SAN FRANCISCO — One of the easiest ways to turn a Saturday into a short Bay trip will be free beginning Sept. 12.
Off the Grid returns to Treasure Island for six Saturdays from Sept. 12 through Oct. 17, and opening day comes with a free round-trip ferry pass from San Francisco. The waterfront market itself is also free and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The useful detail is not simply that a free ferry exists. Treasure Island and Off the Grid describe several ways to claim one, while exact fall departure times are still being finalized. Here is what is confirmed now.
How do I get the free Treasure Island ferry?
Treasure Island’s official event page lists three ways to access the free ferry offer: RSVP through Off the Grid’s promotion, join the free Treasure Island Social Club for a code, or go to Ferry Building Gate B and use the event-day QR code.
Off the Grid says the free round-trip pass is available for opening day and covers one adult age 18 or older. Passes for later Saturdays are scheduled to become available during the week of each event.
Which Saturdays are included?
| Date | Market hours |
|---|---|
| Sept. 12 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Oct. 3 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Oct. 10 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Oct. 17 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
The recurring schedule is what makes this more than a one-day promotion. If opening day fills up, there are five more Saturdays — although the free-pass process should be checked again for each date.
Where does the ferry leave from?
The San Francisco departure point is Gate B at the Ferry Building. Treasure Island describes the crossing as about eight minutes.
That is a short trip, but leave time for finding the gate, scanning or presenting the pass and boarding. A free ticket does not mean arriving at the Ferry Building at the exact sailing time will work.
Has the fall ferry timetable been published?
Not yet. Off the Grid says fall ferry schedule and ticketing details are still being finalized.
SF News Today will update this page when exact departure times are posted. Until then, treat any old Treasure Island ferry timetable you find elsewhere as background rather than the event schedule.
Where is Off the Grid on Treasure Island?
Treasure Island lists the event at Cityside Park, 387 Avenue of the Palms. Off the Grid’s driving information currently gives 695 Avenue of the Palms for parking/navigation.
Those are not the same number, so we are not collapsing them into one address: use Cityside Park as the event location and follow the organizer’s current driving instructions if you are navigating to parking.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Treasure Island’s event page says free on-site parking is available. That makes driving a real alternative for groups carrying picnic gear or traveling from places where the Ferry Building would add an unnecessary detour.
Muni’s 25 Treasure Island is another public-transit option between downtown San Francisco and the island.
What is at the market?
Organizers advertise more than 15 food vendors and creators, live music and waterfront space. Dogs are allowed, and Treasure Island also advertises complimentary kites with signup.
Food and merchandise are not free simply because admission and a promotional ferry pass are free. The value of the event is that getting there and entering do not require a paid event ticket.