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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 precautions.
Fortunately, there are some local entertainment options with plenty of social distancing and other safety measures in place so that everyone can enjoy.
Here are some ideas for fun around Bradenton this Memorial Day weekend.
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 Palm Beach Cardinals.
The Marauders will host Mental Health Awareness Night on Friday. And Saturday’s game is Military Appreciation Night, with $5 tickets for active military and veterans plus a post-game fireworks show.
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.
Car, truck and bike show
A family-friendly car, truck and bike show comes to Oneco Farmers Market this Memorial Day weekend.
Sunday’s event will include vendors, food trucks, a kid zone, live music, raffles and giveaways, and entry is free.
Details: Noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton. Free.
Wildflower bloom at Myakka River
The annual spring bloom of Florida’s state wildflower, Coreopsis, is underway at Myakka River State Park.
Prairies bursting with thousands of golden flowers make for an awe-inspiring sight and a great photo op. The park is also home to an abundance of native wildlife. It boasts opportunities for fishing, hiking, paddling and bicycling as well as a tree canopy walk and a restaurant, the Pink Gator Cafe.
Details: Open 8 a.m. until sunset every day. Myakka River State Park, 13208 S.R. 72, Sarasota. $6 per vehicle.
Info: 941-361-6511.
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 wraps up for the season this Saturday. Don’t miss your last chance to 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. The market will return in September.
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 two new Disney movies: animated fantasy adventure “Raya and the Last Dragon” and anti-hero origin story “Cruella.”
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.
▪ Raya and the Last Dragon (PG): 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Mon.
▪ Cruella (PG-13): 10:15 p.m. Fri.-Mon.
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.
This story was originally published May 26, 2021 at 2:25 PM.