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.
But as vaccines keep rolling out, old pastimes are beginning to return.
The CDC now advises that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks or socially distance in many situations. Meanwhile, unvaccinated folks are urged to keep up those and other safety precautions.
Fortunately, there are some local entertainment options with ample social distancing and other risk-reducing measures so that everyone can enjoy.
Here are some ideas for keeping the doldrums at bay around Bradenton this weekend.
Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival
Enjoy a boatload of seafood and other dining selections, drinks, shopping and lots of live music at the three-day Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival.
Friday performers are Sarasota Steel Pan Band (jazz and Caribbean), Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio (rock and soul) and Brenda Watty & Her Peeps (jazz, R&B and Motown).
Saturday performers are Mike Tozier (blues, rock and variety), Kettle of Fish (rock, blues and reggae), Fleetwood Max (Fleetwood Mac tribute act), Out of the Blue (classic rock, “Yacht rock” and blues) and Damon Fowler (blues).
Sunday performers are Randy Stephens (classic rock, blues and jazz), Jack’d Up (rock, pop and dance) and Dr. Dave Band (country rock and bluegrass).
Mask use and social distancing are encouraged but not required, and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the festival.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota. Free.
Info: paragonartevents.com.
Bradenton Marauders home game
The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders are home at LECOM Park this week for a six-game series with the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
New safety measures at LECOM for this season include a mask requirement for guests ages 2 and up as well as socially-distanced seating.
This weekend, the Marauders become the Bradenton Barbanegras for Copa de la Diversión, a celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture. Festivities include pre-game music all weekend, a bobblehead giveaway on Friday and a Dora the Explorer themed night on Saturday.
Details: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $7-$21.
Info: milb.com/bradenton.
Live blues and brunch
Good food and good tunes are in store on Sunday at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The Bradenton Blues Brunch will feature a live performance from a local blues act and a chef-crafted menu of brunch delights.
This month’s talent is local blues powerhouse and past Bradenton Blues Festival act, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones.
The event is a partnership between the restaurant, Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Fest.
Seating is outdoors and socially distanced, and staff will be masked.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd. # 120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
Info: 941-896-9660. mattisons.com.
Farmers’ Markets
The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel, 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.
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 2007 comedy “Evan Almighty” starring Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman as well as 2018’s action and dinosaur-packed “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”
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.
▪ Evan Almighty (PG): 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (PG-13): 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 and Sarasota theaters with new safety measures in place, including a mask requirement. 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.