Better than brunch? Fun ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Canberra.
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Forget food, this is for the mums who prefer experiences.
Brunch is great. High tea is lovely. But not every mum wants to spend Mother’s Day sitting across a white tablecloth.
For the mums who’d rather do something – mix a cocktail, arrange flowers, stretch out on a yoga mat or wander through a market with a coffee in hand – Canberra’s got plenty on offer this year. Here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May that don’t involve a set menu.
Just a little note on semantics: when we say “mum”, we mean anyone who identifies as one. We will be using she/her pronouns throughout this listing, but we also understand that not every mother identifies this way or wants to be referred to this way.
Footloose: The Musical
Cut loose this Mother’s Day weekend with a feel-good night at the theatre. Bringing the high-energy story (and iconic soundtrack) to life, Footloose: The Musical follows city teen Ren as he shakes up a small town where dancing is banned – cue big choreography, even bigger hits and a whole lot of heart.
Expect all the songs you know and love, from Holding Out for a Hero to Let’s Hear It for the Boy, in a production that’s equal parts nostalgic and electrifying. Whether mum’s a theatre lover or just in it for the 80s bangers, this is one outing guaranteed to get everyone tapping their toes.
Playing from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May for four shows only.
Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square | Book here.
Mixology Magic at The Sneaky Cauldron
Make this Mother’s Day extra magical with this spellbinding cocktail class! On Saturday 9 May, mum will join fellow witches and wizards for 90 minutes as she concocts two magical cocktails (or mocktails) under the expert guidance of the Sneaky Cauldron Potions Master.
Priced at $55 per person, she’ll also receive a welcome drink to sip on as she learns the secrets of bewitching beverages.
5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | Book here.
The Mother’s Day Classic
Take steps for breast and ovarian cancer research this Mother’s Day with the Mother’s Day Classic. Raising both funds and awareness, since 1998, over $48.23 million has been donated to NBCF and $2.57 million has been donated to OCRF thanks to this special community event.
Start your Mother’s Day with purpose and show support for a cause that affects so many families around Australia.
Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | Register here.
Flower workshop at Highball
Hosted in Highball’s intimate Casita Bar, this 90-minute workshop promises to be welcoming, fun and creative – and the best part is mum will take home something beautiful she’s made herself.
Guided by florist Olivia from Flora Firma, and priced at $90 the workshop includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, a cheese and charcuterie platter to share and a beautiful flower arrangement!
75 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Mum’s Day Bliss Restore Yoga & Healing Sound
Sometimes the best gift is space and serenity – and that’s exactly what this workshop promises.
Exploring themes of the womb, the heart and the divine feminine, mum will be guided to settle and soften into a supportive, nurturing yoga practice, complemented by the harmonic vibrations of crystal bowl sound-healing instruments. Designed to support profound inner calm, it’s everything a mum needs.
Flow and Food, 253 Northbourne Avenue, G06, Lyneham | Book here.
Rosewood Flowers x Under Bakery
There’s nothing like a bouquet of flowers and a fresh pastry, which is why you should be excited that Rosewood Flowers and Under Bakery are joining forces.
Offering a Mother’s Day 2026 Florals and Pastry Bundle (a pre-order only gift available for pick up or delivery across the Mother’s Day weekend), all you need to do is press ‘Add to cart’ and pick them up! Numbers are strictly limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
2/30 Mawson Place, Mawson | Order here.
Mumfest at Haig Park Village Markets
Haig Park Village Markets is once again transforming into the ultimate Mother’s Day celebration!
At this free, family friendly event mum will be able to explore over 100 incredible stalls, experience a free traditional Japanese massage, take a cocktail-making masterclass and so much more. Plus, there will be face painting and lawn games for the kids, live music and plenty of food!
Haig Park, 14 Girrahween Street, Braddon | Find out more here.
Free Pampering for Mum at South.Point Shopping Centre
If mum deserves a proper moment to unwind, South.Point is rolling out the red carpet with a full line-up of complimentary pampering this Mother’s Day weekend. Think mini beauty treatments like hair styling, makeup touch-ups and hand massages, alongside a dedicated photo moment so she can capture the glow-up.
There’s plenty happening beyond the pamper chair too, with refreshments on offer and kid-friendly activities like card making and flower arranging – meaning you can treat her while keeping little hands busy. It’s an easy, feel-good way to celebrate without locking in a booking (or a budget).
South.Point Shopping Centre, 210 Anketell Street, Greenway | Mother’s Day weekend | Find out more here.
