Give Mom the VIP Treatment

There’s two kinds of Mother’s Day plans. The last-minute reservation that lands somewhere between “it’ll do” and “why is there a two-hour wait,” and the one that feels like you thought this through. In Georgia this year, the second option is having a moment. From polished brunches to vineyard afternoons and full-on concert nights, Mother’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be less about squeezing in a meal and more about giving Mom a day that feels like hers.

For those who like their celebrations with a little volume, Columbus is turning things up. The May 10 "An Intimate Mother's Day Celebration" at the Columbus Civic Center brings together Dru Hill, Tamar Braxton, and a lineup built for singing along. It’s the kind of night that swaps small talk for shared nostalgia, where the gift is less about what’s wrapped and more about the memory you walk out with.

Closer to home, brunch still holds its crown, but it’s levelling up. Spots across the state are leaning into all-day formats and chef-driven menus that feel more like an occasion than a routine. At Denim & Oak, the Mother’s Day Brunch stretches from late morning into early evening, complete with a mimosa bar that quietly encourages you to stay a little longer. Over at Morten's at Old Town, the focus shifts to from-scratch dishes and locally rooted ingredients, the kind of place where every plate feels intentional without trying too hard.

If your version of a perfect Mother’s Day involves fresh air and a slower pace, North Georgia has an answer. Roo Mountain Vineyard in Ellijay is hosting its Tipsy Tea in the Vines, a ticketed experience that pairs high-tea classics with wine-infused drinks and mountain views that do most of the talking. It’s equal parts polished and relaxed, which is exactly the balance a day like this calls for.

A few ways to think about it this year:

• Go big with a concert if Mom loves a crowd and a good throwback playlist 
• Keep it classic with a brunch that feels a little more dressed up than usual 
• Head north for something quieter, where the scenery does half the work 

From Gwinnett to Columbus to the edges of the mountains, the common thread is simple:  Mother’s Day is leaning into experiences that feel personal, a little indulgent, and worth remembering past the group photo. However you spend it, the goal is the same. Make it feel like more than a meal.

For more ways to plan the perfect Mother’s Day, explore our Holiday and Current Events directory. https://gbj.com/arts-entertainment