Mother's Day Delights in Southwest Illinois

Break away from your typical Mother's Day celebrations and surprise mom with these special events and brunches.

Looking for something special to treat mom for Mother's Day? From a day shopping and farmers markets fun to brunch, cruises, and an evening of theater, southwest Illinois has something for mom, the kids, and the entire family!

Mother's Day Brunch

One thing you’re always sure to find on Mother’s Day is a great brunch! Whether it’s a coffee and an early breakfast or brunch on a sunny spring patio, there are plenty of tasty options to make her day delicious!

Aerie's Resort

Give mom a great getaway at Aerie's Resort this Mother's Day! Treat her to breakfast at this river bluff resort sporting the best views in the Midwest, served Thursday through Sunday from 7:30–10:30 AM. After breakfast, wander through the resort grounds, take a ride on the Aerie's Alpine Coaster and a leisurely journey down the bluff on the Grafton SkyTour. | 600 Timber Ridge Drive, Grafton

Mac's Downtown

Every Sunday from 9am-1pm, head to Mac's in Alton for an extraordinary brunch buffet and all-you-can-drink mimosas and bloody marys. | 315 Belle St, Alton

Draftkings Casino Queen

Bridgeway at Draftkings Casino Queen hosts an impressive, multi-course, fixed-price menu brunch for special events, including Mother's Day, that is sure to impress any mother in your life. Find menu and event details here. | 200 South Front St, East St. Louis

Twisted Biscuit Brunch Co.

Serving up delicious brunch...with a twist! Twisted Biscuit is a great spot to bring mom, but make sure she brings her appetite, too. Get ready for unique brunch offerings and large, delicious portions. | 1071 S State Rd 157, Edwardsville

State Street on LaSalle

From bacon fried rice to the California Dreamer Croissant and the Hunka-Hunka Burnin' Love French toast, mom will love the brunch offerings from this beloved spot. | 18 LaSalle Street, Elsah

Gumbo 2 Geaux

Is there anything better than a nice bowl of shrimp and grits and a fresh, hot beignet? We don't think so! Get Louisiana flavors in southwest Illinois this Mother's Day. | 1808 Washington Avenue, Alton

Edison's Entertainment Complex

Celebrate mom with a special Mother's Day Brunch Buffet at Edison's featuring made to order omelets, waffles, and hand carved meats, as well as other breakfast favorites and desserts. All moms will be treated to free unlimited laser tag, arcade access, and one hour of bowling, so be sure to leave plenty of time in your schedule for some friendly competition after brunch! Reservations recommended. | 2477 S. State Rt. 157, Edwardsville

Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center

The beautiful views from the terrace and dining room provide the perfect backdrop to a Mother's Day Brunch. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can treat mom to a buffet of made-to-order omelets, carving stations, unique and traditional sides, salads and dessert including a banana's foster station. Reservations recommended by calling: (618) 786-2331 ext. 502. | 13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton

overhead view of a table covered in plates of food for Brunch
Treat mom to a delicious brunch for Mother's Day weekend!

Market Days & Shopping

Farmer’s market days arrive in the region, with many opening on the same week as Mother’s Day! Bring mom on an outdoor shopping trip in the spring air at the Alton Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market, The Land of Goshen Market, Hillsboro Farmers Market, or the Bunker Hill Market Days! Antique-seeking moms can go to the Litchfield Picker’s Market for vintage finds accompanied by live music. Find fresh produce to cook mom a homemade meal, bouquets to brighten her day, and unique gifts from local crafters you won’t find anywhere else!

EXO Nail Bar and Lounge

What Mom really deserves is a break. Give her the gift of escaping the everyday with the perfect day at the salon.
EXO Nail Bar & Lounge delivers royal treatment when it comes to pampering. From luxurious manicures and pedicures to a full-service bar and kitchen where she can sip cocktails and enjoy a bite, every detail is designed for relaxation.
She can wrap up her day with a hydro dip, vitamin shot or facial from the med spa, leaving her feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on everything that super moms must do.
To book an appointment or purchase a gift card, click here.

You can also take mom shopping at some of these southwest Illinois shops she'll love:

Honeybee Vintage

Take in the charming vibes at this fun boutique and browse through various home decor and accessories, textiles, gardening items, craft supplies, and beauty products. | 114 E Broadway, Alton

Pink Elephant Antique Mall

Browse antiques from over 50 dealers, with unique finds packed in from floor to ceiling. Plus, treat yourself to candy and fudge if you work up an appetite from shopping. | 908 Veterans Memorial Drive, Livingston

Books on the Square

This shop has been a local favorite for over twenty years. With over 30,000 used books, new finds, and collector's items, Mom is sure to find her next favorite read here. | 153. E. Jackson Street, Virden

Mississippi Mud Pottery

Shop handmade pottery and watch the artists creating unique stoneware mugs, plates, home decor, and more that will all be completed with one of their nine distinct glazes. | 310 E. Broadway Street, Alton

Ivy & Blush

Look through this cute and trendy boutique and find fun clothing, shoes, and accessories options to get mom looking stylish this Mother's Day. | 116 North State Street, Jerseyville

Pottery on display at Mississippi Mud Showroom in southwest Illinois
Take mom shopping at local small businesses for some weekend fun!

Something Different

Want to do something unique with Mom this weekend? Check out these fun options, which range from adventure to downtown strolls to theatre and more!

A Night at the Movies

Pack up the kids and hop in the car for a throwback movie night at Litchfield's Sky View Drive-In. Mother’s Day weekend will be showing both Twister Movies from 1996 and 2024. Plus, themed food specials. Movie time is 8:05 p.m. Bring your pre-1979 car to the show and receive one free entry!

Grafton's Sip, Sample, & Stroll

May 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 118 East Main Street, Grafton

Take mom around town while indulging in delicious dishes from local restaurants and bars, enjoying signature offerings while shopping spring sales and new seasonal merchandise. Tickets are required.

Mother's Day ATV Event

May 9-10, 2026 | 10236 393rd Street, Nebo

Tap into your adventurous side with this special Mother's Day ATV/UTV riding event from Heartland Lodge. You and mom can enjoy ATV riding, Polaris UTV rentals, sporting clays course, hiking, mushroom hunting, bonfires, fishing, and more! Plus, relax and unwind in their private luxury cabins. It's the perfect Mother's Day weekend treat!

Mississippi Valley Garden Club Plant Sale

May 9, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 3109 Godfrey Lane, Godfrey

Go green this Mother's Day weekend at the 30th annual regional plant sale. Whether you're looking for plants to fill your garden or just want to take in the fresh air, it'll be a wonderful day spent outside with Mom.

Lucy Haskell Playhouse Open House

May 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 1211 Henry Street

Take Mom to Haskell Park and explore the Victorian-style playhouse of Lucy Haskell during the open house.

About the Author

Kayla Howland

Kayla Howland is a local writer and artist who lives in Alton, IL with her Cairn Terrier, Ripley. She enjoys fiction and non-fiction writing, graphic design, painting, drawing and photography. Kayla is a graduate of Southwestern High School and Lewis & Clark Community College. She has worked doing freelance graphic design, photography and commissioned paintings since 2012.