13 Days Left for Free Larkspur Ferry Rides

Looking for something to do with the last few days left of summer? 

Golden Gate Transit is offering free ferry trips between San Francisco and Larkspur during off-peak rider times through August 31.

Marin Country Mart and Golden Gate Larkspur Ferry officials joined forces to create the special promotion and draw people from San Francisco to Marin.

But Marin residents can also reap the rewards of promotion.

The free ferry rides include weekday departures from Larkspur to San Francisco between 10:10 a.m. and 8:50 p.m. and a weekend 4:45 trip. However, riders must visit a Marin County Mart retailer to get their complimentary ticket.

Ferry riders can ride from San Francisco to Larkspur for free between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and at 12:40 p.m. on weekends. The Golden Gate Transit website has details on how you can download your free ferry ticket.

San Francisco ferry riders are encouraged to walk across the pedestrian bridge from the Larkspur lferry terminal to the Marin County Mart, which has undergone an extensive revitalization in the last few years.

Daily Larkspur ferry ridership is currently at 1,200 passengers, while the combined peak morning and evening ridership is at 4,800. The ferry weekend ridership is at 1,900, according to Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Spokesperson Mary Currie.

The complete Larkspur schedule is available by calling 511 or online at http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Larkspur.php.

This offer is not valid for organized tour groups.

Regular Marin Country Mart events, provided via a Marin Country Mart press release:

• Folkish Festival:  The festival features a range of musical concerts, from traditional folk musicto up-&-comers, including Leftover Cuties, The Honeycutters, and Claudia Russell and the Folk Unlimited Orchestra. This series continues weekly through September 29 on Sundays from 12:30 – 2:30 pm. 

• Friday Night Jazz:  The jazz series, offered through September 27 on Fridays from 6 – 9 pm, showcases some of California’s best jazz players, including the George Cole Quintet and Gypsy Jazz, Lorca Hart Trio, and Katie Thiroux Duo. 

• Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market:  Open year-round on Saturdays from 9 am – 2 pm, the Farmers’ Market showcases the freshest seasonal offerings from local farmers and purveyors, with an emphasis on organic and sustainable goods. There are also many fun activities to delight kids:  pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, kid’s music or storytelling, children’s crafts, and live music.

• Off the Grid:  A roaming mobile food extravaganza, Off the Grid cruises to Marin Country Mart every Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm. Eight vendors offer delicious food, enhanced by live music and splendid views of the bay and Mount Tam. From the largest gathering of food trucks in Marin, visitors can choose gourmet foods to eat onsite or take home – perfect for an easy Sunday supper.