Mother's Day is May 9, 2027. Durham brunch spots, free Duke Gardens, the Craft Market's spring gift market and Saturday markets, with 2026 dates marked.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9, 2027. Holiday menus and events for 2027 had not been announced when we checked; we add them only from the restaurant’s or organizer’s own site, and we mark any date that is from 2026.

Mother’s Day weekend in Durham means brunch, a walk in Duke Gardens and the Saturday markets in Durham Central Park. Here is what is set and what to watch for.

Who to call

  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens: gardens.duke.edu
  • Durham Farmers’ Market: 919-667-3099
  • Emergency: 911

Brunch

These serve brunch on Sunday, from their own websites; book early and watch their sites for a Mother’s Day menu. The full list, with Saturday spots, is in our brunch guide.

Restaurant Sunday brunch
The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Lenny, 555 S. Mangum St. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vin Rouge, 2010 Hillsborough Road 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Local 22, 2200 W. Main St. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rose’s, 121 N. Gregson St. From 10 a.m.

Gift markets

  • Spring Fling Market, Durham Craft Market. The craft market’s spring market, billed as the place to find “that perfect gift for Mom,” was 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, under the pavilion at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St. (Spring Fling page). The 2027 date is not out yet.
  • Durham Craft Market, every Saturday next to the farmers’ market pavilion in Durham Central Park, 8 a.m. to noon April to October, with up to 24 member artists each week (market page).
  • Durham Farmers’ Market, 501 Foster St., Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays 3 to 6 p.m. (farmers’ market): flowers and plants for the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

Things to do together

  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St.: free, 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Parking in the gardens lot is $2 an hour and often fills before 10 a.m. on nice days (visit page).
  • Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave.: open Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (visitor page).
  • More ideas are on our date night and free things to do pages.

What this means for you

  • Book brunch as soon as the restaurant posts its Mother’s Day menu.
  • Shop the Saturday markets on May 8 for flowers and handmade gifts.
  • Hosting a Mother’s Day event or menu? Send it through our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mother’s Day 2027?

Sunday, May 9, 2027, the second Sunday in May.

Where can I take Mom to brunch in Durham?

The Durham Hotel and The Lenny serve brunch Saturday and Sunday, and Vin Rouge and Local 22 serve Sunday brunch. All four take reservations; restaurants post Mother’s Day menus closer to the day.

Is there a Mother’s Day gift market in Durham?

The Durham Craft Market holds its Spring Fling Market before Mother’s Day. In 2026 it was 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, under the Durham Central Park pavilion. The 2027 date is not out yet.

Is Duke Gardens open on Mother’s Day?

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day and admission is free. Parking in the gardens lot costs $2 an hour and often fills before 10 a.m. on nice days.