Socially distanced fun: 5 things to do around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend
It can be tough to find fun in the days of COVID-19.
As vaccination efforts ramp up, a return to old pastimes might just be on the horizon. (Concerts, ball games, parties ... oh my!) But for now, health officials are urging folks (even vaccinated ones) to continue taking steps to stop the spread.
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.
Beach ‘n Food Truck Festival
The Beach ‘n Food Truck Festival returns to bring fun, good eats and live tunes to Anna Maria Island this weekend.
A fleet of food trucks will offer a variety of dishes as well as beer and wine. There will also be arts and crafts vendors to peruse and classic cars on display.
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Holmes Beach Community Field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Info: annamariaislandchamber.org.
Sarasota Film Festival
Sarasota Film Festival returns for its 23rd outing this Friday in a new hybrid format. Movie screenings will be offered in person at the CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, as well as online.
The festival shines a light on artistic, thought-provoking, independent and documentary works from around the world, including Florida and regional film projects.
Details: April 30-May 9. CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota.
Info: sarasotafilmfestival.com.
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.
The series will wrap up this Friday with three-piece The Divebombers laying down some foot-stomping rockabilly.
Details: 6 p.m. Friday. 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.
Farmers’ Markets
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 Wednesdays and Fridays through November. Masks are encouraged for shoppers.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
Info: islandsandbeaches.com/market.
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday 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 wear masks, 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.
See a movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks, family favorites and new movies with showings every day of the week. This weekend, the outdoor theater will screen the new mega-monster showdown, “Godzilla vs. Kong,” as well as brand-new action film “Mortal Kombat” based off of the video game of the same name.
Bring a portable radio if you don’t want to leave your car turned on during the films. You can also bring folding chairs to set up outside of the vehicle (bug repellent is recommended if you go this route). Face masks are required to enter the snack bar or restrooms.
▪ Godzilla vs. Kong (PG-13): 8:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Mortal Kombat (R): 10:10 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: After a long pause in screenings due to COVID-19, Sarasota Film Society has reopened its Lakewood Ranch theater with new safety measures in place, including a mask requirement. And Burns Court Cinemas in Sarasota will resume movie screenings this Friday. Check the society’s website for the current lineup of movies.
Cinema fans can also continue to stream SFM’s latest offerings in the world of independent and thought-provoking film from home with the purchase of a virtual movie experience.
Details: See movies in person Friday-Sunday at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive #8, Sarasota or Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Online streaming available any time.
Info: filmsociety.org. 941-955-3456.
This story was originally published April 28, 2021 at 7:00 AM.