Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Mother’s Day is coming up, so let’s treat the people who do so much for us (especially the moms who usually end up planning the day anyway). Here in Champaign-Urbana, there’s no shortage of activities, whether you’re looking for something laid-back and relaxed, creative and enriching, or lively and interactive. Here are some ideas to help you plan.
Start Early on Thursday
Kick things off in Tolono with Mom’s Night Out at Tolono Public Library—a relaxed, low-key way to enjoy an evening out, paint your own flowerpot, and connect with other moms in the community.
Stroll & Shop on Friday
Starting Friday, and all through the weekend, get yourself some fresh air at the Sola Gratia Spring Plant Sale at Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana. You’ll find a wide variety of vegetable, herb, fruit, and flower plants perfect for gifting or planting together.
If you’re looking for a girls’ Friday night out, head to Monticello for the annual Whites of Spring wine-tasting celebration. The walk (wine optional, of course) includes appetizers and desserts, extended shopping hours, and a lively atmosphere in the picturesque downtown.
Get Creative on Saturday
Try your hand at art glass! At The Vault Art Gallery's Art Glass Class in downtown Tuscola, you’ll create a unique fused-glass garden stake. It’s a fun, hands-on way to get creative and leave with something beautiful for your garden.
Craft your own honey-infused soaps using nourishing, natural ingredients at Bloom & Lather: Honey & Goat Milk Soap Making Workshop at the Hive Honey Beetique in Mahomet. Customize your creations with botanicals and shimmer, then make a lip scrub to match!
Put on your sunglasses and pretend like you're Anna Wintour at the 11th Annual Re-Fashioned Fashion Show. Held at the Siebel Center for Design on the University of Illinois campus, this free, must-see event features 100+ bold, sustainable looks created by Studio Arts Fashion students.
Celebrate on Sunday
For an extra-extra special brunch, make reservations (like, NOW) for the Mother’s Day Brunch Experience at Cedar Oak Farms in Paxton. This elevated, chef-hosted event features fresh-baked treats, seasonal fruit, salad, coffee, juices, and the plated entrée of your choice—all in a beautiful, peaceful farm setting. Plus, each mom receives a complimentary tulip and a small gift.
Learn the basics of floral design—composition, balance, color, and texture layering at the Mother’s Day Floral Design Workshop at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign. It includes all materials and you’ll leave with an absolutely stunning arrangement. (While you’re there, visit the adorable baby goats and pick up a few locally produced goods at the Farm Store!)
If you’re looking for something super lively and competitive, Champaign’s Downtown Plaza is hosting a game show: “How Well Do You Know Your Mom?” It’s a fun, family-friendly event filled with lighthearted challenges and maybe a few surprises!
Make It Your Own
Of course, you can make your Mother's Day truly unique by checking out our Event Calendar, which includes even more classes, performances, markets, and experiences that Mom might unexpectedly be up for (Meditation with Cats, Haunts & Legends of UIUC, Grateful Dead tribute band Sunshine Daydream, to name a few!). It's their day, after all!