Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend by visiting a flower farm, enjoying a free concert, walking through a garden, buying great local chocolate and more. Here are some ideas to celebrate in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, 2026.
After our list of ideas for celebrating, we have a list of Mother’s Day freebies and discounts, many (but not all) at restaurants. And after that we have a big list of all the events that are on our calendar for Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, 2026.
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Enjoy Mother’s Day brunch from a Triangle restaurant
We have put together a list of places in the Triangle for Mother’s Day Brunch. We will include both dine-in and take-home options.
Buy local chocolate
Treat your mom to delicious chocolates from one of the excellent chocolate makers in the Triangle.
Pick your own flowers
Firefly Farm in Hillsborough is opening up for U-pick flowers on Saturday, May 9, 2026. It’s only $25 for a basket of flowers, from which you can create several bouquets. You don’t need to buy a ticket for each person. It’s per basket of flowers. Not into DIY, and want a gift that keeps giving all season? Get a flower subscription for Mom! Learn more here. Please note that the farm will not be open on Sunday, May 10.
Visit a garden
Check out one of these fabulous botanical gardens in the Triangle. We’ve listed gardens in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Wilson, Pittsboro, and Smithfield. For a truly unique garden experience, go to the Spring Open Nursery Garden Days at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden. It’s only open nine weekends all year, and Mother’s Day Weekend is one of them. This is a chance to see rare plants that you can’t see anywhere else.
Shakespeare in the Parks
Switch Theatre is presenting Shakespeare’s As You Like It in Durham Central Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Ma & Pa Festival
Celebrate both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day at Ma & Pa Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fayetteville Street, between Hargett and Davie Streets, in Raleigh, North Carolina. There will be 140 local vendors, live music, a food truck rodeo, lawn games and more.
Raleigh’s Spring Festival
On Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Raleigh’s Spring Festival takes place at Moore Square. It features live music and entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games with prizes, face painting and more.
Shop at a Local Market
Shop local and find unique gifts at one of these upcoming markets in the Triangle. We include art markets, artisan markets and more in this list. At many of them there is also entertainment.
Free Concerts
There are a number of free outdoor concerts taking place all over the Triangle, on Mother’s Day Weekend. Most of these concerts are free to enjoy.
North Carolina Zoo
Road trip to Asheboro to see the animals! Moms get $3 off tickets to the North Carolina Zoo on May 10, 2026. Just mention the “Mother’s Day offer” at the admission gate. The discount can not be combined with other offers. Announced on Facebook.
Mother’s Day Freebies and Deals
All offers are at participating locations only. Call ahead to make sure the one you’re visiting is participating.
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick’s Deal is for Friday, May 8, 2026. Buy a large Quick Chick and get one for free. Limit of 3 per guest. While supplies last. Not valid for online or delivery orders.
Denny’s
Denny’s Rewards members get a free dessert with any $5 minimum purchase, valid May 7 to 10, 2026, in-store and online. Not a Rewards member yet? Sign up at dennys.com/rewards before Sunday.
Disclaimer: Valid at participating Denny’s U.S. locations only, in-store and online (excluding third-party vendors or delivery partners). $5 minimum purchase required. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Lowe’s
The first 150 MyLowe’s Rewards members at Lowe’s on Saturday, May 9, 2026, starting at 10 a.m., get a free flower at Lowe’s. Get the details here.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is offering a BOGO deal. From May 7 to 10, 2026, buy one drink and get one (lesser value) for free. Valid after 11 a.m. Must use Scooter’s mobile app. One redemption per person during the promotional period. Find locations here.
