Nine unique ways to celebrate Mother's Day in Columbus with mom

The Columbus Modern Dance Company (CoMo) will perform on Mother's Day at the Topiary Park.
The Columbus Modern Dance Company (CoMo) will perform on Mother's Day at the Topiary Park.

Mother's Day is a special occasion to show moms and mother figures how much they are appreciated. Some years that may be with brunch or a nice dinner, and other times a unique, shared experience is the way to go. If you're looking for some unique ways to spend quality time with your mom this year, we've got you covered. Whether you're a fan of nature, music or art, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

From a free outdoor dance performance to a tribute concert for Stevie Wonder, here are nine unique ways to celebrate Mother's Day in Columbus this year:

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Big Band at Valley Dale

On May 13 at 8 p.m., The Valley Dale Ballroom will feature the 17-piece Rick Brunetto Big Band at a Mother's Day afternoon Italian dinner buffet and orchestra show featuring "Jersey Boys" Broadway star Nick Cosgrove. Tickets are $49, $59 for VIP seating.

Dawes Arboretum Wagon Tour

Dawes Lake at the Dawes Arboretum.
Dawes Lake at the Dawes Arboretum.

On Mother's Day, the Dawes Arboretum is offering an hour-long wagon tour that will highlight the blooming flowers, greenery and wildlife at the botanical garden. This is the only Sunday tour the arboretum will offer in the spring, providing families with an opportunity to spend quality time with their mothers.

Columbus Modern Dance Company

May 13 and 14 at 2 p.m., the Columbus Modern Dance Company is hosting its annual Mother's Day Tea in the Garden. The free outdoor performance is at Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St., featuring recreations of Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte." The dancers will lead audiences on a journey through the garden, performing site-specific dance works. And during intermission, tea and cookies will be provided.

Mother's Day market at Understory

Bar and lounge Understory will feature a Mother's Day market from SoHud Collective on May 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 40 makers and vendors, candle pouring and live music that is free to the public. Vendors will be located in the bar's top-floor events space and terrace, with a full bar set up on the market floor for drinks and brunch downstairs in the commons and patio beginning at 10 a.m.

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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for crafts and a concert. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., create a personalized flower pot and plant a flower as a heartfelt gift. At 2 p.m., The Magpie Consort, a Columbus-based mixed-voice choral ensemble, will perform a selection of music from their upcoming summer repertoire. Families can also explore the spring gardens, view current exhibitions, shop for gifts at the Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse or enjoy a meal at the Garden Café.

Admission ($23 for adults, $19 for seniors, $15.50 for children 3-12) is required for both activities, crafts cost $3 each, but the concert is free.

Posh Teatime at Kelton House

Posh Teatime Co. is hosting a Mother's Day high tea event at the Kelton House Museum and Garden, 586 E. Town St., on May 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Children under 10 years old are not allowed, and tickets cost $150. The event includes a guest speaker, presentation on dining etiquette, museum tour, photobooth experience, halal afternoon tea menu with fine teas, complimentary glass of champagne or mocktail, live classical string music, and Mother's Day gift.

Community Days at the Zoo

The entrance to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The entrance to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will once again host Franklin County Community Days, offering half-priced admission on May 14 and 15 for all Franklin County residents, which families can take advantage of for Mother's Day.

Tribute to Stevie Wonder

Celebrate Stevie Wonder's birthday weekend with a tribute concert at Natalie's Grandview, featuring vocalists and instrumental musicians performing his classic and B-side cuts. Talented performers like Paisha Thomas, Monique "Maverick" Mitchell and Dre Peace will play tribute to the music icon on May 14 at 8 p.m. Plus, Natalie's full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.

String concert at Bexley Library

Join the ProMusica Columbus String Quartet at the Bexley Public Library for a concert perfect for the whole family. On May 14, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., experience music that captures a range of emotions for guests of all ages.

tmoorman@dispatch.com

@taijuannichole

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Celebrate mom with these 9 unique Columbus experiences