Mother’s Day is this weekend. A time to pay homage to mothers—near and far, by blood or by choice, alive or in memory—for their fierce love and never-ending sacrifice. Communities go all-out for the holiday, and with good reason. A mother’s love is a powerful force; it’s often our first experience of love. A bond that we crave as children, but often take for granted as we grow older. A mother’s work is a labor of love, and often a thankless job—worthy of gratitude every day, not only on Mother’s Day. Just ask someone who’s ever lost a mother.
On the first Mother’s Day in 1908, its founder, Anna Jarvis, would have argued that the whole idea of the holiday is to celebrate the women who gave us roots and taught us the depth of love.
So this year, make your mother’s day extra special. Downtown Fort Wayne has plenty to offer the beloved matriarchs in your life—from curated Mother’s Day gifts and experiences, to the best dining spots for an unforgettable brunch and memory-making.
Here’s how you can show some love this Mother’s Day:
Gifts
A little box with a big heart, the Downtown Favorites gift box celebrates the Downtown community with curated items from the local makers and small businesses that bring DTFW to life. This gift box is not only filled with unique finds—like jewelry, art, and experiences—but each box supports local businesses and artists. Show your mom and your community some love! Deadline to order is May 8 at noon. You can learn more or order yours here!
Looking for something a little more customizable? This year, you can build your own Mother’s Day gift box when you visit DTFW’s 10 participating retail locations (see below). And don’t miss their special deals for Mother’s Day shoppers:
- Creative Women of the World – buy-one-get-one-half-off jewelry
- Eye Specs on Main – 30% off designer eyewear
- Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Gift Shop – 20% off entire purchase (no admission cost to shop)
- Good Shepherd Books & Gifts – 20% off entire purchase
- Paradigm Gallery at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art
- Poptique – 20% off entire purchase
- Sharon’s Victorian House of Gifts – free punch and cookies to shoppers on May 10
- Third World Fair Trade Shoppe – a special Israel/West Bank gourmet food gift box on sale for $50; value of $75
- The Urban Hippie – 20% off entire purchase (some exclusions apply)
- Visit Fort Wayne Visitors Center – 20% off entire purchase
Gift boxes are free with purchase—and you can build your box at one or multiple locations, so you can pick your perfect, personalized present.
Check out Kanela’s on May 10 for a special Mother’s Day shopping experience from 10am to 4pm. Their pop-up features:
- Shopping with Apricot Lane clothing boutique
- Create-your-own-bouquet bar by The Petal Shop
- Special Mother’s Day drinks
Can’t make it on the 10th? You can pre-order bouquets and pick them up at Kanela’s on May 9. Contact Kanela’s directly for questions or more information: (260) 755-1838 ┃ kanelafw.com
Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge, & Ice Cream is offering special Mother’s Day gift boxes for the sweeties with a sweet tooth. They even do chocolate dipped strawberries (by pre-order only). Contact Kilwins for more: (260) 444-3569 ┃ kilwins.com/fortwayne
For more DTFW shopping and gift ideas, check out the ‘Shop Here’ page on our website!
Dining & Experiences
Mother’s Day in the Garden is back at the Botanical Conservatory where all mothers and mother figures get free admission to explore springtime at the conservatory. Bonus: the first 800 moms get a free geranium. Visit their Facebook event page for more details.
Conner’s Kitchen & Bar is hosting the Mother’s Day brunch buffet of your dreams—reservation required! See the full menu or make your reservation here.
The award-winning team at Copper Spoon is bringing you a Mother’s Day buffet for the memory books. Usually 21+, Copper Spoon is open to kids for the buffet only and it’s free for kids under three. Make your reservations here.
Dana’s is the Mother’s Day brunch destination for those lookin for a little break from the little ones. Their brunch menu is French-inspired and 21+. Learn more or make your reservation here.
Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s My PURSEonal Favorites: 300 Bags from the World’s Largest Handbag Collection is a temporary exhibit showcasing 300 handbags from the collection of Ilene Hochberg Wood, curated specially for the FWMoA.
Want to treat Mom to something extra lavish? Check out Ruth’s Chris for a special one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day brunch menu. See their Mother’s Day brunch menu here.
For more DTFW dining ideas, check out the ‘Dine Here’ page on our website!
Complimentary Treats
Nawa is offering a complimentary dessert to all moms on Mother’s Day. Free fresh mango and coconut sticky rice? Yes, please! See all their desserts here.
Sweets On Main is giving all moms a free scoop of their famous ice cream (*with purchase). Check their Facebook for more!
Mothers can stop by Saisaki to enjoy sushi, Japanese or Thai dishes with the fam, and receive a free cheesecake for dessert. Check out their menu!
