Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14, so what should you get that special lady in your life? If she’s anything like me, she will prefer spending time making memories over receiving gifts. That’s why we’ve found a bunch of fun Mother’s Day events going on in town. Psst…they’re also FREE, so you could afford to get her some chocolate too. (Just sayin’.)
Umlauf Sculpture Garden will offer free admission on Mother’s Day
Austin Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors
Thursdays – Sundays, May 4-28 at 8:00 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin
Thursday through Sunday nights in May, you can watch Shakespeare for FREE at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. There is a preview night on Wednesday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m.
Unplugged at the Grove: Lisa Morales
May 11 at 8:00 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Take mom out for some live music! 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 14, Unplugged-goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials.
Shady Grove, photo credit
KUTX Live at Mueller
May 12 at 7:00 p.m. | Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin
Pack the blankets and saddle the Rody Horse for this season of KUTX Live at Mueller’s last round of FREE music and fun for the whole family. Enjoy a kid-friendly act–Yes Ma’am Brass Band–followed by rock ‘n’ roll for the grown-ups with Night Drive. The music begins at 7:00 p.m. but face painting for the kids and food for purchase will be available before the show starts.
Dia de las Madres (Round Rock)
May 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock
Celebrate mothers at this FREE family event. 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.
Mom’s Favorite Recipes Box
May 13 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
Drop by to make a “Mom’s Favorite Recipes” Box for FREE!
Pun-Off World Championships
May 13 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | O Henry Museum, 409 E 5th St, Austin
The 40th Pun-Off will feature food trucks, a used-book sale, live music from Shinyribs from 11:00 a.m. to noon, and lot of zany, groan-inducing wordplay.
O. Henry Pun-Off, photo credit
WEST Austin Studio Tour
May 13-14 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Various locations
WEST is a self-guided tour that champions the abundance of talent within Austin’s large and wildly diverse creative community. The public is invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists’ tools, techniques, and inspirations, and support the arts community by building their personal art collections with the work of local artists. In its fifth year, the tour is expected to grow in size and substance as the number of artists working west of I-35 increases. WEST boundaries include the area West of I-35, East of Mopac, South of HWY 183, and North of William Cannon. FREE!
Saturday Night Concert Series: Jomo & The Possum Posse (Bee Cave)
May 13 from 7-9:00 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s Central Plaza. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the FREE show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food and have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy free kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants and sponsors. Sun Radio 100.1 FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band.
Free Meal for Moms at Pluckers
May 14 all day | All Pluckers locations
Pluckers Wing Bar is excited to announce that they will be offering free meals for all moms on Mother’s Day, taking place Sunday, May 14. All moms can enjoy a complimentary entree, side, and a non-alcoholic beverage from Pluckers’ extensive menu when they post a photo of their family at the restaurant to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #Pluckers.
UMLAUF Family Day
May 14 from noon to 4:00 p.m. | 605 Robert E Lee Rd, 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 and open to the public.
Moms Skate Free at Playland
May 14 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr, Austin
Moms skate FREE with the purchase of a child’s admission.
Moms Get Free TCBY
May 14 from noon to 10:00 p.m. | TCBY Parkside Village, 5701 W Slaughter Ln, Bldg B, Ste 100, Austin
On Mother’s Day, all mothers will receive a FREE 6 oz cup of yogurt.
Family Day: The Art & Geometry of Sebastián’s Transformables
May 14 from 1-4:00 p.m. | 419 Congress Ave, Austin
Mexic-Arte Museum invites parents, children, and members of the community to a FREE Family Day educational activity inspired by world-renowned sculptor Sebastián. Visitors will be guided through a paper-folding activity based on the artist’s impressive series of Transformables. Discover how the two-dimensional paper can be transformed into three-dimensional objects in the form of magic cubes that change shape.
Mothers Day Maifest
May 14 from 1-6:00 p.m. | 1615 Crozier Ln, Del Valle
Live Oak Brewing Company is hosting a fun day for the whole family. Enjoy live music and a petting zoo. Admission is FREE!
Mothers Day Concert at the Capitol
May 14 at 7:00 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 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.
Capitol Building
