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.
Nik Wallenda’s Daredevil Rally
Stunt artist Nik Wallenda brings his drive-in attraction back to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota this weekend.
The show features Wallenda, his high-wire partner and wife Erendira Wallenda and a host of other acts including a human cannonball, freestyle motorbike stunt jumpers, BMX riders and motorcycles in a steel globe.
Details: March 4-7. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. General admission is $20 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free. Family deals and preferred and VIP parking available.
Info: daredevilrally.com.
Drive-thru Greek festival
With COVID-19 safety in mind, the 37th annual St. Barbara’s Greek Festival will take place in a new, drive-thru format this year.
The festival will celebrate Greek cuisine with all kinds of delicious offerings available including lamb shanks, pastitsio, moussaka, spanakopita, Greek salad and gyros, plus a host of pastries and desserts. Orders can be placed online now for pickup on March 5-7.
There will also be a raffle with cash prizes. The top prize is a brand new Mercedes-Benz sedan or SUV or $25,000 cash. Tickets for the raffle are $100 apiece and can be purchased online, via email (greekraffle@gmail.com) or phone (941-355-2616).
Proceeds from the event will benefit All Faiths Foods Bank as well as the church and its community outreach efforts.
Details: 4-8 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota.
Info: Order food and enter the raffle at stbarbarafestival.org.
Art Walk
The creatives of the Village in the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, music and more.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, tattoos, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com.
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. Masks are encouraged for shoppers.
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 air the new feature film treatment of cartoon tricksters Tom and Jerry. Also playing is 2012 family sci-fi comedy “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
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.
▪ Tom & Jerry: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.: 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.
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.
Dozens of movies are currently available to rent through the Sarasota Film Society, including documentary, drama, comedy and romance. The rentals also help support the film society through the pandemic. In addition to home rentals, local movie fans can also help support the Sarasota Film Society by purchasing gift cards or making a direct donation.
Info: filmsociety.org/movies/virtual.
This story was originally published March 2, 2021 at 5:00 AM.