Five social distance-friendly things to do around Bradenton this weekend
As COVID-19 cases continue to spike around the state, some people are rethinking whether or not it’s safe to go back to normal activities just yet.
But you don’t have to let the weekend doldrums get you down. Luckily, there are local options for fun that incorporate ample social distancing and other risk-reducing measures.
And if you do plan on going out, remember: wearing cloth masks or face coverings in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is still recommended by local, national and international health agencies.
Here are some social distance-friendly activities around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend.
Nik Wallenda’s Daredevil Rally
More dates have been added to stunt artist Nik Wallenda’s drive-in attraction at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
The show features Wallenda, his high-wire partner and wife Erendira Wallenda and a host of other acts including a human cannonball, freestyle motorbike stunt jumpers, BMX riders and motorcycles in a steel globe.
A portion of the show’s proceeds will benefit All Faiths Food Bank, according to the event website. Attendees can also bring cans of non-perishable food and receive a dollar off of the ticket price per can donated (up to $5 off).
Details: June 18-21. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. General admission is $20 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free. Family deals and VIP parking available.
Info: daredevilrally.com.
Watch local theater from home
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is offering a special in-home theater experience.
Online, on-demand streaming of the Westcoast production of “Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane” is available through this Sunday.
The family-friendly musical comedy is written by WBTT founder Nate Jacobs and “gives familiar fairytales a new twist,” according to the theater.
Instructions on how to watch the play and a virtual playbill will be sent via email after ticket purchase.
Details: Avaialble to stream until 10 p.m. Sunday. $15.
Info: westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Local attractions reopened
Local museums and other attractions have reopened with new social distancing and safety procedures in place.
They include:
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Florida natural history exhibits and the manatee aquarium are open, as well as a special exhibition of photos by Florida nature photographer Clyde Butcher. The Bishop also continues online educational programming, including an online event this Saturday for new telescope enthusiasts. Info: bishopscience.org.
The Ringling: The Ringling continues to offer reduced admission of $15 to see permanent and limited-time exhibitions of fine art and circus history. Info: ringling.org.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Mote is reopened with lots of aquatic life to see and a timed entry system in place. Info: mote.org.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: A Salvador Dalí exhibit is among those currently on display at the gardens. Info: selby.org.
Yappy Hour at Motorworks
Motorworks Brewing’s monthly canine extravaganza is back.
Dog owners are invited to sip craft beer, shop from local pet supply vendors and let their leashed pets enjoy the beer garden.
“In efforts to ensure our guests’ and staff members’ safety we are continuing to practice all of the social distancing precautions including all staff members are to wear protective face masks, indoor service will be at 50 percent, tables indoors and outdoors will be distanced 6 feet apart, continuous sanitation of all surfaces both inside and out, hand sanitation stations are available around the brewery and bottles of hand sanitizer will be available for purchase,” the brewery said in a press release.
Sunday’s event will benefit Animal Network. The fundraiser will include silent auctions and raffle baskets.
In addition to plenty of craft beer options, $4 Bloody Mary’s and mimosas will be available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Live music starts at 4 p.m.
Details: 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
Drive-in movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In remains open for socially-distanced, retro movie fun. Showings for June 19 to June 25 are:
▪ The Land Before Time: 8:45 p.m. daily.
▪ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: 10 p.m. daily.
Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $6. Ages 5-8: $1. Cash only. $5 fee for bringing your own food.
Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com.
The Sarasota Film Society has also reopened its theaters in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota at limited capacity.
Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive #8, Lakewood Ranch and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Adults: $5. Children: $3.50.
Info: filmsociety.org.