will offer free admission on Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8, 2016, which is coming up this weekend! We’ve rounded up some FREE ways to celebrate, so you can take your mom out for some fun on the town and still have money to buy her some chocolate!
Make a Gift for Mom
I Love Mom Storytime
May 3 at 10:30 a.m. | BookPeople, 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin
None of us would be here without our moms. They give us life and love, and they totally deserve a day that’s all about them. So in preparation for Mother’s Day, head to BookPeople to hear The Runaway Bunny and other stories all about moms, then make sweet cards to celebrate your own magnificent mother. FREE!
Home School Tweens: Make a Mother’s Day Card
May 3 at 2 p.m. | Pflugerville Library, 1008 Pfluger Street, Pflugerville
FREE!
Home School Teens: Make Fizzy Scented Bath Bombs
May 3 at 2 p.m. | Pflugerville Library, 1008 Pfluger Street, Pflugerville
FREE!
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Bird House
May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon | A Home Depot near you
Kids can make a bird house for FREE and decorate it with Angry Birds stickers. (Mom’s favorite?)
Make a Mother’s Day Card
May 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
Drop by to make a “Let Love Bloom” Mother’s Day card, for FREE!
Shop Local for Mom
Sip & Shop For Mother’s Day
May 5 from 6-8 p.m. | Hacienda, 204 Colorado St, Austin
Hacienda Austin & The Distillery are partnering up to host a Mother’s Day Sip & Shop. At the event, mingle with Catelyn Silapachai, co-founder of The Distillery, and shop her specially curated collection of vintage jewelry and gift items, get creative with local artist Mia Savage as she leads a DIY paper flower making tutorial, and sip on complimentary beverages by Austin Cocktails. Bring Mom or shop for Mom. Everyone is welcome. RSVP for FREE here.
Violet Crown Festival
May 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Brentwood Elementary School, 6700 Arroyo Seco, Austin
Art, music, food and lots of free kids’ activities? Violet Crown Spring Festival has it all. This fun festival will be in the west-side parking lot of Brentwood Elementary School. Admission is FREE! The festival – staged by Violet Crown Community Works (VCCW) — will feature local art and craft vendors, family fun, children’s activities, live music, and refreshments. The schedule of entertainment will include music from Feet First, Jungle Jill and the Jaybirds, Fingers and Lips, the Ron Titter Band, Punch Card and Don Leady’s Rockin’ Revue. Children will have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Tree Man, who is a wonder and delight for all ages. Other offerings include face painting, life-sized Jenga and chess, hula-hoops, LEGO bricks, craft stations, and ladder golf. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to walk or cycle to the festival.
Mother’s Day Austin Flea
May 7 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Opal Divine’s Penn Field, 3601 S Congress Ave, Ste K100, Austin
The Flea features all local handmade items and vintage wares from some of Austin’s most amazing and talented vendors. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for mom’s day or any occasion including jewelry, bath/body products, vintage, original artwork, paper goods, textiles and so much more! Treat yo Mama right. Shop the Flea! Entrance to the event is FREE and open to all ages! Handmade. Vintage. Local.
Mother’s Day Bazaar at Hancock Recreation Center
May 7 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. | Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st Street, Austin
This Mother’s Day Bazaar will feature jewelry, ceramics, scarves, crafts, paintings, plants, and 25 local artists and artisans. Admission is FREE!
Celebrate With Mom
Wine Down Wednesday
May 4 from 6-8 p.m. | The Arboretum at Great Hills, 10000 Research Blvd, Austin
This is the final Wine Down Wednesday of the spring season! Visit The Arboretum for awesome shopping in a fun, relaxed environment – and at just the right time for happy hour! Bring your mom and get in on the FREE fun. Event stations will be set up in four designated locations throughout the shopping center, each serving a different wine selection paired with small bites and live music from local Austin artists! Sign in and pick up your wristband (worth 5 food/wine pairings) and event guide at the registration table near Amy’s Ice Creams.
FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park: Macbeth
May 4 at 8 p.m. | Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The City of Austin, in coordination with Austin Shakespeare, presents William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This is 32nd year of FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park, returning with a military-themed version of Shakespeare’s supernatural story of ambition gone awry. May 5 – 29, 2016, Thursdays – Sundays at 8 p.m. Preview on Wednesday, May 4 at 8 p.m.
Unplugged at the Grove: Dirty River Boys
May 5 at 8 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Shady Grove’s ‘Unplugged at the Grove’ is returning for its 23rd season. Austinites of all ages have the opportunity to experience one of Austin’s longest-running FREE live music series on Shady Grove’s iconic pecan tree shaded patio. Every Thursday night through September 22, Unplugged-goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials.
Present Company Presents Hamlet (RSVP)
May 5-8 at 8 p.m. | Museum of Human Achievement, Austin
Present Company proudly presents William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Get ready, because this ain’t your momma’s Shakespeare. 7 actors. 28 characters. 5 flashlights. Hundreds of lightbulbs. A play-within-a-play. Fratricide. Insanity. Revenge. Comedy. (Yes, comedy!)Promoting the philosophy of accessible art, admission is FREE. A suggested $25 donation supports the artists and event. RSVP is required.
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
May 5 at 8:35 p.m. | Palm Park, 601 East 3rd Street, Austin
Enjoy a FREE movie in the park! Rain Date: May 12.
First Friday Block Party
May 6 from 6-9 p.m. | In.gredients, 2610 Manor Rd, Austin
Enjoy an evening of fun with friends and neighbors at in.gredients’ monthly First Friday Block Party. This month there will be a full lineup of music with Steel Betty, Pillow Princess and Ley Line. Be sure to grab your pint glass from 4th Tap Brewing Co-op during pint night and grab a massage from Devon at the chair massage station. It’s set to be a wonderful evening–all that’s missing is you (and your mom).
Muddy Miler Family Adventure (Round Rock) (RSVP)
May 7 from 8:30-11 a.m. | Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
Get muddy with Mom! The Muddy Miler is a themed adventure run offering the entire family more obstacles, more mud and more fun than your average run event. Warning: You will get muddy from head to toe if you want to conquer the Muddy Miler. The event is FREE for the entire family but please register online.
Dia de las Madres (Round Rock)
May 7 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock
Celebrate mothers at this FREE family event. The Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, Univision 62 Austin, Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, and the City of Round Rock present a Mother’s Day event, Dia de las Madres. The event features a performance by popular children’s entertainer Joe McDermott. Other performers include the Bluebonnet Elementary School Choir, Hopewell Middle School mariachi group, Copperfield Elementary Ballet Folklorico, Monsoon Dance, the Isaac Sisters and Round Rock Ballet Folklorico. Other activities include: arts and crafts for kids, a chance to take pictures with Mom, and free carnations for mothers. The event promises to be full of music and fun for the entire family!
39th Annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships
May 7 at 11 a.m. | 409 E. 5th Street, Austin
The O. Henry Annual Pun-Off World Championships consists of two mighty struggles: Punniest of Show and Punslingers! Take Mom to laugh and groan at the puns! FREE!
Pecan Street Festival
May 7-8 | 6th Street between Brazos and I-35, Austin
The Pecan Street Festival, one of Central Texas’ oldest and most popular events, is a two-day arts festival held each spring and fall in downtown Austin’s charming Sixth Street Historic District, a National Register of Historic Places site. More than 60 of Austin’s finest musical acts bring three stages to life, and family-friendly activities from street magicians to a petting zoo delight both adults and children. Food vendors provide both healthy and indulgent choices, often supported by and benefiting charitable partners. FREE!
Saturday Night Concert Series: Soul Track Mind
May 7 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, FREE kids activities, and great shopping! The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater.
Umlauf Family Day
May 8 from 12-4 p.m. | 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin
Family Days offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children, ages four to ten years old. Families have the opportunity to explore the UMLAUF while engaging in creative activities. Listen to stories, do yoga in the garden, watch sculpture demos, enjoy live music and more. FREE!
Mothers Day Concert at the Capitol
May 8 at 7 p.m. | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin
What better way to close out a great day with Mom than by taking her to a FREE concert at the Texas State Capitol in her honor? The band will perform well-known tunes, including marches and musical numbers, that you and your Mom are sure to enjoy. Get there early to select the best seating… this concert gets more popular every year.
Freebies for Mom
Moms Train for Free
May | South Austin ATA Martial Arts, 1414 W Ben White Blvd, Austin
Moms train FREE during the month of May at South Austin ATA Martial Arts. To kick off the event, there will be a special “Mom and Me” class May 2nd at 5:15 & 6:45 p.m. All moms (and their kids) are welcome to attend!
Mamas Eat Free at Mama Fu’s
May 8-10 | All Mama Fu’s Locations
Mama Fu’s Asian House celebrates all moms this Mother’s Day with Mamas Eat Free. Dine in or take out at any of Mama Fu’s locations, buy one entrée and receive a complimentary entrée for Mom of equal or lesser value (take out orders must be placed in-restaurant). Offer is good for lunch or dinner any time between Sunday May 8 and Tuesday May 10, 2016.
Moms Get Free TCBY
May 8 from 12-10 p.m. | TCBY Parkside Village, 5701 W. Slaughter Ln. Building B Suite 100, Austin
On Mother’s Day, all mothers will receive a FREE 6 oz cup of yogurt!
Moms Eat Free at ThunderCloud Subs
This Mother’s Day, bring your mom by any ThunderCloud store, buy a sub, and ThunderCloud will treat her to a FREE sub! Free sub must be of equal or lesser value than purchased sub. The Mother’s Day special is available at all ThunderCloud Subs locations this Sunday, May 8 during regular store hours. For more information or to find a store near you, visit www.thundercloud.com.
Moms Skate Free at Playland
May 8 from 12-5 p.m. | Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Drive, Austin
Moms skate FREE with the purchase of a child’s admission.
Moms Eat Free at GattiTown
May 8 | GattiTown, 9900 South IH 35, Austin
FREE Buffet for Mom this Sunday, May 8th with the purchase of a child’s buffet. Drink not included.
Moms Get in Free at Pioneer Farms
Sunday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin
Moms get in FREE! Tickets are now on sale.
Moms Get in Free at Hill Country Science Mill
Sunday, May 8 from 12-4 p.m. | Hill Country Science Mill, Johnson City
Celebrate the mothers in your life and make family memories at the Science Mill! This Mother’s Day, May 8, moms get in FREE! Explore the Mill’s amazing hands-on exhibits, build a personalized avatar, see a 3D movie (Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure), enjoy interactive maker stations and much more. Housed in an 1880s grist mill and cotton gin, the non-profit Science Mill is in downtown Johnson City in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Learn more at http://sciencemill.org/
