It’s spring in Chicago, hooray! And with the nicer weather comes flowers, patio weather, and Mother’s Day! I’ve put together a huge resource of all sorts of gifts (local and online), brunches, and high teas. Now, I want to talk about my favorite gifts: events and experiences! Here’s a round-up of my picks for celebrating Chicago Mother’s Day!
P.S. If a mom sent this blog to you, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, 2023. 😉
Beauty/Spa
Face Foundrie
There’s nothing like a spa day to pamper mom! All we want is for someone else to take care of us for a little while! Here are some of my favorite salons and spas.
Activities and Events
I want to do all of these fun Mother’s Day experiences! Hint, hint, Manny!
Art Institute of Chicago (Loop) – there are so many great exhibitions currently at AIC! I have the Salvador Dali, Gio Swaby, and Kwame Brathwaite exhibits on my must-see list. Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: The Modern Landscape opens at the Art Institute on May 14, 2023!
Cabaret Zazou (Loop) has a special Mother’s Day show and as of this writing, tickets are still available! Honestly, I loved every minute of it, even more than I thought I would. I remember during the show I texted my mom telling her that I need to bring her back. Its SO good! See my IG review here!
Kit Kat Lounge (Lake View East) has a deal on Groupon right now for a prix fixe dinner for 2 with 1 martini each for $75. If you haven’t been to this iconic drag bar and restaurant, you are missing out on some of the best cocktails and entertainment in the city! While the deal is only for dinner, they offer drag brunches, too!
Mozart Immersive (Near North Side) is the newest immersive art experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago. I haven’t been to this show, but we loved the Van Gogh and Frida exhibits. The space is just beautful. They also offer Paint & Sip classes and Immersive yoga!
Painting with a Twist (South Loop, Lake View), a BYOB painting studio, is always fun and they have a bunch of different Mother’s Day weekend events priced at $35-40! Bring your bubbly and they’ll have the OJ and painting supplies! Really, its like a date too! Here is the South Loop calendar and this is the Lake View one.
Afternoon Teas
Get your Downton Abbey and Bridgerton on and take part in a timeless tradition. I think having tea is a classic way to spend a Chicago Mother’s Day! Here are some of my favorite tea services:
Budget-Friendly Ideas
Visit a Farmers Market together and buy her some flowers and handmade treats! Here are the ones open on the Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend.
Lilla Barn (Andersonville) is offering a block-printing workshop on May 5, 2023 from 1pm-7pm. Handmade gifts make the best gifts for Mom, even when you’re all grown up! Come learn block printing from Andria Green, and create a hand printed, one of a kind gift for your mama or special person. Choose from two pattern options, with a 100% cotton towel, ink, and tools provided. Towels will be packaged and ready to take home in about 20 minutes! Register for a spot here!
Lincoln & Roscoe Spring Art & Craft Fair (Lake View) runs Saturday, May 13 from 10am-7pm and Sunday, May 14 from 10am-5pm. I love this fair, it’s such a fun outing – browsing unique art, painting your own masterpiece, dancing to live music, and enjoying some drinks and small bites from the food vendors!
Spring Flower Shows (Garfield Park & Lincoln Park) are always a good idea! Both shows at Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory are free to attend and close on Mother’s Day! My family and I recently went to GPC and loved it!
The Vintage Bazaar (Lower West Side) is the first annual vintage and antique block party hosted by Lo Rez Brewery and Pilsen Vintage Fest. It runs May 13-14 and will have over 40 vintage and antique vendors. plus food, drinks, and music. The event is free, but purchasing tickets ahead is recommended. Plus, if you’ve been holding on to some family heirlooms and want to get them appriased, you can sign up for a time to meet with an antiques expert!
I hope this gave you some good ideas for a Chicago Mother’s Day, either for yourself, or a special mom in your life! For more ideas, see my local Mother’s Day shopping guide, my online shopping guide, and a list of brunches and high teas on my Insta.
Cheers!
Christine
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