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Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are like me, you might be looking for something a little different than the standard crowded brunch. This week’s list has some gems, from a floral design party to free family photos over in El Dorado Hills.
We also found a local florist who makes the whole process actually easy. It is nice to have options that feel thoughtful without being a logistical headache. I hope you find something that makes the moms in your life feel celebrated.
Folsom Robotics Team Goes Global
The Gist: Metal Maniacs #20163, a youth robotics team made up of students from Folsom High, Vista del Lago, Sutter Middle, Folsom Middle and Cottonwood Charter, was just named a 2026 STEM Corps Advisor for FIRST Global. They'll mentor high school teams from emerging nations, helping them design, build and code competition robots.
Why It Matters: Local students are putting Folsom on the map as a "Silicon Foothills" hub for youth STEM, while lifting up peers worldwide.
Folsom’s 80th birthday party is almost here
The Gist: The City of Folsom is throwing an 80th birthday bash on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Lions Park (403 Stafford Street). Expect live entertainment, snail races, train rides, carnival games, food trucks, a dessert walk, and special activities at the Folsom Public Library.
Why It Matters: Eight decades is a big deal, and this is a chance for neighbors, families, and local groups to celebrate what makes Folsom feel like home.
What's Next: Free admission to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary for the first 500 kids 12 and under. Full schedule at folsom.ca.us/80.
A Sutter Street dinner with personality
825 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA
The Fat Rabbit Public House is a good reminder that not every worthwhile dinner in Historic Folsom has to be polished within an inch of its life. It is a British-style pub right on Sutter, and the whole thing sounds like it knows exactly what it is doing: solid food, a full bar, and a room that feels built for settling in instead of rushing out.
The menu is what makes it easy to recommend. The house leans into fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Scotch eggs, which is a nice change of pace from the usual local rotation. If you want someplace that feels casual but still like an actual night out, this is a pretty good Sutter Street answer.
It is not trying to be a Mother’s Day brunch spot, and honestly that helps. For families doing the whole weekend, this works better as the Saturday night move after downtown wandering, market stops, or a concert.
A Mother’s Day stop that actually makes sense
4400 Latrobe Road, Suite 240, El Dorado Hills, CA
El Dorado Hills Florist feels like the kind of business people remember at exactly the right moment. It is a local flower shop that delivers in El Dorado Hills and nearby communities, and its site is already set up with Mother’s Day specials for this weekend.
That makes it especially useful this week. You do not need to overthink it, just get flowers from someone local who clearly knows the holiday rush is coming. The shop highlights custom arrangements, same-day orders when possible, and a straightforward Mother’s Day menu, which is really all most people need.
For this issue, it felt like a more helpful pick than another boutique or salon. It is practical, local, and right on theme without feeling forced.
Skip the Resort. Stay in a Centuries-Old Sicilian Village Instead.
Casa Gratteri offers beautifully restored homes in Gratteri, a hidden mountain town in Sicily with sweeping views, deep history, and zero crowds. Full concierge service, a private chef on request, and modern finishes throughout. This is the kind of trip people talk about for the rest of their lives.
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🍸 Alchemy Anniversary Celebration | Alchemy at EDH Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 05/08 | More
Live music, cocktails, and a solid Friday plan.
🌸 Happy Hour Enchanted Garden Party Floral Design | Art & Bloom Studio | El Dorado Hills | 05/08 | More
A pretty Mother’s Day outing without the brunch chaos.
🎉 City of Folsom’s 80th Celebration | City Lions Park and Zoo Sanctuary | Folsom | 05/09 | More
Snail races, train rides, and peak hometown energy.
📚 Storytime at the Library | Folsom Public Library | Folsom | 05/08 | More
Simple, free, and great for younger kids.
📸 Mother’s Day 2026 | Vintage Grace | El Dorado Hills | 05/10 | More
Free family photos make this one very easy.
🏃 Gold Country Run and 5K | EDH Town Center | El Dorado Hills | 05/10 | More
A lively race morning with a community feel.
🎶 Mother’s Day Weekend Charity Concert | Marshall Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 05/09 | More
Queen under the open sky is a pretty good sell.
🎸 Rotary Spring Concert Series - G-Ride | Zittel Family Amphitheater | Folsom | 05/09 | More
Free funk and disco with room to dance.
🎤 Serena Karise at Crawdads on the Lake | Crawdads on the Lake | Folsom | 05/09 | More
Lake views and live music do the work here.
🍷 Mother’s Day Brunch at CMR | CMR | El Dorado Hills | 05/10 | More
A clean brunch option if you want something centered on Mom.
🎻 FLCYCO Spring Concerto | Harris Center | Folsom | 05/10 | More
A polished matinee with strong local talent.
🎹 The Carole King & James Taylor Story | Harris Center | Folsom | 05/10 | More
Familiar songs, easy crowd, nice Sunday plan.
🚶♀️ Mom Walk • Sip & Stroll | Marshall Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 05/13 | More
Connect with local moms over coffee and a peaceful morning stroll.
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