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 a 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 Satchel’s Last Resort, a Sarasota dog and cat shelter, and include a silent auction and raffle items.
Brunch is available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, and there will also be live music to enjoy in the beer garden from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Details: Yappy Hour happens from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
Railroad adventure
The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish takes visitors on a trip back in time to the days when locomotive transport was king.
Train rides are currently setting off with limited capacity and social distancing in place, and masks are required onboard.
Weekend rail rides through rural Manatee County make for a fun family adventure, and there’s also lots to explore in the history museum.
Details: Trains leave at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ages 3-11: $10. Ages 12 and up: $14.
Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.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. 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 screen two choice kid’s movies, “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Spy Kids.”
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.
▪ Sonic the Hedgehog (PG): 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Spy Kids (PG): 9:40 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.
Badlands to Bradenton
A new exhibit at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature invites guests to explore the fossil-rich territory of the Nebraska Badlands. Even cooler, the showcase revolves around the experiences of more than 50 Manatee County teachers who took part in paleontology digs in the Badlands since 2011 thanks to a partnership between The Bishop and the the Toomey Foundation.
“Badlands to Bradenton: Lessons from the Field” includes fossils of ancient mammals, from plant-eaters to predators, as well the stories of the paleontology digs that unearthed them. The exhibit also includes interactive elements that visitors can enjoy using a tablet or smartphone.
Details: Through June 6. Open Wed.-Sun. (timed entry and social distancing in place). The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $20. Ages 65 and up: $19. Ages 12-17 and college students with ID: $16. Ages 5-11: $12. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult.
Info: 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.