By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Longwood Gardens
Sunday is Mother’s Day which means there will be a slew of different special events to celebrate the occasion over the next three days.
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org) is inviting visitors to enjoy the beauty of late spring – and to have a special Mother’s Day.
The “Festival of Fountains” opens for the season on May 9 and will run until September 28.
Longwood will be celebrating Mother’s Day over the next three days.
Visitors can enjoy a flower-filled stroll this Mother’s Day Weekend and celebrate the opening of Festival of Fountains with the return of daily fountain performances.
There will be spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances all three days — Friday (The Piano Men), Saturday (Here You Come Again), and Sunday (Where the Heart Is).
On Sunday from noon-3 p.m. there will be live music per4formed by guitarist Chris Braddock in the Main Conservatory.
Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains will spring to life, as will the Square Fountain, Round Fountain (Flower Garden Walk), Sylvan Fountain (Peirce’s Park), and Children’s Corner fountains.
The season of renewal and growth has started. Millions of tiny geophytes begin the season, blanketing Longwood’s vistas with sweeps of spring-has-sprung color.
Dancing fountains, performances under the stars, and beautiful gardens make the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens magical. The spectacular celebration of music, light, water, and nature includes distinctive garden experiences indoors and out.
Before the fountain performances, guests can sit under the stars and enjoy live music and refreshing brews and pub fare in Longwood’s Beer Garden. Other dining options at Longwood are 1906 Fine Dining and The Café.
As the season unfolds, flowering trees delightfully punctuate the landscape, radiant tulips stretch toward the sun, and the delicious fragrance of wisteria floats along the breeze.
Visitors can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.
Admission to Longwood Gardens is $35 for adults, $31 for seniors and college students, $26 for active military and $20 for youth.
Winterthur (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-888-4600,www.winterthur.org) will host present “May Day: A Celebration of the Spring Garden.”
Mothers and their families can celebrate spring and the coming of summer with fun family activities including face painting, live music, floral arrangements, crafts, and more. It is a drop-in program that is included with admission.
The event will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Winterthur
On May 10 at 11 a.m., Winterthur will host “Mother’s Day Concert with the Kennett Symphony.”
The Kennett Symphony (kennettsymphony.org) will present a special Mother’s Day concert at Winterthur’s Copeland Lecture Hall under the direction of Music Director, Michael Hall.
The “Mother’s Day Concert” is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. (Winterthur Museum, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware).
This year’s program will include “Lyric Quartette” by William Grant Still, one of the most important African American composers of the 20th century. Composed in 1960, this work reflects three of Still’s friends, characterized as The Sentimental One, The Quiet One, and The Jovial One.
“Bourbon and Bluegrass” will be held on May 10 from 5-8 p.m.
From Point-to-Point to Derby Day, Winterthur is off to the races in the month of May. Guests can celebrate when Winterthur brings Kentucky Derby style to Delaware with bourbon tastings and live bluegrass.
The event had been scheduled for May 9, but Winterthur just posted this message — Please note: due to forecasted weather, this event will take place on May 10, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
The ticket price, which is $65, includes four tastings of bourbon and/or whiskey, a Crown blackberry and lemonade cocktail, Winterthur rocks glass, a Southern-inspired snack box, live music and access to the garden.
Tickets are $35 for designated drivers and students (includes one non-alcoholic beverage, snack box, live music and access to the garden). The event is free for children under 12 (excludes food and drink).
Food and drink will be available for purchase. This is an outdoor event in the grass, with no seating provided. Please bring your own seats and blankets.
On May 10 and 11, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Mimosas with Mom.”
The winery is honoring mom and mimosa lovers with bubbly pours and seasonal specials. This intimate 60-minute experience takes place in the Barrel Room and provides access to some of its latest wine releases.
Each session will begin with a brief classroom-style presentation by a Chaddsford Wine Educator. After the pairings are introduced and explained, your group will have an hour to enjoy the carefully curated selections while raising a well-deserved toast to all the matriarchs in your life.
Each ticket includes one Mimosa, featuring either Sparkling White -or- Sparkling Apple wine, along with a selection of fresh juices and one Pinkette with guava juice. There will also be a Charcuterie Plate
Outside food is not permitted during this program but guests can enjoy food truck fare at the winery.
This program is $35/person with hourly seatings from noon-5 p.m.
Advanced reservations are required and are non-refundable. Guests under 21 years old are not permitted to attend.
Penns Woods Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) will present “Mother’s Day Market at the Vineyard” on May 10 and 11 – from noon-7 p.m. on Saturday and noon a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.
Visitors are invited to unwind with mom at the vineyard with a day full of premium wine, live music, food trucks and an open air market with the best local artisans.”
Market Vendors will be November Moon, 2 Waves and the Sun, Urban Essence, The Olive Tree, Seven Sisters Crystals, The D3LCO Effect, Jolia James Design, Madewell, Shay Lynn Jewelry, Cork and Charm and Junior League of Wilmington
Live music will be performed by Rick Caldwell on Saturday and Jason Ager on Sunday.
Outdoor Wine Bar will be open for wine by the glass and bottle, local beer and cider and local cheeses/snack items.
Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, www.harvestridgewinery.com) will present “Mother’s Day Chocolate Pairing” on May 11.
Visitors can celebrate Mom with a luxurious tasting experience – the winery’s hand-selected wines perfectly matched with Neuchatel’s decadent chocolate truffles.
The pairing will result in a sweet moment of indulgence she deserves.
Tickets for the event, which gets underway at 1 p.m., are $25.
Usually, the Wilmington Flower Market, which is held in early May every year, is an event that almost always seems to bring wet weather. This year looks to be iffy at best.
This year, the 104th Annual Wilmington Flower Market returns to Rockford Park (Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-995-5699, www.wilmingtonflowermarket.org) for a three-day run through May 10.
The Flower Market, which always runs in conjunction with Mother’s Day, benefits more than 50 children’s charities in Delaware.
The 2025 Wilmington Flower Market, which is free and open to the public, will be held Friday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. each day.
As is the tradition, the event features crafts, booths, rides, food, fun, live entertainment and plenty of flowers.
Live music will be performed each day with acts such as Olivia Rubini, Emerson Hary, Dylan Schneider and Jimmy Charles.
Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is presenting a pair of “Mother’s Day Brunches” this weekend.
The special culinary events will be held May 10 and 11. Three time slots are available each day.
Families can treat mom to an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet — and a day at the zoo. Your ticket includes admission to the Zoo, brunch, and an animal meet and greet.
Some of the featured items are Salmon in dijon Mustard, Ravoli in Blush Sauce, New York Strip, Turkey and Gravy, Shrimp, Garden Salad and Waffle Bar with Fried Chicken.
Ticket prices start at $125.95 for a table of two.
ThrillPark Carnival, which features Tons of Fun Shows, is running now through May 18 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Avenue, Oaks, www.phillyexpocenter.com).
The event is celebrating Mother’s Day with free admission for all mothers and unlimited free rides for mothers.
Tons of Fun Shows have a wide variety of children and adult rides, a good selection of games, and fine foods to excite your taste buds.
The popular event at the Greater Philadelphia Fairgrounds features more than 30 amusement rides and attractions for children and adults.
The ThrillPark Carnival opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission is $5 with children (36 inches and under) and Seniors (65 and older) admitted free.
Another event at the Expo Center this weekend will be the Philly Coin Expo.
The event on May 9 and 10 will feature 100 Tables with more than 50 dealers buying and selling coins, paper money, silver and gold bullion along with all types of precious metals and collectables.
Onsite grading will be available. Visitors can have their collections appraised by one of the Expo’s many trusted partners.
Admission for the Expo, which runs from noon-5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, is $5 at the door.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom and you want to do something that is fun – and different – consider taking a special Mother’s Day excursion on one of the area’s tourist railroads.
The West Chester Railroad (610-430-2233, www.wcrailroad.com) is running its “Mother’s Day Express” on May 11 at noon and 2 p.m.
Families can take mom on a 90-minute round trip train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and return on her special day.
During the brief layover in Glen Mills, riders will be able to explore the historic Glen Mills train station as well as the rail line’s picnic grove along Chester Creek. All Moms ride for a special reduced fare.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for children (ages 2-12) and $5 for moms.
The New Hope Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Mother’s Day Special” on May 10.
The train ride departs from and returns to the New Hope Train Station at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each day.
While riding on a tour of the quaint woodlands of Bucks County, guests will share “breakfast charcuterie” – a delectable smattering of fruits, breads, and goodies sure to satisfy your brunchtime cravings.
All guests ages 21 and older will receive their choice of Mimosa or Bloody Mary. Non-alcoholic refreshments are included. Additional bar service available.
The railroad’s parlor car staff will attend to needs throughout your experience. Breakfast will be served on the train at the historic 1891 New Hope station, before departing on a one-hour journey through the beautiful springtime landscape of Bucks County.
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Mother’s Day Brunch Express to Ale Craft Brewery” on May 11 at 11 a.m.
The rail line will also run “Mother’s Day Special — Glen Rock Express” on May 10.
This excursion will will travel to Glen Rock and back with the historic PRR GP9 Diesel Locomotive built-in 1959. The ride will be on a former Pennsylvania Railroad mainline that has been in operation since 1838.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Mother’s Day Tea Excursion” on May 10 and 11.
The Colebrookdale ride, which is billed as “your ticket to a verdant land lost in time,” will provide a fun experience for mothers and their families.
“Mother’s Day Tea” with Colebrookdale Railroad features butler-style dining class service including tea sandwiches, pastries, scones, and premium teas.
Dining class seating is available in Lounge Car or Dining car. There is also First Class Parlor Car with 5-star service or Deluxe Coach with light A La-Carte fare. First Class Parlor Car tickets include a complementary tapas plate, a dessert, and the beverage of your choice.
Passengers board one of the railroad’s meticulously restored century-old rail cars for a two-hour expedition into one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast.
The excursions depart at 2 p.m. each day.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running three special holiday trains this weekend.
The “Mother’s Day Brunch Train” is scheduled for May 10 and 11. Departures on both days will be at 11 a.m. and noon.
This special experience is designed to give you and your mother an upscale dining experience. You and your mom will indulge in a select menu prepared by the Executive Chef and Sous Chef of Café 1832 and personally presented by a member of the Café’s Executive Team.
The 45-minute train ride through the picturesque Amish Country includes one complimentary mimosa, or bellini, a non-alcoholic drink of your choice, per person. Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) will be presenting “Elmo’s Springtacular” every weekend now through June 16.
“Elmo’s Springtacular” at Sesame Place is filled with furry fun and exciting events – including an exciting line up of meet & greets, music, magic, pirate adventures, and fireworks.
This weekend will feature “Mother’s Day Dine” and “Mommy & Me Dance Party” on May 10 and 11.
Other Mother’s Day special events will be “Mother’s Day Craft for Kids,” “Mother’s Day Sticker Giveaway” and “Mother’s Day Storytime.”
Kids can enjoy an action-packed day with their favorites.
Activity will take place at Sesame Studio.
