Five social-distance friendly things to do around Bradenton this weekend
It can be tough to find fun in the days of COVID-19.
Fortunately, there are some local entertainment options that add in ample social distancing and other risk-reducing measures for those that feel comfortable venturing out.
Here are some ideas for keeping the doldrums at bay around Bradenton this weekend.
If you do plan on going out, remember to bring a face covering.
Live blues and brunch
Good food and good tunes are in store this Sunday at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The Bradenton Blues Brunch will feature a live performance from Big D & The Dirty Deal and a newly created menu of brunch delights.
The event is a partnership between the restaurant, Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Fest.
Seating is outdoors and socially-distanced.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd. # 120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
Info: 941-896-9660. mattisons.com.
Motorworks is back
Motorworks Brewing is back open (now with a food license) and lots of event offerings. This weekend, check out live music in the socially-distanced beer garden on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Staple and seasonal craft brews are also available to-go from the taproom. Recurring events including trivia and beer garden yoga will also resume next week.
Details: Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
Drive-in movie
Drive-in movies are making a comeback during the COVID-19 era. Locally, Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the drive-in will feature 1976 baseball comedy “The Bad News Bears” and the original entry in the Indiana Jones saga, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Concessions are available on site.
▪ The Bad News Bears: 8:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Raiders of the Lost Ark: 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
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. Alcohol not permitted.
Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com.
See what’s in bloom
There’s always something in bloom at Palma Sola Botanical Park. Stroll the grounds to find floral wonders, plentiful photo ops and witness some pollinators in action. Also a plus: it’s free.
Details: Open 8 a.m. dusk daily. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton. Free.
Info: palmasolabp.org.
Planetarium adventure
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s galaxy-traversing planetarium recently reopened with upgraded technology for an even more vivid experience of the universe. The exhibit is included with museum admission.
This Saturday, young space cadets can also enjoy the new and improved Planetarium from home with a free, online KidSpace program. Designed for elementary aged students, the monthly event offers fun and educational explorations of the universe.
Details: Open Wed.-Sun. (timed entry and social distancing in place). The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $20. Ages 65 and up: $19. Ages 12-17 and college students with ID: $16. Ages 5-11: $12. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult. KidSpace will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday; register online.
Info: 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.