Socially-distanced fun: 5 things to do around Bradenton this holiday 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.
Black Friday Night Market
Motorworks Brewing will host a holiday night market Friday featuring an array of local vendors, food trucks and special discounts on craft beer. Enjoy a drink in the socially-distanced beer garden.
Eclectic and energetic variety band More is More will provide live tunes starting at 7 p.m.
The event is kid and pet friendly.
Details: 6-11 p.m. Friday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th St. W., Bradenton.
Info: motorworksbrewing.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.
Holiday ornament showcase
Need a little holiday spirit? A festive new exhibit at ArtCenter Manatee shows off hundreds of ornaments handmade by local artists. The pieces are also for sale, so you can take one home and add it to your own tree.
Also on display at the gallery is ArtCenter Manatee’s 2020 Member Show. The exhibit features local, regional and national artists skilled in painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more.
Details: On display through Dec. 31. 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.
Drive-in movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the outdoor theater is celebrating the holidays with two Disney hits: Animated musical “Frozen” and Christmas comedy “The Santa Clause.”
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.
▪ Frozen: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ The Santa Clause: 9:20 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.
Suncoast Renaissance Festival
The Sarasota Fairgrounds will transform into a medieval wonderland this weekend for the Suncoast Renaissance Festival.
The event will feature stage shows, music, jousting, vendors, festive food and more.
Use of face masks is required in enclosed spaces and where social distancing isn’t possible, according to event organizers, and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the festival. There will also be “mask break” areas where face coverings can be safely removed.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $17-$23 (children under 5 free).
Info: suncoastrenaissancefestival.com.