, ,

How to celebrate MUM in Downtown Stratford

What is there to do in Downtown Stratford for Mother’s Day? Oh… we can think of many ways to embrace and celebrate all the moms, mums, and mothers in your life… while recognizing this means many different things to people. Not all moms want to be celebrated the same. Click the link to join us in the various ways we suggest you enjoy this day – regardless of whether you’re a mama, you have a mama, and you admire the moms in your life.

BRUNCH: Mother’s Day has become synonymous with brunch. Is it because we know moms should have at least one day of the year they get to sleep in – and breakfast is far too early? Maybe! But regardless of whether you take in fancy brunch downtown, or buy your ingredients here for the ultimate breakfast-in-bed… we have what you need!

  • CAFE BOUFFON usual brunch deliciousness
  • BRCH & WYN all-your-can-drink Mimosa/Caesar Bar 9-2pm (dessert features)
  • THE PARLOUR INN brunch buffet
  • MERCER HALL brunch fun (AND dinner features)
  • FULL HOUSE moms get FREE DESSERT all day
  • OLD MAN brunch fun for mum
  • THE COMMON “proper brunch” with all the mimosas, bellinis, sangria
  • REVIVAL HOUSE brunch buffet 11:30-2:30
  • REVEL brunch baskets (order before they SELL OUT)
  • BRAAIBAR opening special for brunch
  • RAJA Sunday Buffet returns, including Mother’s Day (brunch with a twist)
  • BLUEBIRD 3-course menu addition
  • ROCKWELL LOUNGE high tea – 2 seatings
  • BUTCHER BAKER offering all your breakfast-in-bed needs
  • THE LITTLE GREEN GROCERY offering breakfast-at-home items

(this list will continue to be updated)

Stratford Sunday Market

SPECIAL MARKETS or OPEN HOUSES: We all know spring is basically here. And with it lie so many wonderful mom gift ideas (or ideas for yourself – let’s be honest). A fun way to spend a day with mamas in your life while shopping for them, too.

  • WILLS & PRIOR May 13th Mother’s Day Market bringing some beautiful brands, teas, tastings, samples, flowers and FREE GIFT with purchase over $100
  • BRADSHAWS May 7th Spring Launch Event, 11-4pm with tastings/samples, and gift ideas
  • FESTIVAL SQUARE MARKET is new on the scene and hosting a market May 13th, 11-4pm
  • SUNDAY MARKET in downtown’s Market Square BEGINS its season on May 13th, 10-2pm

(this list will continue to be updated)

Pastry Class at Stratford Chefs School

EVENTS & TO DO’S: Grab mom by the hand and head out on an adventure for Mother’s Day. There’s plenty to do the day-of downtown – other than shopping and brunch!

  • STRATFORD CHEF’S SCHOOL Open Kitchen Introduction to Pastry School class, May 14th, 10-2pm https://www.exploretock.com/stratfordchefsschool/event/407772/open-kitchen-pastry-series-introduction-to-pastries
  • DESTINATION STRATFORD Culinary Trails like Chocolate Trail, Bacon & Ale Trail – and their ALL NEW TRAIL launched just in time for Mother’s Day https://visitstratford.ca/savourtrail/
  • AL FRESCO DINING or PICNIC with takeout from one of your favourite spots
  • AVON BOAT HOUSE river cruise or boat rentals
  • MERCER HOTEL PACKAGE getaway or staycation
  • THE LITTLE PRINCE CINEMA take your mama to the World’s Tiniest Theatre
  • COFFEE on the patio to take in downtown (revel, Balzacs, The Livery Yard)
  • HIGH TEA create your own with beautiful teas from Distinctly Tea, ingredients for goodies from our downtown grocers, baked goods from one of the cafes, and served in gorgeous tea cups from Watsons – or enjoy it at Rockwell Lounge on Mother’s Day

(this list will continue to be updated)

Many cool gift ideas coming soon

GREAT GIFT IDEAS for Mom’s of ALL TYPES in our Mother’s Day Guide!

  • Related Downtown Stratford News:

On September 30 we will join people across the country in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day was created in 2021 to recognize the tragic legacy of...

Welcome to downtown Stratford, Yilmaz Ertan, owner of Yilmaz E-bikes on Albert St! Yilmaz chose Stratford as his second E-bike shop location for two reasons – one, he has many...

If you have the breakfast growlies in the morning, head on over to Sweet Street Diner located below The Hub! Recently renovated from its former “Market” style offerings, this breakfast diner...

Are you an artist located in Stratford, Ontario, or with a strong connection to the city, who is interested in gaining public art experience and building your practice? The Downtown...

Wendy and Shawn Bennewies are the owners of Grayson Mills, a gorgeous wedding/party space located at the corner of Erie and St Patrick. Emma Macneil has joined them in recent...

A very warm welcome to Nia (Marissa) Murray and Michael Strung, the owners of new business Good Vibrations Rock Shop on Market Place. This is the “enchanting world” where “crystals, community,...

Fresh and Free Studios is the brainchild of Karim Rushdy, who has been a teacher at Nancy Campbell School for the last 12 years. He quips that the studio is...

Welcome Shireen and Aaron Beals to Downtown Stratford! With the amount they have going on, you’d think they had been here already a couple years! Feverishly knitting, crocheting, making hats and tshirts…...

Say hello to the newest business downtown, Town Crier Marketing! The company began in 2019 as a boutique marketing firm. When covid struck shortly after the launch, Cameron and his one co-owner...

A very warm welcome back to Cindy Hubert, who has re-opened Agora Gallery on Downie St at the corner of St Patrick! Pivoting as so many others did during the...

Our Downtown Stratford BIA (formally Stratford City Centre) turned 50 on August 27th! Enjoy this remind in time!! 1973-2023

It’s that bittersweet time of year again! Where we are saddened by the end of summer, welcome and loathe the cooler weather simultaneously, are super ready for school to once...

**NEW LOCATION ALERT** One year ago this stunning company shifted spots – from Market Place to Wellington Street. Now bigger, brighter, and more central. You’ll find more space for their...

JOIN US for Family Fair in the Square on August 12th from 11am to 3pm. We’re celebrating turning 50 years old and we’re merging with Stratford Festival for this FREE-FUN-FAMILY...

Welcome to Tabbi Cundick (right) and her daughter, Bri, who are co-owners of the newest sweet shop in Downtown Stratford! Bake My Day and The Bean is the second outlet...

This June we welcomed Danielle O’Connor Jewellery, located on Downie Street, into the heart of our downtown. With 25 years of experience, Danielle has mastered the art of creating exquisite...

Welcome to the new owner of the Butcher and Baker, Andy Vivian. While the same familiar faces are behind the counter and the same great product knowledge and friendly service is...

We are delighted to announce this year’s downtown Family Summer Scavenger Hunt! ENTER HERE! The fun has just begun.⁠ ⁠ It’s all conveniently ONLINE this year! You can participate using...

Rosso Villamil and his wife, Sandy, are literally making headlines with their approach to business at their newly opened barber shop called Rosso Barber on Ontario St! Very quickly Rosso...

Downtown Stratford is “officially” becoming pet-friendly and we’re kicking it off on June 22nd from 4-6pm in Market Square. Join us for tail-wagging fun and water lapping adventures, as we...

Well… we might be bias, but… we think we know a PERFECT GIFT for dad. We KNOW we know. Because dads on Father’s Day are notoriously difficult to shop for....

We’re thrilled to welcome back Car-Free Friday on June 2 from 8-10am — just in time for World Cycle Day. What is Car-Free Friday? It’s a celebration in active transportation....

Join us for all of 2023 as we celebrate turning 50 YEARS OLD! Can you believe it? August 26, 2073 the Business Improvement Area (BIA) was first formed – then...

Whether you’re going the “conventional route” or looking for something unique…whether you’re spoiling the mama in your life, or someone without one… Downtown Stratford is FILLED with cool ideas. Here...

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. We’re observing (and honouring) this day by acknowledging it all month long throughout our downtown core....

And our winner is… JANITA FOWLER!!

**UPDATE: Now over – but get your receipts in by March 11th** We’re so very excited to bring back this fun to our downtown. For every $100 spent between February...

Downtown Stratford is STAYING OPEN LATE on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th!!! With an exciting contest and Lights On Stratford… EXCITING NEWS!! The dazzling Lights On Stratford has...

We cannot express our delight enough. The Winter Wander-land Guide was a smashing hit. We had 255 entries and many more participants. You really DO love our downtown. We’re also...

We’ve launched our Downtown Stratford BIA Winter Wander-land Guide that offers validation stickers as you shop and dine – collect 8 stickers to win one of 4 prize packages (valued...

WINTER WANDER-LAND is BACK!!! And this time over two weekends, with more to offer.⁠ Carousels and firepits… scavenger hunts and blacksmiths… a fun adventure through our downtown shops and restaurants...

It’s finally happening! More public art is coming to Downtown Stratford. The BIA’s vision for this public mural project is to enhance Stratford’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination and...

Remembrance Day Ceremony and March 2022 Join us this Friday for the 2022 Remembrance Day Ceremony and March. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 11, 2022,...

Halloween is the gift that keeps on giving – and doesn’t have to stop on the 31st. Not with the 2022 Stratford Pumpkin Parade.⁠ ⁠ Join in the fun on Tuesday,...

These are very busy days for the city of Stratford as all the hopeful candidates running forelection have been working hard to get their platforms out to help you reach...

It’s finally happening! More public art is coming to Downtown Stratford. The BIA’s vision for this public mural project is to enhance Stratford’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination and...

How is it that Thanksgiving is already just around the corner?! We are THANKFUL and GRATEFUL that you continue to support our downtown small businesses. It has been an epic...

The Public Art Plan for Downtown Stratford BIA will reflect on the history and future of the Stratford community in an engaging and thought-provoking way to revitalize the experience of...

The BIA Board and Advocacy and Education subcommittee have chosen to observe September 30th as one to learn more about our collective history, support the Indigenous community here and across...

downtown

dollars

Support our Downtown Stratford businesses by purchasing Downtown Dollars that never expire!