MIXING IT UP THIS MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day is upon us (yes, Sunday, May 12), and I’m here to tell you that flowers and brunch are old.

Here in the Portland metro area, the city is bustling with different activities and restaurants. Portlanders do not have to settle for buying a bouquet and taking our mothers out to brunch. Don’t get me wrong; brunch is delicious. However, there are so many options when it comes to showing your mother she is appreciated on this special day.

If you feel like mixing it up for Mother’s Day 2019, allow me to pitch some ideas.

Try treating your mom to “tea and bubbles.” Pix Pâtisserie Bakery and Bar in Portland will be hosting a Mother’s Day tea party. Cost of admission is $40 for adults and $18 for children, which includes 10 sweet and savory snacks, one pot of Townshend’s tea, and a glass of sparkling wine. Minors attending the event will receive six snacks and a non-alcoholic beverage. Reservations are required, and can be scheduled for one of three different time slots.

Does your mom enjoy a good string band from time to time? This year for Mother’s Day, you can take your mom to the 2019 Bridgetown Bluegrass Festival. There will be 15 bluegrass bands performing on two different stages. Vendors will be selling beer, cider, and food. This all-ages event is set to be held at the Alberta Abbey Art Center in Portland. The festival takes place the day before Mother’s Day and runs from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday. General Admission for adults is $22, $10 for children.

If your mom is musically inclined toward the classics, consider treating her to the Oregon Symphony this holiday. On Sunday the Oregon Symphony will bring the music, and Peer Gynt will bring the art. As the symphony plays, a retelling of the Norwegian fairytale, “Peer Gynt,” will be projected on the screens above the musicians. The concert begins at 2 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland.

Perhaps your mom has a knack for creative art, and you should think about taking her to a painting event. Portland Cider Co. will be hosting a painting party to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday. The class will be painting a rose topiary. Not only is this event open to anyone over the age of 10, but it is also a beginner’s class, so there’s no need to stress about skill level. The painting party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and tickets cost $30 each. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes early for food and drinks.

Listen, some things were said about brunch and it seems necessary to clear the air: Brunch is amazing, and maybe your mom does love a good breakfast-and-lunch combo. In Portland this year, you can take your mom to brunch at the Crystal Ballroom, Portland’s Culinary Workshop, or even out to eat on a two-hour cruise.

So, you see, there are so many things to do with your mom this holiday. Regardless of where you end up spending time with her, your mom will enjoy your company, all the same.