Unique Mother’s Day Things To Do in Western New York

Do something different this Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day is on May 12 this year and the lines for brunch will be wrapped around restaurants in Buffalo and across Western New York.

Why not do something a little different and treat mom, or your closest female relative, to a fun day out?

For the mom, or aunt, or older sister, who likes cultural events, there are plenty happening Mother’s Day weekend, including Canadian singer Alan Doyle, of Great Big Sea, performing at Buffalo State Performing Arts Center on May 11, or maybe she’d prefer the Silent Terminalia exhibit from Alex Boeschenstein, a series of groupings “freestanding obelisks, fabricated out of pine, MDF, steel and PLA plastic with a combination of hand carving, 3D printing and CNC-routing techniques,” on display at the Buffalo Institute for Contemporary Art, 30 Essex Street.

READ MORE: Music Is Art Returns To Original Spot In Buffalo, New York

Is she a fan of classical music? Check out Beethoven’s Ninth with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall May 11 and 12, or something musical but a little more contemporary, check out Rodrigo y Gabriela at Babeville on May 12, with an energetic and unexpected mix of classic rock, heavy metal and flamenco.

Need something for a theater buff? Check out one of several plays going on that weekend, including AI at Delphi, a modern reimagining of the story of the Oracle at Delphi by Bella Poynton, on stage at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center in Williamsville, or catch the production of The Price, a rarely performed play from Arthur Miller taking the stage at the Irish Classical Theater Company.

Would a little retail therapy make a great gift? Support local artisans and crafters by going to the Niagara Street Mother’s Day Market, at 1250 Niagara Street,  promising 60 vendors and the option of two floral arranging classes offered by Wildroot on Sunday. The market runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free to attend.

READ MORE: Tesla Layoffs Higher Than Their Average in Buffalo, New York

Is the special lady being feted that day an animal lover? We have options for that too! Why not go to Kelkenberg Farms in Clarence for a special event featuring mother animals and their babies? It’s a full day of adorableness, with cute animal babies nuzzling up to their moms, including baby goats, sheep, chicks, bunnies and others. The event is a fundraiser for the Veterans’ One Stop Center of WNY and runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12.

Why not spend some time with Mother Nature this particular weekend? There’s a one-hour trail hike at Akron Falls, led by Ranger Leanne, that will “teach you the importance of Planet Earth’s many mothers in nature.” The hike will include information on how female animals care for their young in a variety of ecosystems. Leashed dogs are welcomed on this hike, which will feature some slight elevation changes but could have slippery conditions.

Of course, if you’d rather go a more traditional route, there are plenty of brunch specials to be found, but reservations are usually required so it’s best to make your arrangements now, or be prepared to explain where things went so very, very wrong.