Mom has worked hard to raise us.
Now it’s time to give her a little something back.
Here are eight things to do on Mother’s Day that are free and one that’s considerably cheaper than usual.
Cherry Emerson Memorial Alumni Concert
Each year, graduates of Emory University perform this free concert in honor of benefactor Cherry Emerson.
This year, Emory welcomes clarinetist Jennifer Barlament, 1995 graduate and the new executive director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, in a program of music by Claude Debussy and César Franck. 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at the Miller-Ward Alumni House on campus, 815 Houston Mill Road, Atlanta; parking available. 404-727-5050, music.emory.edu/home/events.html.
College Football Hall of Fame
On Mother's Day, moms will be admitted free with the purchase of a regular-priced ticket ($19.99 for adults, $16.99 for kids, ages 3-12), and can enjoy a mimosa while receiving a free manicure and chair massage from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 404-880-4800, cfbhall.com/moms-mimosas/.
Zoo Atlanta
On Sunday, May 8, mothers will be admitted free of charge with the purchase of any regular-priced child's or adult's general admission ticket ($25.99 and $17.99). Offer only available at the front gate, not available online. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, zooatlanta.org/home.
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Georgia Aquarium
Moms get half-price admission on Mother's Day with the purchase of one adult, child or senior's ticket ($39.95, $33.95, $35.95) from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, May 8. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000, www.georgiaaquarium.org/.
Tour of Historic Homes in Roswell
Tours of three historic homes in Roswell — Barrington Hall (535 Barrington Drive), Bulloch Hall (180 Bulloch Ave.) and the Smith Plantation (935 Alpharetta St.) — will be free during a Mother’s Day Open House, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 8. (Tickets regularly $18 adults, $15 students.)
Visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable item or canned good, which will be donated to North Fulton Charities. Contact Bulloch Hall, 770-640-3855, or the Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell, 770-640-3253. visitroswellga.com.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
This three-day festival celebrates Sweet Auburn, the soul of downtown Atlanta and the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. Live entertainment, international cuisine and a 150-foot-long zip line. 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 6; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 2-8 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Free admission. Historic Auburn Avenue District, 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. www.Sweetauburn.com.
Chastain Park Arts Festival
Chastain Park hosts an outdoor festival each spring and fall, with 185 artists and artisans, a children's area and local acoustic musicians; food from the Williamson Bros. barbecue, Roly Poly, Happy Belly curbside kitchen and others. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8. Free. Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta. chastainparkartsfestival.com.
Dunwoody Art Festival
More than 40,000 people are expected to attend Dunwoody's free festival to see handmade jewelry, sculpture, paintings and soaps and sample baked goods. Food trucks will offer homemade doughnuts and gourmet lobster rolls. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 8, rain or shine. Dunwoody Village Parkway; free parking for the shuttle at 5067 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. dunwoodyartfestival.splashfestivals.com/.
Barefoot in the Park Fine Arts Festival
Music from the Gwinnett Symphony String Quartet, Taiwanese drums, ethnic dance companies, and dozens of exhibiting artists enliven this free festival in downtown Buford. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Buford Town Park at the Buford Community Center and Theatre, 2200 Buford Drive. www.barefootinthepark.org/festival.
MORE IDEAS for Mother's Day in Atlanta
Great Sunday brunches in Atlanta (yeah, well, call first)
Lsst-minute gift ideas for Mother's Day: Quit putting it off
Annual Mother's Day Festival in Canton Ga
Sweet Auburn Springfest on Historic Sweet Auburn Avenue
Cirque du Soleil’s “Kurios” at Atlantic Station in Midtown
Write Mom a Letter: Here's a great model to get you started
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