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.
Murder Mystery Train
An annual tradition at the Florida Railroad Museum is back in a new format. Guests will hop aboard and antique locomotive and ride out to the Manatee County ghost town of Willow to witness a murder mystery presented by Parrish Playworks. The show typically takes place in the aisles of the train, but this year it will happen on an open-air stage for added safety. Dinner and drinks will be available during the show. Other COVID-19 measures include limited capacity aboard the train, socially distanced seating and extra cleaning between trips. The experience lasts about three hours.
Details: 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $55-$60 a ticket.
Info: frrm.org.
Arts Festival
The 33rd annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts will offer a chance to see the work of hundreds of regional and national artists this Saturday and Sunday. Painting, jewelry, photography, ceramics and sculpture will be on display. The event is free to attend, but organizers are asking guests to reserve a time slot for their visit online to control crowd size. Other COVID-19 safety measures include masks required inside of the festival perimeter for anyone 2 years or older and one-way directional cues.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Festival entrance at Main Street and Orange Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Free.
Info: facebook.com/downtownsarasota.
Online outer space adventure
Young space cadets and their parents can enjoy the wonders of The Planetarium at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature from the safety of home with a free online KidSpace program this Saturday. Designed for elementary students, the monthly event offers fun and educational explorations of the universe.
The museum is also open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday with COVID-19 safety measures in place.
Details: KidSpace happens from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday via Zoom. Free.
Info: Register online at bishopscience.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 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. Get a double dose of teenage vampire romance this weekend with screenings of 2008 hit fantasy “Twilight” and 2009 sequel, “Twilight: New Moon.”
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.
▪ Twilight: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Twilight: New Moon: 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.