What Mom Does Not Want to Do on Mother's Day Weekend... and Twelve Ideas for What She Does

By popular demand, we’ve expanded and updated our ideas from last year’s five to this year's "Twelve Things Mom Wants to Do on Mother’s Day Weekend” list!

But first, some guiding principles that will never change:

Mom does not want to:

1. Make the bed.
2. Binge watch (again) that show only you like.
3. Remind you that it's Mother's Day.
4. Do anything on her to-do list.
5. Prepare a meal.

Mom wants to:

1. Spend time with you.
2. Make memories with you.
3. Take selfies with you.
4. Listen to great music.
5. Go OUT somewhere she can bump into lots of people she knows so she can show you off.

Downtown Arlington is the perfect place to give mom, grandma, your favorite aunt or sweetie everything she wants on Mother’s Day! 

Plan your weekend in Downtown Arlington with Mom:

1. You know your mom loves live music at the Levitt Pavilion, and this Friday and Saturday it’s all about music that will move her, body and soul. On Friday, May 6 the Levitt presents real-life Tejano legend Gary Hobbs with opening act Conjunto Baraja de Oro, winner of many Tejano Music Awards including Best New Female Artist. On Saturday, May 7, Billy Dean, a true American troubadour with 11 top ten singles takes the stage. Opening for Billy is Brent Alexander, whose Texas country roots run deep with the likes of Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Trace Adkins. All concerts are free!
        
2. Take Mom shopping at the annual UT Arlington Glass Art Sale on Saturday, May 7 starting at 9am. Nearly two thousand works will be available for purchase, ranging from $5 paperweights to collector pieces worth thousands of dollars. There will live glassblowing demonstrations, and a small selection of works for silent auction, which will go LIVE at 2pm. Go early to find the best deals!   
        
3. Keep that shopping vibe going by exploring our fun and quirky collection of retail shops like Wildfire and Lace, Wondrous Works gift shop and more. 
        
4. Give your sun salutation with nothing standing between you and the big, blue sky. Bring Mom to Knapp Heritage Park in Downtown Arlington on Saturday at 9am for a free Downtown Outdoors Yoga Class led by an Arlington Yoga Center instructor.   
        
5. Capture some amazing selfies with Mom along one of Downtown Outdoor's Mural Walks.
       
6. Your Mom likes hers with a little kick (wink). Take her discerning tastebuds to On Tap's Inaugural Salsa Cook-Off on May 7 from 1-3pm.
       
7. Give your Mom the gift of live theatre! The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Piano Lesson opens at Theatre Arlington on Friday, May 6 and runs through May 15.   
         
8. Reading is even better when the whole family can get involved! Moms and their little ones will love Storytime at the Downtown Library on May 7 at 11:30am.
         
9. After Storytime at the Library, take a quick Via ride to the UTA Planetarium for their afternoon shows, including One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure at 1pm and Astronaut at 2pm. Later, head back to the UTA Planetarium for more adult-oriented shows including Unveiling the Invisible Universe at 6pm and our favorite, Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon at 7pm.
       
10. Love is the universal language. Your mom and all the wonderful women in your life will appreciate this musical gift: “Gracias Mamá” A Mother’s Day Concert at Arlington Music Hall. While you’re at the Hall, stop by the Box Office and get your tickets to Symphony Arlington’s final performance of the season, Mozart con Amore with pianist Eldred Marshall on May 12.
          
11. Doesn't your Mom deserve a little "me" time? We're all about the gift certificates for a massage, facial or other personal care treatment from one of our unique spas and salons. Check out our Health and Beauty directory for ideas.
         
12. No matter where else you take Mom on Mother’s Day Weekend, you know she wants to go out to eat and show you off. From the Sanford House to Amore Mio to Flying Fish... how do you choose from all the options in Downtown Arlington? Have your mom play the updated Downtown Patio Personality Game, and double the hugs of gratitude.