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 returns
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is back on 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 Avenue 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.
Drive-in movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. The outdoor theater is showcasing scary, spooky and supernatural movies all month long in honor of Halloween. This weekend’s screenings are two family-friendly hits: 2017 Disney/Pixar feature “Coco,” inspired by Mexican holiday Día de Muertos, and 2012 animated comedy “Hotel Transylvania,” in which Count Dracula runs a resort for monsters.
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.
▪ Coco: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Hotel Transylvania: 9:15 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 festivals
The Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival kicks off this weekend in Bradenton. The 29th annual family-friendly event offers crafts, live music, hayrides, pumpkin games, a corn maze, scarecrow displays, a petting zoo, train rides and more.
There’s also a bounty of food and desserts to try, such as homemade ice cream and pumpkin pie.
Masks are recommended, and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the festival.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hunsader Farms, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton. Admission: $10. Children 10 and under: Free. Parking: $5.
Info: hunsaderfarms.com.
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.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
Info: fruitvillegrove.com.
Fresh local art
Two art exhibits currently on display at ArtCenter Manatee will come to a close on Friday.
“In the Making” is a juried exhibit featuring media and subject matter of all forms, including paintings, jewelry and mixed media pieces.
Another exhibit, “Instructors Showcase,” highlights the work of the talented art teachers who guide the students of ArtCenter Manatee.
On Tuesday, a new ocean-inspired showcase titled “Fishing for Diamonds” will open.
Details: “In the Making” and “Instructors Showcase” on display through Oct. 9. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Fri. and Sat.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue., Wed. and Thurs. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Free.
Info: artcentermanatee.org.