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 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 mask. Face coverings are now required inside all businesses and public buildings in Manatee County per a COVID-19 emergency resolution.
Night market at Motorworks
Motorworks Brewing will host a night market and food truck rally this Friday featuring an array of local vendors and tasty eats. Enjoy a craft brew in the socially-distanced beer garden.
Local rockers Whiskey Blind will provide live tunes from 7 to 11 p.m.
The event is kid and pet friendly.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th St. W., Bradenton.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
Railroad adventure
The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish takes visitors on a trip back in time to the days when locomotive transport was king.
After a temporary closure, train rides resumed in June with limited capacity and social distancing in place.
Weekend rail rides through rural Manatee County make for a fun family adventure, and there’s also lots to explore in the history museum.
Up to three kids ride free for each adult ticket purchased, all summer long.
Details: Trains leave at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Under 12: Free. Ages 12 and up: $14.
Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.
Drive-in movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the outdoor theater will feature brand new superhero flick “The New Mutants.” The film, which is the latest cinematic iteration of Marvel’s X-Men universe, was delayed in release for months due to COVID-19. The movie will be followed by 2018 superhero blockbuster “Black Panther.”
▪ The New Mutants: 8:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Black Panther: 9:45 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.
Myakka magic at The Bishop
Explore the beauty of of a famous Florida waterway and the nature that it supports through the stunning black and white photography of Clyde Butcher.
There are only two weekends left to catch the special exhibit “Myakka River: A Florida Treasure” at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton before it ends on Sept. 6.
The exhibit features 30 large-scale photographs captured during Butcher’s journeys through Myakka River State Park, Triangle Ranch and surrounding areas, and the images are accompanied by fascinating tidbits of information about the natural treasure.
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.
Info: 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.
Art in the gardens
“In Dialogue with Nature: Glass in the Gardens” is currently on display at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.
The third annual show features 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.