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.
Don’t forget to bring a mask.
Yappy Hour at Motorworks
Motorworks Brewing’s monthly canine extravaganza is back.
Dog owners are invited to sip craft beer and grab a bite from the food truck, shop from local pet supply vendors and let their leashed pets enjoy the beer garden.
Social distancing and other safety measures will be in place.
Sunday’s event will benefit Shiba Inu Rescue of Florida. The fundraiser will include silent auctions and raffle items.
In addition to plenty of craft beer options, $4.50 Bloody Mary’s and mimosas will be available.
Motorworks also offers Sunday brunch in the beer garden brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Details: Yappy Hour happens from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
Virtual Nutcracker
The Moscow Ballet’s planned 2020 stop at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to perform the “Great Russian Nutcracker” was canceled due to COVID-19, but you can enjoy the next best thing from home this holiday season.
Van Wezel will present a video-on demand performance of the ballet starting this Saturday.
A single purchase allows unlimited on-demand access to the Nutcracker between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1. It also includes a behind-the-scenes feature all about how the world-famous production comes to life.
Details: Available on demand 8 p.m. Saturday. $24.99 per household to view.
Info: vanwezel.org.
Holiday lights
Winter nights under the lights: Palma Sola Botanical Park will bring some holiday cheer to Bradenton with its second annual holiday light display.
Take a stroll and snap a few family photos among the illuminated Florida foliage during this free event.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 17-20. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Free (donations accepted).
Info: palmasolabp.org.
Lights in Bloom: “Lights in Bloom” transforms Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota into an illuminated winter wonderland.
“More than two million lights will illuminate the gardens, and walkways are transformed into sensory light tunnels,” the event website says.
There will be no visit from Santa or activities this year due to COVID-19, but there will be a special photo opportunity. Food and drink will also be available for purchase.
Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to purchase them in advance online. Early entry tickets and four-day passes are also available. Masks will be required for entry and social distancing enforced inside of the gardens, organizer say.
Details: Dec. 12-23, 26-31 and Jan. 1-2. Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $25. Ages 5-17: $7. Children under 5: Free.
Info: selby.org.
Farmers’ Markets
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is back on Old Main Street with 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.
The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, health and beauty items, music and more. The fresh ocean air and sunshine are free.
The market will be held on Sundays and Wednesdays through March.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
Info: islandsandbeaches.com/market.
Horseshoe Cove Golf Cart Parade
This very Florida Christmas tradition enters its 22nd year at Horseshoe Cove RV Resort in Bradenton this year, and there are three chances to see it. Over 70 lighted and decorated golf carts will take to the streets of the community, including a stagecoach, a gingerbread house and a locomotive train. The parade will also feature a 20-foot rolling Christmas tree decked out with 2,500 lights.
Details: 5 p.m. Dec. 18, 20 and 22. Horseshoe Cove RV Resort, 5100 Caruso Road (60th St. E.), Bradenton. Free.
North Pole Express
The Florida Railroad Museum’s annual holiday train ride event is back this year in a socially-distanced format with 50% capacity inside of the train cars. The North Pole Express transports guests through rural Manatee County to a Christmas village with activities, campfires, hot chocolate, cookies and a chance to meet Santa.
Seats from coach to first class are available, or you can rent a party caboose for up to 16 guests ($589-$769).
Details: Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. Thursday-Monday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $20.50-$59.50.
Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.