The best ways to spend Mother's Day in Johannesburg

If there's one person who deserves to hit the pause button, it's mom. Johannesburg is home to world-class sanctuaries where the noise of the city melts away as soon as you walk through the doors.

If you're looking to splurge, this year Mangwanani is offering a full-day spa experience that includes 6 relaxation therapies, breakfast, lunch, beverages and gifts. If that doesn't help mom unwind, nothing will. 

For other tried and tested spa experiences and inspiration, check out our list of the 10 best spas in Johannesburg. 

Time Out Tip: Spa slots on Mother's Day weekend are the most sought-after bookings in the city. If her favourite spot is full on Sunday, extend the celebrations and book her a voucher for the following weekend. 

A High Tea is a special treat for many people, so why not consider this option when planning Mother's Day? Little pastries and sandwiches accompanied by finely brewed tea and other delicious drinks, what's not to like? The Saxon does a mean High Tea, Fairlawns does a 'Tea in the Woods', while Just Teddy is known for their High Tea skills. Wherever you choose to go, please book in advance, as this is a very popular Mother's Day activity.

For many Joburgers, Mother’s Day isn't complete without a picnic blanket on the lush lawns of the Johannesburg Zoo as the city’s favourite wildlife sanctuary transforms into a premier music venue with its annual Mother's Day Concert. 

This year’s lineup is a powerhouse of local talent, including Ami Faku, Matthew Mole, and The Soil. The Phoenix Orchestra, conducted by maestro Richard Cock, will also perform a magical tribute to all the matriarchs in attendance, adding a touch of classical elegance to the vibe.

Gates open at 8:30 am on 10 May, with live performances running from 12 pm to 4 pm. Your ticket includes access to the zoo’s usual wonders, so the kids will be thoroughly entertained as well. You can pack your own gourmet picnic basket (non-alcoholic drinks only), but there will also be a variety of food and craft stalls on-site, alongside the zoo's Stages restaurant.

Tickets are available via Webtickets, and we highly recommend booking early, as this event consistently draws crowds in the thousands. (yeah, you read that right). 

Chef Nozipho Mbatha of Izipho Functions is bringing mothers and families together this Mother’s Day for a memorable experience that goes beyond the plate.

Spoil the queen in your life with a delicious, traditional meal prepared by the chef, while also enjoying a thoughtfully curated empowerment session featuring award-winning South African star, Ntokozo Mbambo. 

More than just a lunch, the event creates space for women to connect, network and recharge. Tickets can be purchased here. Attendees can look forward to a holistic wellness experience, with speakers covering topics ranging from health and beauty to personal growth and overall wellbeing.

If your mom’s idea of R&R is rock n roll, then the Irish Club in Linden is where you need to be this Mother’s Day weekend. On Saturday, 9 May 2026, they’re throwing their doors open for a full-throttle celebration of 20th-century culture. So whether mom is a classic car enthusiast, a vinyl collector, or just loves a good 80s dance floor, this 14-hour marathon event has it all.

The Vintage Festival is a sensory journey back in time, featuring two stages and a massive lineup of live bands and vinyl-only DJs. It’s an authentic, family-friendly day out that feels like stepping into a time capsule.

Things to look forward to include the classic car show and the vintage and retro markets, plus mom will be well fed as The Irish Club will be serving up their famous hearty menu, best enjoyed in the festival’s dedicated beer garden.

Tickets are R120 via Quicket. 

In keeping with the nostalgic theme, ditch the traditional theatre and head to the stunning Inanda Country Base in Kyalami for a special drive-in experience.

This Mother’s Day weekend, the sprawling equestrian estate transforms into a pop-up outdoor cinema, offering a rare chance to experience a classic drive-in under the vast Joburg sky. This is one of only four drive-in events happening in 2026, making it a truly exclusive way to celebrate.

Whether you’re planning a cosy family outing or an intimate evening for Mom and Dad, the double-feature lineup (announced via DriveIn SA's social media closer to the time) is all about the atmosphere, popcorn, starry nights, and great company.  

You can leave the cooler box at home for this one; the venue features fantastic local vendors serving hot food, fresh popcorn, and cold drinks. There is also a cash bar available on-site. Tickets are R350 per vehicle via Quicket, and spots are limited, so hurry and book this experience now.

If you are looking for an experience that prioritises intentionality, deep connection and creativity, She Who Remembers is a must-attend. Hosted by Sault'd Rose, this intimate Mother & Daughter workshop is all about creating space for quiet connection.

Held in The Giving Room at 27 Boxes in Melville, the workshop is designed to help you slow down and reconnect through the art of handcrafting. The experience includes botanical crafting, where you will learn to hand-blend your own botanical body scrub and curate a personalised bath tea ritual using natural ingredients.

You’ll also be taken on a guided experience meant to ground you and engage the senses, topped off with a light, nutritious meal designed to complement the morning's restorative energy.

Tickets to this special Mother’s Day experience happening on Saturday, 9 May, will set you back R350 via Quicket, but hurry, and the organisers are keeping the session small to ensure a peaceful, personal atmosphere.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort is a truly stunning spot to chill and connect with your mom. Pack a picnic basket filled with her favourite treats and head down for a lazy morning/afternoon of glorious walks through the garden, views of the waterfall and chats over tasty snacks. The entrance fee is R100 per adult, R25 for children and free for kids under 6 years of age.

The Joburg Choral Festival remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, offering a powerful and moving tribute to the art of vocal performance. Perfectly timed for Mother’s Day, the 10th May, this event is a celebration of heritage, harmony, and the sheer excellence of South African choral music.

Whether your mom is a lifelong fan of choral arrangements or simply appreciates the spine-tingling power of a mass choir, this festival is a soul-stirring way to spend the day. For its ninth edition, the event moves to a grander stage at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, to accommodate its growing following.

Expect a full day of music featuring award-winning community and chamber choirs and guest soloists. Don't be fooled: the festival is a sophisticated yet welcoming environment, so it's a popular choice for multi-generational families celebrating together.

Time Out Tip: Tickets for this festival are notoriously popular among local church groups and music societies, so book your tickets via Webtickets asap to secure a good view of the stage. Check out Webtickets. 

Johannesburg has a plethora of amazing restaurants for you to treat your mom to this Mother's Day. From fine dining to messy burgers, there is something for every palate. For the meat-loving moms out there, indulge in a delicious steak or share some slices of pizza at these great spots in Jozi.

For more restaurant recommendations, click here.

You may live in Johannesburg, but do you really know Johannesburg? Take your mom along for an adventure around Jozi as you learn more about the City of Gold from a City Sightseeing Red Bus. Prices vary depending on the route you wish to take, but whichever one you choose will be a chance for you and mom to explore together. Memories!

Now we are not saying you should go out and get sloshed with your mom, but we would recommend taking her for a gin experience, should she be into that sort of thing, of course. Johannesburg has a number of cool gin spots, including the Inverroche Gin School at Indaba Hotel, Time Anchor Distillery and Jozi Gin Bar.

Dinokeng Game Reserve, De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary and Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve are all within a short drive of Johannesburg. If your mom loves being out in nature, consider one of these reserves as a special Mother's Day treat. Prices vary depending on where you go, but it will be unforgettable day out with your mom. If you fancy a slightly longer drive - 3 hours, we highly recommend checking out Qwabi Private Game Reserve.

Immerse yourself and your mom in the history and culture of Johannesburg with a stroll through the city’s best museums and galleries. You can find the best options by scrolling through our list of the 11 best museums and galleries in Johannesburg to explore. Not all cultural activities are open on Sundays, so this could be the perfect pre-Mother's Day treat should your favourite be closed on 11 May.

Leafy, village-like and effortlessly stylish, Parkhurst is Joburg’s answer to a European café district. Its heart, 4th Avenue, is lined with boutiques, delis and some of the best restaurants in the city. You could spend the whole of Mother's Day here, checking out the shops and dining on some of the best food around.  

Check out our full guide to this super cool Jozi neighbourhood here.

This year, Bet on Better are hosting a family-friendly 3km, 5km, or 7.5km walk on 4th Avenue starting at Starbucks, with prizes for the best-dressed mom and dog, if you're in the mood ot give back. 

If you’re looking to make a weekend of it and don't mind leaving the city, head to Sun City. In addition to just being a cool place, they’re hosting a High Tea Fit for a Queen at the Crystal Court at the Palace. This regal event takes place on Saturday, 9 May, from 3 pm to 5 pm at a cost of R655 per person, with bookings required through the hotel concierge.

Alternatively, Mom’s Weekend Off with Omuhle Gela provides a comprehensive wellness escape from 8–10 May, focusing on restoration and connection. The main festivities on Saturday, 9 May, start with an invigorating 7 am walk through the Gary Player Golf Course, followed by an afternoon of gourmet dining and soulful entertainment from 1 pm to 6 pm.

There will be curated activations throughout the day, including DIY flower-arranging workshops and complimentary massages. Tickets start from R1500, and full weekend accommodation packages are available for those keen to splurge and give mom a complete reset.