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.
Celtoberfest
Motorworks Brewing will host its fifth annual Celtoberfest this weekend. The three-day beer and music bash will bring Celtic merriment to the socially-distanced beer garden. There are eight Celtic-influenced bands scheduled to play; genres include folk, rock and traditional music. Vendors will be on site selling Celtic wear, art jewelry and more.
The brewery has its own special Oktoberfest beer available for sipping as well as a host of other craft brews. The event is family and dog-friendly, and kilts and lederhosen are encouraged.
Details: Friday-Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. One-day passes are $10 ($5 for kids 10 and under). A three-day VIP pass that includes a stein and a beer fill is available for $40.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
Good’toberfest
The Good Liquid Brewing Company will host an outdoor Oktoberfest celebration this Saturday. The third annual event will feature authentic German music as well as fare from local food truck The Schnitzel Trailer. On tap, revelers will find several German-style brews by Good Liquid including a special German chocolate cake stout.
Boot beer glasses (including a fill-up) will be up for grabs for $15 each, with $10 refills.
Details: 2-8 p.m. Saturday. The Good Liquid Brewing Company, 4824 14th St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
Info: facebook.com/goodliquid.
Bradenton Farmers’ Market
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 is showcasing scary, spooky and supernatural movies all month long in honor of Halloween. This weekend, the drive-in will screen two R-rated horror flicks: 1987’s horror-comedy “The Lost Boys” and 1984 Wes Craven slasher “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
Bring a portable radio if you want to turn your car off during the films. Face masks are required to enter the snack bar or restrooms.
▪ The Lost Boys: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ A Nightmare on Elm Street: 9:05 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.
Flower showcase
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a massive orchid showcase.
Organizers say that the nearly two-month long exhibition “will honor the founder, Marie Selby, and highlight the accomplishments of the many notable women who have built on her legacy and helped to make Selby Gardens home to the best scientifically documented collection of orchids in the world.”
In addition to living plants, the orchid showcase includes books, prints and historical context.
Masks are required at Selby, and capacity of indoor areas is limited to allow for social distancing.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 9. Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Adults: $20. Youth 4-17: $10. Children under 4: Free.
Info: selby.org.
This story was originally published October 14, 2020 at 5:00 AM.