
Mother’s Day weekend in 2025 is set to be a soul-stirring celebration of faith, family, and music with the Mother’s Day Gospel Concert, taking place on May 9 and 10 in the Philadelphia area. Featuring gospel legends like Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Kurt Carr, and Le’Andria Johnson, this two-night event promises to uplift and inspire attendees with powerful performances and heartfelt worship. While the concerts are technically held in nearby Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD, their proximity to Philadelphia makes them a perfect weekend getaway for Philly residents looking to honor the mothers in their lives. Here’s everything you need to know about this unmissable gospel extravaganza.
A Weekend of Worship and Celebration
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of mothers, and what better way to do so than through the transformative power of gospel music? The Mother’s Day Gospel Concert, spread across two nights, brings together some of the genre’s most iconic voices for a weekend of praise and reflection. The events are part of a regional celebration, with the first night on Friday, May 9, at 8:00 PM at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC, and the second on Saturday, May 10, at 7:00 PM at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, MD. Both venues are within a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, making them accessible for a weekend road trip or a special Mother’s Day outing.
The lineup is a gospel lover’s dream, featuring artists who have shaped the genre and touched countless lives with their music. Donnie McClurkin, a Grammy-winning singer and pastor, is known for his soulful voice and songs like “Stand,” “We Fall Down,” and “I Call You Faithful.” His performances are a blend of raw emotion and spiritual conviction, making him a perfect headliner for this event. Bishop Hezekiah Walker, often called the “Pastor of Hip-Hop,” brings high-energy praise with hits like “Every Praise” and “Grateful.” His choir, the Love Fellowship Choir, is renowned for its tight harmonies and infectious enthusiasm, ensuring a set that will have the audience on their feet.
Kurt Carr, a masterful composer and performer, will deliver his signature blend of traditional and contemporary gospel. Songs like “In the Sanctuary” and “For Every Mountain” are anthems in churches worldwide, and Carr’s ability to lead audiences in worship is unmatched. Rounding out the lineup is Le’Andria Johnson, a powerhouse vocalist whose raw, emotive delivery has made her a standout since her Sunday Best win. With songs like “Jesus” and “Better Days,” Johnson’s performances are deeply personal, resonating with anyone who’s faced struggles and found hope through faith.
Night One: Washington, DC at CareFirst Arena
The Mother’s Day Celebration kicks off on Friday, May 9, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, this modern venue offers excellent acoustics and a spacious layout, perfect for a gospel concert of this magnitude. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM, giving attendees plenty of time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere.
Expect a night filled with dynamic performances, heartfelt testimonies, and moments of collective worship. Each artist will likely perform a mix of their biggest hits and newer material, with opportunities for collaboration that gospel concerts are known for. Imagine Donnie McClurkin and Le’Andria Johnson trading vocals on a powerful ballad or Bishop Hezekiah Walker leading the crowd in a unified “Every Praise.” The setlist will be a journey through gospel’s rich tapestry, from traditional hymns to contemporary anthems, all tied together by the theme of honoring mothers and giving thanks.
CareFirst Arena is easily accessible from Philadelphia via a 2.5-hour drive or Amtrak trains to Union Station, followed by a short Metro ride. For those planning to make a weekend of it, DC offers a wealth of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury stays near the National Mall. The city’s vibrant dining scene, with soul food spots and international cuisine, is a great way to round out the Mother’s Day experience.
Night Two: Baltimore, MD at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
The celebration continues on Saturday, May 10, at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, MD, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and the show starting at 7:00 PM. This venue, known for hosting major concerts and events, provides an intimate yet energetic setting for gospel music. Its proximity to Philadelphia—just a 1.5-hour drive—makes it an easy trip for those who can only attend one night or want to catch both shows for a full weekend of music.
The Baltimore concert will feature the same stellar lineup, but gospel concerts often vary slightly from night to night, with artists tailoring their sets to the crowd’s energy. Kurt Carr might lean into a longer worship segment, while Le’Andria Johnson could share a new testimony that resonates with the Mother’s Day theme. The Chesapeake Arena’s state-of-the-art sound system and comfortable seating ensure that every note and lyric will be crystal clear, whether you’re in the front row or the upper tiers.
Baltimore’s charm as a destination adds to the appeal. After the concert, attendees can explore the Inner Harbor, grab a crab cake at a local restaurant, or stay overnight in one of the city’s many hotels. For Philly residents, the short drive makes it feasible to head back home the same night, but staying over allows for a more relaxed Mother’s Day weekend.
Why This Concert Matters
Gospel music has a unique ability to bring people together, and the Mother’s Day Gospel Concert is a testament to its enduring power. This event is more than just a concert—it’s a spiritual experience that celebrates the role of mothers as pillars of strength and faith. Whether you’re attending with your mom, grandmother, or chosen family, the music will create moments of connection and gratitude. The lineup’s blend of veteran artists and newer voices ensures broad appeal, making it a perfect outing for multi-generational groups.
The concert also highlights gospel music’s cultural significance. Artists like Donnie McClurkin and Bishop Hezekiah Walker have not only topped gospel charts but also crossed over into mainstream consciousness, spreading messages of hope and resilience. For mothers who have leaned on faith through life’s challenges, this event is a chance to be uplifted and celebrated in a space that feels like home.
Tickets and Logistics
Tickets for both nights are available through Ticketmaster, with prices varying based on seating and availability. Given the star-studded lineup and the Mother’s Day theme, tickets are expected to sell quickly, so early booking is recommended. Check the Ticketmaster website for the most up-to-date pricing and availability, and be aware that resale tickets may exceed face value.
For Philly residents, driving is the most convenient option, with I-95 connecting the city to both Washington, DC, and Baltimore. Amtrak offers another hassle-free choice, with frequent trains to DC’s Union Station and Baltimore’s Penn Station. Both venues have parking available, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft will have designated drop-off points for easy access.
Plan Your Mother’s Day Weekend
To make the most of the weekend, consider combining the concert with other Mother’s Day activities. In DC, you could visit the Smithsonian museums or enjoy a brunch at a rooftop restaurant before the show. In Baltimore, a post-concert stroll along the waterfront or a visit to the National Aquarium could be a fun way to cap off the weekend. For those staying in Philly, hosting a pre-concert gathering with family or friends can set the tone for the trip.
A Mother’s Day to Remember
The Mother’s Day Gospel Concert on May 9-10, 2025, is a chance to celebrate the women who mean the most to us through the universal language of music. With Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Kurt Carr, and Le’Andria Johnson leading the charge, these concerts will be a powerful blend of worship, joy, and gratitude. Whether you attend one night or both, you’re in for an unforgettable experience that honors mothers and lifts spirits.
Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to sing, clap, and praise in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD. For the latest updates, visit Ticketmaster or follow the artists on social media. This Mother’s Day, let gospel music be the soundtrack to your celebration.
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