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.

Festival of Skeletons

Village of the Arts in Bradenton will host its annual Día de los Muertos-inspired bash this weekend.

The festival honors loved ones who have passed with a celebration of life, and it will feature displays of artwork, vendors, live music and food at businesses throughout the Village.

Parking is available at the garage at 12th Street West and Eighth Avenue West, and on-street parking is also available in the Village.

Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts in Bradenton.

Info: villageofthearts.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 has returned for the season 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.

Drive-in movie

Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the outdoor theater will screen Pixar hit “Toy Story.” And ready or not, the Christmas movies are here; the drive-in’s late movie will be “Polar Express,” the 2004 holiday film based on the children’s book of the same name.

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.

▪ Toy Story: 7 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Polar Express: 9:10 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.