Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11, 2025. If you’re looking for ways to make this day extra special for Mom, I’ve got you covered. From Rochester’s largest flower festival to brunch in a 19th-century village to a Brockport canal cruise, this Mother’s Day guide inspires planning a perfect day.
1. Fill the Day with Flowers
Spend the day at the Rochester Lilac Festival, which draws visitors from all over the region to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Highland Park’s blooming lilacs, pansies, tulips, magnolia, rhododendrons, azaleas, and flowering dogwood and cherry trees. You can also enjoy Art in the Park, which takes place on weekends during the 10-day festival. And stop into Highland’s Lamberton Conservatory to see the Spring Show.
The City of Rochester Public Market hosts Flower City Days on Sunday. You can also plan a trip to Sonnenberg Gardens.
Experience the beauty of Rochester’s historic Ellwanger Garden during its Lilac Weekend open house. The perennial flower garden at 625 Mt. Hope Avenue has been lovingly maintained since 1867 and features a diverse array of unique plants.
Are you up for a road trip? Book your spot at the magnificent and unparalleled Sycamore Hill Gardens in Marcellus, just 10 minutes northeast of Skaneateles.
2. Take a Walk in the Park
While Highland Park will be busy with Lilac Festival activities, our 20 other Monroe County Parks are perfect for exploring on Mother’s Day. All Monroe County Parks will be fully open on May 1, including roads, restrooms, and other amenities that were closed throughout the winter. Enjoy a stroll through Durand Eastman Park Arboretum, relax by Webster Park pier, look for fairies along the Birdsong-Fairy Trail at Mendon Ponds Park, or take a more challenging hike through Ellison and Lucien Morin Parks.
You might also enjoy joining a guided hike at 1:30 p.m. with the Crescent Trail Hiking Association along the RS&E Trolley Trail in Egypt Park.
3. Enjoy the Theater
Treat mom to a shared theater experience. Choose from An American in Paris at the JCC, Jersey Boys at OFC Creations, The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes at Blackfriars Theater, Anastasia: A Ballet Reimagined at Nazareth University, Pure Native at Geva, or The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra at Innovation Square.
4. Take a Canal Cruise
This is a unique opportunity! The Riverie—typically docked at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester—is setting sail from Brockport for a special series of Erie Canal cruises this May. You can also join a Sam Patch cruise from Pittsford to experience locking through Lock 32.
5. Enjoy a Traditional High Tea
Join Tealightful at Neutral Ground Coffeehouse in Pittsford for a traditional High Tea on Mother’s Day at 11 a.m. Enjoy a delightful selection of teas, along with a variety of creative and delicious finger sandwiches, fresh fruits, scones, mini quiches, and more, all in a beautiful setting overlooking the Erie Canal.
6. Experience an Exceptional Brunch
Celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom by treating her to brunch under the star-filled dome of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium or in 19th-century style at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford. Tapas 177′ Event 180, Five Sons Bistro, ArtisanWorks (also check out the weekly thrift sale!), Mullers Cider House, The Strathallen, Hilton Garden Inn Pittsford, Perlos, RIT Inn & Conference Center, and Geneva on the Lake offer Mother’s Day brunch and menu specials, among others. Check with your favorite restaurant for Mother’s Day specials and to make a reservation.
7. Wander Into the 19th Century
Take a trip to the Genesee Country Village & Museum, where mom gets in for free on Mother’s Day. Explore historic homes, gardens, and kitchens, and treat mom to a traditional 19th-century pastry from D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery.
8. Celebrate on Saturday
If mom is a dog-lover, do not miss the chance to see the adorable Rochester Dachshund Parade in Washington Square Park. And Railfans will enjoy a memorable Mother’s Day train ride at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.
You may also wish to participate in the Rochester Pink & Teal Challenge 5 K run, which will take place at Monroe Community College at 9:30 a.m. The walk will start at 9:45 a.m., and participants can choose between a 3.1-mile route and a 2-mile shortcut.
9. More Events to Consider
- Mother’s Day Psychic Fair at Iron Smoke, Fairport
- Mother’s Day Market at Bird House Brewing, Honeoye
- Mother’s Day Raft Trip at Letchworth State Park
- An Afternoon of Chamber Music at The Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word, Rochester
- Mother’s Day Train Rides at the Arcade & Attica Railroad Museum, Arcade
- Mother’s Day French Cafe Pop-Up at Fox Run Vineyards, Penn Yan
- Mother’s Day Candlemaking at Scents by Design
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Do you have a favorite way to spend Mother’s Day?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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