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.
Pumpkin festivals
The Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival: This 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.
Pumpkin Patch Express
The Florida Railroad Museum will hold its traditional fall train rides this year with extra precautions in place, including 50% capacity on board. Mask requirements will follow county regulations at the time of the event, organizers say.
The Pumpkin Patch Express experience includes a hay ride, Lincoln log building, crafts and kid’s activities. The highlight is a trip by rail to a pumpkin patch, where each child can pick a special gourd to take home.
From there, it’s up to you to turn that pumpkin into the best jack-o-lantern on the block.
Details: Trains depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $14.50-$32.50.
Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.
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 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: 2001 Disney/Pixar hit “Monsters, Inc.” 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.
▪ Monsters, Inc.: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Hotel Transylvania: 9 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.