How to Spend Mother’s Day in Joburg: Joyous & Jam-Packed Things to Do

Spending Mother’s Day in Joburg allows for a world of unique experiences. Whether she’s a creative, a foodie or a music enthusiast, Mom’s sure to be smiling if you take her to any of these events we’ve chosen carefully for you.

Mother’s Day concert at NIROX Sculpture Park

NIROX is once again spotlighting the incredible arts community that thrives in Johannesburg with a special concert for Mother’s Day this year. Take in the splendour of its impeccable gardens with music throughout the day, culminating in a program co-curated by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Concert attendees can expect cameo guest appearances from talented local singers including Lira, Maleh and many more. Gourmet cuisine courtesy of the Epicurean Emporium is also on offer, featuring a broad selection of culinary abundance. For refreshments, Bernie’s Bar promises to keep guests elegantly hydrated with bubbles, wines, and bespoke beverages.

Cost: From R600pp to R950pp, and free (u/12s). Book via Howler

When: Sunday, 12 May, 11am to 6pm
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp

Picnicking and Music with Ross Learmonth at Toadbury Hall

While many know him as the ex Prime Circle frontman, Ross Learmonth is an incredible musician in his own right – an accomplished songwriter and vocalist with over 20 years of experience in the local and international touring circuit. Ross’s outstanding talent and heart can be heard and felt in his first solo album, Carousel (released last year), and there’s plenty more on the way. Mother’s Day Out sees Ross perform his newest work with a supporting performance from Easy Freak, an exciting South African electronic pop duo that blends pop, funk, and soul music.

So, spoil mom this Mother’s Day with a day out at Toadbury Hall, and soak up picture-perfect lawns, good food, and the musical stylings of these talented musical acts. A variety of superb food and drinks stalls will be at the event, along with a limited amount of gourmet picnics (only available when booked in advance). Attendees are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets and camping chairs along.

Cost: R275pp | R225pp (u/12) | R1 450 (gourmet picnic basket & two adult tickets). Book through Quicket

When: Sunday, 12 May, 11am to 4pm
Where: Toadbury Hall, Plot 64 Beyers Naude Ext, Lanseria, Krugersdorp

Painting class at Lillian Gray Art School

Unwind with a chilled painting class running at Lillian Gray Art School in Randburg. Complete beginners are welcome to join this guided workshop on how to create your own art from scratch. All materials are included, and cupcakes, drinks and refreshments will be served at the session.

Cost: R900 per pair (mother and child) and R350pp for an additional child, book online

When: Sunday, 12 May from 10am to 1pm
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Johannesburg

Ballet and lunch at Beechwood Gardens

Joburg Ballet, Friends of the Ballet and South African Ballet Theatre Trust present a very special Mother’s Day Ballet Lunch event at the award-winning Beechwood Gardens in Hyde Park. The event includes lunch under the majestic trees and a performance by Joburg Ballet and the Joburg Ballet Academy.

“Beechwood Gardens is the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day,” says Joburg Ballet CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell, “and I encourage our supporters to join us on this celebratory occasion. If you’re not yet part of the Friends of the Ballet and the Joburg Ballet family, this is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of Johannesburg’s world-class ballet company.”

Cost: R950pp for adults, and R550 for kids under 13. Book via email [email protected] or call 083 539 5999

When: Sunday, 12 May from 12:30pm
Where: Beechwood Gardens, 25 Christopherson St, Hyde Park, Sandton

Join for this floral workshop and high tea

The culinary team at Ground the Venue is ready to indulge in the ultimate pre-Mother’s Day treat with Fleur de Gin. Elevate her day with an Interactive Floral Centerpiece Workshop paired with High Tea and welcome drinks to get the Saturday started.

Highlights on the high tea menu include smoked salmon terrines, spinach and feta quiches, creme brulee tarts and lots more.

Cost: R1350pp for floral workshop, high tea and drink, and R550 for high tea and drink. Book via email [email protected]

When: Saturday, 11 May from 10am to 5pm
Where: Ground the Venue, Plot 19 Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift

Mother’s Day Pottery Workshop in Craighall Park

Join Propa Studio and Dolci Cafe for a creative lunchtime pottery event in celebration of Mother’s Day. Whether you’re looking to experiment with ceramics, sculpture, doodling or design, Propa Studio has it all, inspiring beginners and crafts experts alike.

The workshop entails creating a set of beautiful hand-made ceramic cups with gorgeous, rich, black clay. As the guests of honour go ahead with their creations, the host venue – Dolci Cafe in Craighall Park – serves delicious Italian dishes to get the creative juices flowing. This is an outing sure to bring relaxation, laughter, and creativity.

Cost: R880. Book through Quicket

When: Sat 11 May, 11.30am to 3pm
Where: Dolci Café, Lancaster Village, 28 Clarence Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg

Jeremy Loops, Just Mia & more for this outdoor Sunday concert

On The Lawn returns with Riverside Sessions, an outdoor music festival hosted at the beautiful Syringa Park at Avianto Estate on Sunday, 12 May 2024. Celebrate Mother’s Day in this beautiful and calm setting with some amazing musical artists.

The lineup includes live performances by Jeremy Loops, Desmond & The Tutus, Loufi, and Just Mia. This show is open to all ages, and there will be food and drink vendors. Take your own camping chairs, small (beach-style) umbrellas, and picnic blankets along.

Cost: R295pp for adults, R95pp for kids 4 to 12, kids 3 and under enter free. Book via Howler

When: Sunday, 12 May from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Syringa Park at Avianto Estate, Portion 61, Driefontein Farm, Driefontint Road, Muldersdrift

Mom & I Sip and Paint at The Maslow Hotel

Visit the Maslow Hotel for an unforgettable Sip & Paint brunch experience, set amidst the lush greenery of Sandton’s oasis. The luxurious 4-star hotel offers the perfect backdrop for an intimate gathering filled with love, laughter, and fulfilment. Indulge the taste buds with a sumptuous harvest table feast, meticulously crafted by Chef Ofentse Morake, and create a masterpiece on canvas, capturing the cherished moments shared with Mom.

The ticket price includes a welcome drink to kick off the celebration, brunch featuring the hotel’s signature harvest table, a canvas, and painting essentials to unleash attendees’ creativity.

Cost: R650pp includes sip and paint brunch. Book through Quicket

When: Sunday, 12 May from 11am to 2pm
Where: The Maslow Hotel, 146 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton

Gin Tasting and food platters on this bar-hopping experience

Join the ultimate Jozi Gin Journey and explore three top-rated Jozi Gin restaurants in Bryanston, Morningside, and Cedar Square on a party-bus experience! Indulge in a variety of exquisite gin cocktails and unique infusions crafted by expert mixologists.

At Cedar Square, guests are met with more gin cocktails and sumptuous food platters. The bus then returns to Bryanston, where guests are treated to an epic party. The ticket price covers the gin cocktails at each stop, the food platters, unlimited gin ciders on the bus, and free entrance to the night’s festivities at the Bryanston branch.

Cost: R600pp, includes food and drink. Book through Quicket

When: Saturday, 11 May from 4pm – 7pm
Where: Meet at Jozi Gin Bryanston, Cnr Posthouse and Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton

Explore more tasting experiences

Mother's Day in Joburg High Tea and Tote Painting

Mother’s Day High Tea & Tote Painting

Join Studio ArtWave for a Mother’s Day High Tea event where creativity meets indulgence. Guests can look forward to a creative tote bag painting session, sampling delightful sweet treats, and sipping on sublime bubbles.

The ticket price includes a guided Matisse-inspired tote bag painting session, encouraging the use of colour and originality. Also included are complimentary bubbles from Joburg wine cellar Vinosity, a high tea spread from delightful local dessert spot Afters Treats & Eat, all workshop tools and materials, and the most important feature of all: quality time with mom.

Note: The studio is on the first floor and can only be accessed via a staircase.

Cost: R615pp, includes all materials and a finished tote bag. Book through Quicket

When: Sunday, 12 May from 11am – 2pm
Where: ArtWave studio at 44 Stanley, near the Salvation Cafe entrance, 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg