Mother’s Day 2026: 5 Successful event formats for families

Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished dates on the family calendar. Beyond the usual flowers and handmade gifts, it’s a golden opportunity to organise warm, memorable events. If you’re an event organiser, local business, shop owner, or leisure professional, this is a date worth capitalising on.

But choosing the right format is key. Here are five ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in your town, shopping centre, cultural venue or outdoor space.

Summary


    1. Parent-child creative workshop

    Creative workshops are more popular than ever, and Mother’s Day is an ideal time to offer this type of intergenerational activity. Instead of a purely decorative or promotional session, imagine a warm and welcoming moment where parents and children create something meaningful together. This format adds real value by putting human connection at the centre of the experience in a simple and accessible setting.

    Ideas that work particularly well during May include making costume jewellery, illustrated cards or personalised photo frames. Modelling, ceramic painting or homemade cosmetics like natural lip balm or gentle scrubs are also popular for their playful, sensory and sustainable appeal. Baking workshops are another favourite, offering moments of shared fun with melted chocolate, homemade spreads and sweet treats to take home.

    The focus is not just on the final creation, although it can be a lovely gift for mum, but on the quality of time shared. It is this quality of attention and shared experience that echoes the true spirit of Mother’s Day, celebrated in the UK on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and in many other countries later in the spring, whether at the end of May or the beginning of June.

    A few thoughtful touches can turn a hands-on activity into a lasting memory, such as a photo spot with decorations, a snack at the end of the workshop, or a little “Happy Mother’s Day” card in the takeaway bag. Even with limited capacity, the event can leave a lasting impression if it is well managed and reflects your organisation’s values.

    To avoid stock shortages, long queues or logistical issues, consider setting up online registration with limited slots per session. A platform like Weezevent allows you to manage these aspects easily, ensuring the experience stays smooth and centred on love and connection.

    2. Festive brunch or afternoon tea

    Nothing brings people together like good food around a welcoming table. Hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch or afternoon tea is a simple and very popular option. Whether you are a restaurant, local council, community group or shopping centre, this activity is easy to adapt to different settings.

    Here are some ideas to enhance it:

    • Offer a special menu with homemade dishes, child-friendly options and drinks included
    • Add light entertainment such as an acoustic mini-concert, children’s face painting, a caricature artist or flower-arranging demonstration
    • Give each mum a small keepsake like a flower, a discount voucher or a sweet treat

    The success of a brunch or tea lies in its ability to create a relaxed, joyful and family-friendly atmosphere. If you have access to an outdoor space, consider a stylish picnic format with checkered cloths, gourmet baskets and rustic decorations. It is sure to be a hit on social media !

    3. Professional photo session

    This activity is becoming more and more popular, combining emotion, memory and perceived value. A Mother’s Day photo session for mother and child or the whole family makes a thoughtful and lasting gift: a beautiful image to keep forever. Capturing these moments helps create a visual story that will be cherished for years.

    Here is how it can work:

    • Set up a themed background, such as a floral scene, soft props or a vintage sofa
    • Arrange for a professional photographer or an instant-print photo booth
    • Offer a free print or digital copy for each mother and child

    This activity can also be run on a booking basis or included in a broader programme such as a makers’ market, brunch or local festival.

    Plan for smooth access with one time slot per family and a digital sharing option where possible. The event can be sponsored or organised in partnership with a local photographer, studio or brand, offering a memorable tribute to mums.

    4. Mother’s Day artisan market

    If you have access to an outdoor or semi-covered space, an artisan market is a fantastic way to bring life to your town centre, retail gallery or pedestrian zone. Mums can discover unique gift ideas, local creations and enjoy a relaxed family day out. Offering a wide variety of products helps appeal to all tastes.

    Tips for a successful event:

    • Choose a diverse group of stallholders featuring jewellery, stationery, textiles, home decor and handmade beauty products
    • Provide a children’s area with workshops, games or colouring activities
    • Add live entertainment such as musicians, craft demonstrations or a raffle

    This format promotes local talent while giving visitors a high-quality experience. It can be held over a half-day or a full weekend, depending on available resources. Make sure to promote it locally through posters, Facebook posts, email campaigns and by encouraging the stallholders to spread the word too.

    5. Show or cultural outing to enjoy together

    For something different that still captures the warmth of Mother’s Day, a cultural event is a fantastic choice. A programme suitable for all ages brings generations together for a meaningful shared experience. It is a lovely way to honour mums through art and creativity.

    Ideas include a gentle intergenerational music performance, an indoor or outdoor acoustic concert, or a film screening followed by a sweet buffet. These formats offer a relaxing and emotional alternative to traditional meals or craft sessions and fit perfectly into a Sunday in May.

    Adapt the content for families with accessible start times, a manageable duration, simple or discounted pricing and a welcoming atmosphere. If the number of spaces is limited or access requires booking, Weezevent can help you manage ticketing, registration and entry efficiently.

    Mother’s Day is a cherished occasion in the UK, marked on the fourth Sunday of Lent each year. Its origins lie in several intertwined traditions, from the historic observance of Mothering Sunday, when people returned to their “mother church,” to later celebrations honouring mothers after the First World War. Far more than just a date on the calendar, it is a celebration of love, care and appreciation. Offering a cultural experience on this day is a heartfelt way to show gratitude and create lasting memories.

    Above all, remember that a well-planned event, with care given to the welcome and the details, leaves a lasting impression. For a mother, a well-executed cinema tea party or a touching storytelling session can mean just as much as a gift set or bouquet. It is a beautiful way to honour the tradition while bringing it to life in a fresh and thoughtful way.

    6. Centralise registrations and simplify event planning

    Whatever format you choose, logistics are essential. This includes sign-ups, communication, follow-up, reception and feedback. A platform like Weezevent can save you a great deal of time.

    From a mini-site or widget integrated into your website, you can:

    • Create a registration or ticketing form
    • Manage session capacities and schedules (ideal for workshops or photo sessions)
    • Send reminder emails or practical information
    • Collect participant data for future campaigns

    This boosts your professionalism and improves the overall experience for your audience.


    To simplify the organisation of your Mother’s Day event, rely on a platform like Weezevent. Online registration, managing limited capacity, sending personalised emails, everything you need to create a warm, well-managed and unforgettable experience for families.

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