While your mum might love a box of choccies and some flowers, chances are what she’d love the most is the opportunity to spend some quality time together. And with pandemic-related restrictions lifting across most states, getting in a dose of mum appreciation time is entirely possible this year. So, we’ve scoured the internet to find the 15 best things to do with your mum (or a special figure in your life) this May – both close to home and a little further afield:
1. The Mother’s Day Classic – Australia-wide
In support of breast cancer research, the Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday 8th May is a walk or run event across 70 locations in Australia. In major and metro cities, the event includes an event village, entertainment, music, and food stalls to enjoy throughout the day; in other regions across Australia, you can take place in a walk or run event joining the sea of pink participants, or you can choose to take part in your very own way at a time and place that suits. Find a Mother’s Day Classic event near you here for you and your mum to attend.
2. Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – Australia-wide
Taking place on Thursday 19th May, The Cancer Council’s biggest fundraising event of the year, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, is an opportunity to get together with your family (and mum, of course) and spoil her with some of her favourite family baking. The event isn’t limited to hosting your mum, you can also take part with colleagues or friends, and you can find plenty of ideas to make it a success here.
3. Pink Ribbon Breakfast – New Zealand-wide
Each year in May, thousands of Kiwis across New Zealand come together to support the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to raise much-needed funds for breast cancer education, research, and patient support. Whether it’s a virtual event, a physical challenge, bake sale, raffle, or breakfast with all the trimmings, how you participate is up to you – so get mum involved and start brainstorming! Pink Ribbon Breakfast is full of ideas, recipes, and resources to help get you started.
4. The Brisbane Writer’s Festival
Get wordy and a little wiser with your mum at the Brisbane Writers Festival from the 3rd – 8th of May. The festival aims to “bring a world of voices from across the Pacific and around the globe” to Melbourne in celebration of its 60th year. Find the entire program and ticketing information here and get ready for some literary fun with mum.
5. Tasting Australia – Adelaide
As one of the country’s longest-running food and beverage festivals, Tasting Australia (taking place from 29th April – 8th May) is an event that showcases the produce, people, and place of South Australia. If your mum’s a foodie, book in for a long lunch, a meal curated by world-class chefs or settle in with award-winning beverages at Town Square Kitchen. With over 200 events on offer – we’ll bet there’s something for every mum.
6. Opera Gala at Uluru – NT
Set against the magical backdrop of Uluru, treat the opera-loving mum in your life to spectacular performances from some of Opera Australia’s finest performers accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Running from 20th – 22nd May, book your tickets now as some performances are already sold out.
7. Australian Fashion Week – NSW
If you’ve got a fabulous fashionista mum, Australian Fashion Week is the perfect event to take her to this May 9th – 13th. With an array of local favourites taking the catwalk like Bec + Bridge, Sass & Bide and Karla Spetic, along with intimate ‘In Conversation With’ discussions taking place with some of the industry’s favourite designers, you’re guaranteed to leave with a happy mum (and quite possibly an enviable goody bag). Book your tickets here.
8. Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Sydney
Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life onstage in this award-winning show, making for a fun night out in Sydney with your mum. The show promises to deliver “a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory!” Sydneysiders can make a night of it with dinner and a show, or if you’re travelling from interstate, it’s sure to be a memorable mini break for your mum. With the Melbourne show already sold out, get in quick and secure tickets for Sydney here.
9. Vivid – Sydney
For the art, music, and light-loving mum in your life, head to Vivid Sydney as it celebrates its 12th year from 27th May – 18th June. This year, the star of the show is the longest continuous ‘Light Walk’ the event has ever seen – from the Sydney Opera House all the way to Central Station. Spanning 23 days, we’re sure you can find a date that accommodates. Find all the details here.
10. THE LUME – Melbourne
Get immersed and get cultured with a twist as THE LUME Melbourne brings world-renowned Van Gough artworks to life in this multi-sensory experience. Running from now through to 30th June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, bring your mum along and experience every surface becoming an animated canvas. Find everything you need to know here.
11. AFL – Perth
Got a sporty mum? Get your supporter gear on and take her along to RAC Arena to catch the West Coast Fever take on the Collingwood Magpies this Mother’s Day. Tickets are on sale via Ticketek.
12. Midnight Oil ‘Resist’ Tour – Australia and New Zealand
Catch Peter Garret and the band as they celebrate the release of their new album Resist and perform classics from their extensive back catalogue. The band have announced this will be their final concert tour, so if your mum is a long-time groupie, secure some tickets for you both, sharpen up your dance moves and head along for an unforgettable evening.
13. Swan Lake – New Zealand
Royal New Zealand Ballet presents this timeless and beautiful production that hasn’t been seen on New Zealand shores since 2013. Considered one of the greatest of all classical ballets, Swan Lake runs from 5th May – to 5th June and is the perfect outing for the mum with an appreciation of the finer things. Catch it at a centre near you – Wellington, Palmerston North, Christchurch, Auckland, or Napier.
14. Winetopia – Auckland
After a bit of a hiatus, Winetopia is back, bringing what promises to be “the greatest, most extravagant and delicious celebration of New Zealand wines” to Auckland for its 7th season. If your mum is a wine aficionado (or simply appreciates a good drop), head to this 2-day event and sample fine wines from 60 prestigious wineries across New Zealand. There’s also a full schedule of tastings and talks, gourmet food matches and live music to accompany your search for the perfect wine. Find out more and secure your tickets here.
15. Celeste Barber ‘Fine, Thanks’ Tour – Australia and New Zealand
Australia’s Queen of Comedy is hitting the road with a tour spanning Australia and New Zealand across the month of May. After spending the best part of two years off stage, her ‘Fine, Thanks’ tour is set to give us a good laugh and possibly deliver a few awkward moments with your mum. Find a location near you and book tickets here.
Remember, you don’t need to pull out all the stops to make the day special
Whether you choose to head along to one of the many events on offer, make your mum’s day memorable from afar with one of these suggestions, or keep things simple with thoughtful ideas to impress, keep in mind that often it really is just the thought that counts. To all the mums out there, First National Real Estate wishes you a Happy Mother’s Day.
DISCLAIMER
Remember, we live in a changing world, and your health and safety should always come first. Be sure to check with your local or state Government health authorities before planning any travel so that the memories you are creating are the kind of memories you want to remember. Have fun and travel safely.
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.