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.

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.

Music in the Park(ing) lot

Realize Bradenton’s annual outdoor concert series is back in a drive-thru format at Manatee Performing Arts Center. The series is a sampler of some of the best bands in the area.

Reserve a space to see the show in person, or watch a livestream from the comfort of home.

This week, blues rockers Memphis Rub Band will play.

Details: 6 p.m. on Fridays through April 30. Parking lot of Manatee Performing Arts Center, 401 Seventh St. W., Bradenton. Free.

Info: Reserve tickets for a parking spot at manateeperformingartscenter.com. Tune in to watch live from home at realizebradenton.com or facebook.com/RealizeBradenton.

Sinatra the Musical

Take a musical trip through the life, times and tunes of Frank Sinatra this weekend at Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Vocalist Tony Sands has perfected the art of the Sinatra tribute show over decades of performances, and it’s all on display in “Sinatra the Musical.”

The show will be presented in-person with socially-distanced seating.

Details: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $26.

Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com.

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 supernatural 1990 hit “Ghost” and 2006 Motown musical drama “Dreamgirls.”

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.

▪ Ghost (PG-13): 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Dreamgirls (PG-13): 10:05 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: After a long pause in screenings due to COVID-19, Sarasota Film Society plans to reopen its Lakewood Ranch theater on April 2 and its Sarasota theater in the following weeks. For now, cinema fans can continue to 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.

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.

This story was originally published March 23, 2021 at 1:28 PM.