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.
Choose-how-you-watch local theater
The Manatee Players will debut a production of highly comic musical “Nunsense” this weekend at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, and theater fans have several options for how they choose to enjoy it.
A traditional night at the theater can be had with socially-distanced seating inside of the performing arts hall. The show will also be broadcast to a screen in the performing arts hall’s parking lot on select nights for a drive-in theater experience. And a third option allows viewers to live-stream the show in the safety of their own homes on select nights.
“’Nunsense’ begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned fifty-two of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials,” a show preview reads. “The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium.”
The show previously scored a “best off-Broadway musical” award and features singing, dancing, interactive bits and more.
Details: Jan. 14-31, with in-theater performances ($30 a ticket), drive-in performances ($20 a vehicle), and live-stream performances ($15 to access) available on select nights. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.
Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com. 941-748-5875.
AMI Privateers Thieves Market
This pirate-themed marketplace is an annual tradition for the Anna Maria Island Privateers. This year’s gatherings at G.T. Bray Park will include a 60-foot pirate ship on display, crafts and treasures to shop, live music and food available for purchase. It all supports the non-profit’s mission of funding education scholarships.
Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20 and April 17. GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton. Free to attend.
Info: facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandPrivateers.
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 Shelter Manatee. 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.
Farmers’ Markets
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market happens Saturdays in the heart of downtown Bradenton with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, shop for arts and crafts, listen to 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 boasts more than 50 local vendors. 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 on Anna Maria Island 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.
See a movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the outdoor theater will screen two action-packed pictures: 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and 1997 classic “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.”
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.
▪ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ The Lost World: Jurassic Park: 9:30 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.
Sarasota Film Society: Sarasota Film Society has temporarily shuttered its Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, cinema fans can still enjoy the latest offerings in the world of independent and thought-provoking film from home with the purchase of a virtual movie experience.
More than 30 movies are currently available to rent through the Sarasota Film Society, including documentary, drama, comedy and romance.
Info: filmsociety.org/movies/virtual.