Socially distanced fun: 5 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 come with ample social distancing and other risk-reducing measures for those who feel comfortable venturing out.
Here are some ideas for keeping the doldrums at bay around Bradenton this weekend.
If you plan on going out, remember to bring a mask. Face coverings are now required inside all businesses and public buildings in Manatee County, according to a COVID-19 emergency resolution.
Art Walk
The creatives of the Village in the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, music.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, tattoos, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer visitors.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com.
Art in the gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will unveil a new exhibit this weekend, “In Dialogue with Nature: Glass in the Gardens.”
The third annual show will feature nature-inspired glass works interwoven with plants and flowers throughout the gardens. The pieces will also be for sale.
Masks are required at Selby, and capacity of indoor areas is limited to allow for social distancing.
Details: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 8 through Sept. 20. Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Adults: $15. Youth 4-17: $15. Children under 4: Free.
Info: selby.org.
Drive-in movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the drive-in invites you to dust off your dancing shoes with showings of “Grease” and “Footloose.”
▪ Footloose: 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Grease: 10:20 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.
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 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.
De Soto National Memorial
The visitor center at De Soto National Memorial is closed and events are canceled, but the park grounds remain open to the public.
The roughly 26-acre park overlooks the meeting place of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay and is home to many flowering plants and picturesque views.
Details: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton.
Info: nps.gov/deso.