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.

Halloween Safe Kids Night

This Saturday, families are invited to throw on their costumes and head to the Manatee County Fairgrounds for the 17th annual Halloween Safe Kids Night.

Community organizations will be set up at booths with individually-wrapped and sealed candy to distribute in a socially-distanced format under the cover of the Mosaic Arena. There will also be games to try, public safety equipment and vehicles to see and a costume contest for ages 11 and under.

Guests can park along 17th Street West and enter at Gate One across from Palmetto High School or park at the south end of the fairgrounds and enter at Gate Nine, across from Church on the Rock.

The event is hosted by CrimeStoppers of Manatee County in partnership with the Manatee County Fair.

Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday. Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free.

Info: facebook.com/ManateeCrimeStoppers.

Pumpkin Festival

Celebrate Halloween with the final day of Fruitville Grove Farm Market’s 32nd annual Pumpkin Festival this Saturday. The event 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. Saturday. Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

Info: fruitvillegrove.com.

Farmers’ Markets

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.

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch returns this Sunday with more than 50 local vendors to peruse. Offerings include produce, prepared foods and breads, crafts, plants and pet treats. Vendors will be socially-distanced and masks are encouraged.

Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Free.

Info: mylwr.com/185/Farmers-Market-at-LWR.

Haunted drive-thru

A Sarasota cul-de-sac will transform into a family-friendly, haunted drive-thru experience over the Halloween weekend. Local art education company Enlightened Monkey Arts is sponsoring the production which will feature animatronics, projection mapping, spooky sounds and special effects.

The fantastical scenes will include fire-breathing pumpkins, flying ghosts, swamp monsters and an illuminated ghoul’s garden.

Details: 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29-31. 133 S. Lime Ave., Sarasota. Free. Sponsorships are available, and you can also have a custom tombstone added to the display for $25.

Info: enlightenedmonkeyarts.com/halloween-on-south-lime.

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: 2009 animated science-fiction comedy “Monsters vs. Aliens” and 2010 animated superhero adventure “Megamind.”

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 vs. Aliens.: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Megamind: 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.