10 FREE ways to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day weekend in Birmingham

In Birmingham we love our mamas, and this coming weekend is all about HER. Sure, you can buy your mom an expensive gift, but enjoying a fun, memorable activity should be at the top of your list. We found ten that are FREE. You are most welcome.

Below are some free things your family can do in Birmingham this weekend in honor of Mother’s Day:

1) Smell the roses

This weekend is the Birmingham Rose Show, one of the largest exhibitions of roses in the southeast!

• What: Hundreds of roses on display
• Cool fact: Some rose bushes come from 152-year-old cultivars!  
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• When: All weekend

2) Step outside

It’s May, after all–the perfect time of year for a hike or stroll. We’ve got some excellent options.

• What: Explore one of the many beautiful outdoor areas Birmingham has to offer
• Where: Local nature areas and parks, including (but of course not limited to):
  • Red Mountain Park
  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
  • Railroad Park
  • Avondale Park
  • Cahaba River Park (17 miles of trails. Just opened)!
• When: All weekend

3) Snap a real photo

Yes, we adore Instagram, and Bham Now boasts one of the largest followings around. But, sometimes it’s nice to have something to hold on to. Strike a pose with Mom at the Mother’s Day Photo Booth at Pepper Place.

• What: Get a complimentary printed 5×7 photo with Mom (and digital copies, too!)
• Where: Martin Biscuit Event Space
• When: Thursday-Saturday (times vary)

4) Get wild

Been to the zoo lately? They’re celebrating Mom this weekend. With hundreds of animals from across the globe, there’s plenty to see.

• What: Free child admission (ages 2-12) with the purchase of an adult ticket
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• When: All weekend

5) Tour Birmingham’s (50 and counting!) murals

Birmingham is home to some beautiful murals–take Mom on a self-guided tour around town!

6) Jump around

If you want to stay out of the heat, check out Birmingham’s indoor trampoline park! It’s quite the workout.

• What: Mom gets a free ticket with the purchase of a child ticket
• Where: Sky Zone Hoover
• When: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

7) Rock out

Is Mom a live music fan? Grab a beer and listen to some jams at Cahaba on Sunday.

• What: Free Dyrty Byrds show
• Where: Cahaba Brewing
• When: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

8) Explore the art of fashion at the Birmingham Museum of Art

This local treasure is free and open to the public. What better way to explore some inspirational artwork than with the woman who inspires you every day?  

• What: Check out the Ways of Seeing: Fashion exhibit, among the museum’s vast collection of impressive works
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art
• When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

9) Visit local art galleries

If you’re still looking for an art fix with your Mom, why not step into some of our local galleries? Birmingham boasts a diverse selection of locally owned shops. Here are two to stop by:

• Grand Bohemian Gallery
  • Collection of local and international artists
  • Open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday
• Ground Floor Contemporary
  • Showcase of emerging Birmingham artists
  • Open 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday

10) Chill out

Does mom have a sweet tooth? Doodles is offering a free treat to moms (with their kids) for Mother’s Day! Yum.

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, we’ve got you covered. What are your plans this weekend? What did we miss? Tag us on social @bhamnow.