Mother's Day 2027 is May 9. Mayfaire by-the-Lake on Lake Morton, the Mayfaire 5K, Sunday brunch downtown, Hollis Garden and Saturday's curb market.

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates marked 2026 are last year’s; 2027 dates had not been posted. Sources: Mayfaire by-the-Lake, the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, Visit Central Florida, the Mayfaire 5K race page, the City of Lakeland’s Hollis Garden page and restaurants’ own sites.

Mother’s Day 2027 is Sunday, May 9. In Lakeland the weekend belongs to Mayfaire by-the-Lake, a free juried art festival held each Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of Lake Morton. Add brunch downtown, a walk through Hollis Garden and the Saturday farmers market, and the whole weekend can stay within a few blocks.

Quick guide

  • Mayfaire by-the-Lake: Lake Morton, Mother’s Day weekend, free (2026: May 9 and 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Mayfaire 5K: Saturday evening of Mayfaire weekend (2026: 7 p.m. May 9)
  • Brunch: Nineteen61 and the Terrace Grille, downtown
  • Saturday market: Downtown Farmers Curb Market

Mayfaire by-the-Lake

Mayfaire began in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library and has grown into one of Florida’s largest outdoor art festivals, its organizers say. It is presented by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, formerly the Polk Museum of Art, and it helps pay for the museum’s exhibitions, education programs and year-round free admission.

In 2026, its 54th year, Mayfaire ran Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. around Lake Morton, with more than 150 artists, live music and food trucks, Visit Central Florida listed. A free Kids Zone with art activities for children of all abilities moved to a larger spot at East Walnut Street and Indiana Avenue, and the museum, at 800 E. Palmetto St. across from the library, was open to festival guests. Mayfaire posts parking information and the 2027 artist list on its site.

Mayfaire 5K

The Lakeland Runners Club’s Mayfaire 5K Run and Walk is the Saturday evening of Mayfaire weekend. In 2026, its 47th year, it started at 7 p.m. near Lake Mirror, ran through the historic Lake Morton district and finished on the Frances Langford Promenade, with awards at 8:30 p.m., the race listing said. Registration is on RunSignup.

Brunch

Mother’s Day is a Sunday. These downtown restaurants list brunch on their own sites; holiday menus can differ, so reserve directly.

Restaurant Address Regular brunch
Nineteen61 215 E. Main St. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Terrace Grille 329 E. Main St. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More options are on our brunch guide.

Gardens, markets and gifts

  • Hollis Garden, 614 E. Orange St., on Lake Mirror: a 1.2-acre formal garden with more than 10,000 flowers. From September through May it opens 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and it is closed Mondays, the city says. No pets, picnics or alcohol.
  • Downtown Farmers Curb Market, Saturday mornings downtown. In 2026 the market’s last Saturday of the season was July 25, so it runs on Mother’s Day weekend. Times and vendors are on our farmers markets page.
  • Downtown boutiques on Kentucky Avenue are a short walk from Lake Morton; see downtown Lakeland.
  • Bonnet Springs Park is free, with gardens, a butterfly house and a rooftop bar; see free things to do.

What this means for you

  • Park once for Mayfaire and walk; Lake Morton, Lake Mirror and the downtown restaurants are a few blocks apart.
  • Book Mother’s Day brunch early.
  • Organizing a Mother’s Day event in Lakeland? Send it through our contact page.

Related: brunch in Lakeland, downtown Lakeland and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mother’s Day 2027?

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

When is Mayfaire by-the-Lake?

Mayfaire is held on Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of Lake Morton. In 2026 it ran May 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 150 artists. The 2027 dates had not been posted as of Oct. 9, 2026.

Is Mayfaire free?

Yes. Admission is free, and the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, which presents it, is open to festival guests. The museum’s admission is always free.

Where can I take Mom to brunch in Lakeland?

Downtown, Nineteen61 serves Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the Terrace Grille serves weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by their own sites. Book ahead for Mother’s Day.