Looking for something a little different than the standard Mother’s Day happenings? Here are 10 things in the Central New York region that you and mom can enjoy together.
FRIDAY, MAY 8
Blind Owl Band @ Funk N Waffles (307 S. Clinton Street) ~ Show: 9 p.m. | Cost: $10
The Paul Smith College-born band is coming back to play at Syracuse’s popular waffle and music venue. Blind Owl specializes in Americana/country/bluegrass/folk rock that is easy on the ears. It’s a Friday night out for mothers of all ages with that Downtown Syracuse energy and flair.
Nancy Kelly @ SITRUS Lounge at Syracuse Sheraton (801 University Avenue) ~ Show: 9 p.m. | Cost: Free
The Central New York Jazz Foundation is sponsoring a jazz series that’s taking place in the hotel lounge by Syracuse University. It makes for an easy night out for jazz lovers of all ages without having to deal with the Downtown crowd. The show is free, the beverages are not.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Onondaga Audubon Bird Festival @ Derby Hill Bird Observatory (36 Grand View Avenue, Mexico) ~ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Cost: Free
A morning Onondaga Audubon is holding their Fourth Annual Bird Festival in Mexico, NY. There is plenty of family fun that can be expected. It’s an educational event that will not only teach you about bird identification and specifics about the avians you may or may not see, you get to know a lot about history and the current environment that is around us in Upstate New York. There will be nature hikes and various kids’ activities that will be available throughout the day. You’ll get to get up close and somewhat personal with hawks and owls. And Chomper’s Smokin’ Barbeque will be catering to hungry stomachs. The event and parking are free.
Lake 2 Lake Acupuncture Grand Opening (4481 State Route 96 A, Geneva) ~ 12 p.m to 4 p.m. | Cost: Free … but services vary
Why not get out of town and enjoy time away with mom? Lake 2 Lake Acupuncture is holding a spa day for all those already living, roaming around Finger Lakes Region or those passing through. The event is free, but the services are not. For those wanting to enjoy the company’s services, it’s asked that you call ahead: (315) 585-0014. Visitors have chair massages, reflexology sessions, Zyto scans, Tui Na, foot detox baths, and more to choose from.
Symphoria @ Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater (411 Montgomery Street) ~ Time: 7:30 p.m. | Cost: $20 – $79
It’s our cover story this week, but even if it wasn’t this would still be wrong to not mention this as a Mother’s Day weekend option. Symphonic performance has been a critical part of the local music scene in Syracuse for years, so it’s difficult to pass up such an opportunity for this Masterworks evening that features Saint-Saens, Mahler, and pianist Jon Nakamatsu. Mom would definitely be appreciative of this thoughtful night out.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
(Ahem … IT’S MOTHER’S DAY)
City Market @ Armory Square (Jefferson Street) ~ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Cost: Free … to visit, walk around
It’s baaaaaaaaack. This year 75 local ware and food shops will be participating, kicking off the festival season by beating “Taste of Syracuse” (and the chains that participate) to the punch. The City Market is all that is good with small and local business. Bring mom, family, and friends out before and after that brunch you decide to go to. A sit-down brunch may not even be necessary.
Skaneateles Conservation Hike (Route 20, Skanellus Drive-In) ~ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Cost: Free
The Adirondack Mountain Club — Onondaga Chapter will be holding a hiking excursion in Skaneateles. Ken Kaufman will be meeting active families, couples and individuals for a Mother’s Day outing, checking out wild flowers and scenery. The geography will be hilly, and conditions will be wet and muddy in some spots. Attendees are encouraged to bring a trail lunch and water. After the hiking is done, ice cream will be enjoyed in Skaneateles. For more information, call: (315) 685-5990.
Mother’s Day Brunch @ The Mansion (930 James Street) ~11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Cost: $32 (Adults), $17 (Children 5 – 10), Free (Children 5 & Under)
Why not enjoy a hearty brunch in a piece of Syracuse history? The George & Rebecca Barnes Foundation is holding the annual Mother’s Day Brunch at the Barnes Hiscock Mansion. The 1853 mansion dates back to the heart of abolitionism, and it offers a quiet atmosphere to take the extended family for a bite and family time. The venue will also allow you to comfortably talk and meet others as well. Tours are free, and will be given to groups at a time upon request.
Prendergast to Pollock @ Everson Museum of Art (401 Harrison Street) ~ 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Cost: $5 (members), $8 (students, military, seniors), $10 (non-members),
May 10 will be the last day of this exhibit at the Everson Museum of Art. Come see the permanent collection at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute in Utica. If you’ve been putting it off since February, well, now is the time before it travels back to it’s home … only an hour away. It’s not that we’re dissuading you from visiting our sister city, but it’s simply more convenient to see art when it’s in-town. Many of the paintings that were once owned by Edward Wales Root can be found at the Everson. Aside Prendergast and Pollock, pieces in the collection do come from Mark Tobey, George Luks, Reginald Marsh, and more. Before and after your artistic venture with Mom, feel free to walk and wander the streets of Syracuse in the spring.
Church (Google “churches in Central New York) ~ Service: Varies | Cost: Free – $50+ (depending on how holy you feel)
It’s safe to say that if your a Millenial or older, there are a good number of parents out there who still believe in God and go to religious services. Take your mom to church, because if you have an Italian mom like I do, she’ll touch your shoulder and look you in the eye as she asks, “How about you go to mass with your mama?”
TRIPLE PLAY
Syracuse Chiefs Games @ NBT Stadium (Tex Simone Drive) ~ Friday – Sunday/May 8 – 9 | Tickets: Price varies & $5 to park
Some moms are sports fans, and they need teams and players to scream at because 1) their own children have grown up and no longer play sports, 2) their children have opted out of sports, of 3) their kids’ sports are on the off-season. But, no matter or worry, it is baseball season. Our local Syracuse Chiefs have three nights filled with fun. Come root the local team on as they take on the Durham Bulls.
Friday, May 8: 7:05 p.m. game with postgame fireworks
Saturday, May 9: 1:05 p.m. game for Bark in the Park & Pet Fest (Humans get in for $8, dogs get in for $5)
Sunday, May 10: 1:05 p.m. game and kids get “I Love My Mom Because …” T-shirts
