12 Cool Things to do in London for Mother’s Day Weekend

TGIF! I’m enjoying a short break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for my aunt’s 60th birthday celebration. It’s amazing to be on holiday for the first time since 2019. Look out for snaps on my Instagram. If you’re in London for Mother’s Day Weekend, I’ve got you covered with a mix of exhibitions, live and online events, and places to go dancing with the whole family. Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day and love to all those who are feeling the loss this weekend too.

12 Cool Things to do in London for Mother’s Day Weekend

Fri: Race Is A Story: Writing for Social Change with Uju Asika (online event)
Join me and the wonderful mentoring community Girls Write Now for a Friday Night Salon (TONIGHT). I’ll be sharing some of my journey writing Bringing Up Race and growing up Black in Britain. I’ll also discuss elements of craft and guide participants through some fun writing prompts. Girls Write Now is an award-winning organisation pairing women writers with teen girls to help champion the voices of the future. It’s been praised by Michelle Obama and past author guests and honorees have included Chimamanda Adichie, Brit Bennett and more. Come for enlightening discussion and a bumping anti-racist playlist! 6pm EST (10pm GMT); FREE – register online https://girlswritenow.org/event/mar25salon/ (Mar 25)

Fri-Sun: Amy: Beyond the Stage at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High Street Kensington tube)
The brilliant Amy Winehouse will forever be remembered for her incredible vocal and writing talents. Discover all you need to know about the woman behind the legend at this exhibition, taking in early recordings, stage costumes, handwritten lyrics and her blue Daphne Fender Stratocaster guitar. 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri & Sat); adult from £14.50/family from £21.75/concs. available/members FREE (until Apr 10)

Fri-Sun: Cats and Dogs at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
The Horniman is a lovely place to visit in London for Mother’s Day weekend. And there’s an extra treat for a pet-loving mama at the Cats and Dogs exhibition. It’s a furry friend haven that immerses you in the world of dogs and their feline frenemies. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £8.50/child from £4.50/family from £15/under 3s FREE (until Oct 30)

Fri-Sun: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Explore the life and times of one of Britain’s  most famous children’s book authors. Beatrix Potter was also an ardent conservationist and this show takes a look at the animals and places that inspired her works. In collaboration with the National Trust. All ages. 10am-5.45pm (Wed-Sun); from £14 – advanced booking recommended (until Jan 8, 2023)

Fri-Sun: Life Between Islands: Caribbean British Art 1950s-Now at Tate Britain, Millbank SW1P 4RG (Pimlico tube)
This groundbreaking show features more than 40 artists, spanning film, sculpture, photography, fashion and visionary paintings. Horace Ové, Sonia Boyce, Claudette Johnson and Aubrey Williams are just some of the names in an exhibition that examines the impact of Caribbean British art and its people on British culture and society. Suitable for kids and families (PG for themes of racism and violence). 10pm-6pm daily; adult from £16/members FREE – advance booking recommended (until Apr 3)a

Fri-Sun: Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia tube)
It’s the last weekend for the Ideal Home Show, fairly handy if you’re in London for Mother’s Day weekend. Check out the latest tips and ideas on home improvement, with technological innovation, vintage furnishings, garden design and kitchens on show. Champagne Bar and Pamper Lounge featured too. 10am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-5pm (Sat-Sun); weekday adult from £14 adv/weekend adult from £16 adv (door prices higher); child 15 and under 15 FREE but require ticket (until Mar 27)

Fri-Sun: Periods: A Brief History at Vagina Museum, 18 Victoria Park Square, E2 9PF (Bethnal Green tube/Bethnal Green overground/Cambridge Heath rail)
More than half the planet are people who menstruate or people who have periods either in their past or future. Yet it’s still a long-standing taboo and the Vagina Museum is out to stop the stigma. Learn fascinating facts about the menstrual cycle and more at this engaging and educational exhibition. Museum hours: 10am-8pm (Wed), 10am-6pm (Thu-Sun); FREE entry (ongoing)

Sat: PopUp Painting: Paint Like Picasso, London Art Bar, 300 High Holborn, WC1V 7JH (Holborn tube)
Why not treat mum to a painting party in London for Mother’s Day weekend? London Art Bar popular sip and paint parties are run by PopUp Painting and open to all comers. This event is themed around Annie Dalton’s Two Dogs Sleeping, inspired by Picasso. All art supplies included, plus pro guidance (or just do your thing), a themed playlist and refreshments for purchase (cocktails, coffees, cakes etc). And you can keep your canvas as a memento. 3.30pm-6.30pm; £35.99 per person (Mar 26)

Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Mother’s Day Family Rave at One Night Records, Wardens Grove, Bankside SE1 0HT (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Go raving under the arches right behind Tate Modern at the Big Fish Little Fish event in London for Mother’s Day weekend party. This atmospheric venue hosts the award-winning family ravers for an afternoon of house, techno, and drum ‘n’ bass from DJ Joe Muggs (Bass Mids Tops), plus surprises. As part of the Camp Bestival warm-up tour, there will be a Camp Bestival Craft area and a chance to win a family ticket to Camp Festival in summer! Other highlights: Nifty Natty Craft tables, Villa Pia baby chill out, licensed bar, foam, bubbles, balloons and parachute dance finale. All ages welcome, best for 0-8 and families. 3pm-5pm; adult from £12/child from £8/pre-walkers FREE (Mar 27)

Sun: Mother’s Day Live Gospel Brunch at Amazing Grace, 9a St Thomas St, SE1 9RY (London Bridge tube/rail)
Inside the Grade II-listed St Thomas’s Church, enjoy a delicious brunch in the company of a live gospel choir. They’ll be singing Motown classics while you chow down on dishes curated by Mr Bao e.g. bacon bao with plum sauce or fried chicken with gochujang. Each table gets 90 minutes per booking with at least 45 minutes of live performance and there’s a bottomless drinks option at £25pp. 11.30am-4pm; £10 entry – food not included in entry price (Mar 27)

Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Bump and move with your minis at the monthly indie family disco, where tracks by the likes of the Pixies, Allo’ Darlin, The Supremes and Belle & Sebastian are on rotation. Enjoy vintage tunes and alternative beats for a baby-friendly crowd. All ages welcome (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Mar 27)

More ideas
Why not spend Mother’s Day at the movies with your baby; here’s where to eat the best Sunday Roast in London; check out my guide to quirky afternoon teas; or why not try some Sunday dim sum in London for Mother’s Day weekend?

**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**