5 fun 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 and Sarasota this weekend.
Art Walk
The creatives of the Village in the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, music and more.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, tattoos, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com.
Pups at Premier
A day of fun is in store for dog-owners and their pets this Saturday in Lakewood Ranch.
The first ever Pups at Premier will include games designed for dogs and humans, a doggy pageant, an ice cream-eating contest and plenty of opportunity for pups and their owners to mix and mingle.
Other fun for dogs includes splash pools and an agility course. Vendors and food trucks will also be there.
Dogs are required to be on non-retractable leashes of 6 feet or less, event organizers say.
Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. $10 per vehicle.
Info: bradentongulfislands.com/events/2362/pups-at-premier.
Badlands to Bradenton
It’s the last weekend to for visitors to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature to enjoy an exhibit on the fossil-rich territory of the Nebraska Badlands. The showcase revolves around the experiences of more than 50 Manatee County teachers who have taken 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.
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.
Sarasota Farmers Market brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy.
Details: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
Info: sarasotafarmersmarket.org.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch boasts more than 50 local vendors. Offerings include produce, prepared foods and breads, crafts, plants and pet treats. Local musicians are another regular feature at the market.
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.
Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats. There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.
Details: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
Info: onecofarmersmarket.com.
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. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests. 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 June 2, 2021 at 1:42 PM.