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 strongly recommended in public per a Manatee County COVID-19 proclamation.
Bradenton Farmers’ Market is back
On Saturday, the Bradenton Farmers’ Market will return to Old Main Street with new COVID-19 safety measures in place. Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, shop for arts and crafts, listen to local live music and more. Booths will be socially distanced along Old Main as well as Third Aveneue West and Fourth Avenue West. Vendors will be masked, and face coverings are highly recommended for customers.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. 400 Old Main St., Bradenton. Free.
Info: realizebradenton.com/farmers-market.
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 every visitor.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com.
Plant sale
Fall is planting season in Florida, and a local event this weekend will help you get that green thumb back in action. At Palma Sola Botanical Park’s annual sale, growers offer plants including orchids, bromeliads, plumerias and tropical species.
Local vendors will also be on site selling homemade goods and crafts. Live music and food vendors are another reason to stop by.
The non-profit gardens are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, and the sale is one way to support the always-free attraction. Donations are also accepted, or you can contribute to the park’s online crowdfunding campaign.
Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton.
Info: 941-761-2866. palmasolabp.org.
Drive-in movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. Things will get a little spooky this weekend with a double feature of family-friendly Halloween hits, “Hocus Pocus” and “Corpse Bride.”
Bring a portable radio if you don’t want to leave your car turned on during the films. Face masks are required to enter the snack bar or restrooms.
▪ Hocus Pocus: 7:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Corpse Bride: 9:20 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.
Pumpkin fest
Fruitville Grove Farm Market’s 32nd annual Pumpkin Festival features a free petting zoo, playground, live music, decorated photo spots and costume contests. Admission is also free.
Activities in the $1-$10 range include pony rides, carriage rides, a wildflower maze, a kids fun zone and pumpkin painting.
Food trucks and food vendors will be on site every day of the festival.
Masks will be required indoors, on hay rides and in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. Hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.
And next weekend, the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival returns to Bradenton to double the fall fun.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
Info: fruitvillegrove.com.
This story was originally published September 29, 2020 at 8:28 AM.