BART weekend ridership heats up as families hop aboard for summer fun
The weather is hot, and the sun is blazing. At long last, summer is in full swing in the Bay Area.
This past winter was a rainy one, and we can tell locals (and visitors, too!) are eager to stretch their limbs in the sunshine and explore the nooks and crannies of the region.
How do we know? Last Saturday, July 15, was the 6th highest day for Saturday ridership since the start of the pandemic, while the following Sunday, July 16, was the 7th highest day for Sunday ridership since the pandemic began.
That means nearly 170,000 of you rode BART last weekend, and we’re guessing many of you hopped aboard in pursuit of summer fun, whether it was exploring a new city, visiting a lush park or swimming pool, or checking out an enticing local event. With temperatures nearing 90°F in some parts of the Bay Area last weekend, we’re also guessing riders appreciated the AC on our trains.
BART is a great way to get out and about this summer; our system carries riders to arts and culture, food and beverage, nature and adventure – you name it. What’s going on this weekend? BART Communications has teamed up with BARTable, which is dedicated to highlighting the best things and experiences close to BART stations, to connect our riders to the latest and greatest the Bay Area has to offer. Keep reading…
Events this Weekend
Looking for something to do this weekend? Leave the car at home and take BART to these ongoing summer events:
Thursday
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (0.2 miles from Powell St Station): For six months out of the year, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents admission-free performances that reflect “the rich cultures and creativity of the Bay Area.” Programs are outdoors, family-friendly, and ADA accessible. This Thursday, head to Jessie Square from 6pm to 7:30pm to dance to the enchanting music of Conjunto Karabali, co-led by veteran Santana conguero Karl Perazzo and ten-time Grammy nominee Mike Spiro.
Friday
Friday Nights at Oakland Museum of California with Off the Grid (0.1 miles from Lake Merritt Station): Every Friday, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) hosts a free community gathering from 5pm to 9pm with Off the Grid. A variety of musical guests will play from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Pick up dinner from an Off the Grid food truck and purchase a museum ticket for late-night access to OMCA’s galleries and exhibitions.
Saturday
Union Square’s Summer Music Series (0.2 miles Powell St Station): Take BART to Civic Center Station for Union Square Plaza’s free Summer Music Series, held each Saturday from July through mid-October, from 1pm to 4pm. The electro-pop band Soul Glitch is headlining, and DJ Forest Green will spin energetic EDM tracks. Look out for cornhole, JENGA, and other family-friendly activities, in addition to the live tunes.
Sunday
Stern Grove Festival (BART to Glen Park Station, transfer to Muni 23 Monterey bus): Thought it requires a transfer to Muni, the extra step will deliver you to one of the most beloved – and free! – music festivals in the Bay Area. On July 23 at 2pm, the San Francisco Symphony takes to the stage to play scores from the “Golden Age” of cinema before being joined onstage by Grammy-nominated funk band Lettuce.
Things to Do
Our friends at BARTable regularly write about experiences – great restaurants, museums, music venues, etc. – on bart.gov/bartable. We’ve compiled some of their recommendations below:
Rider Tip of the Week
With summer travel in full swing, one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) is taking BART. Reference this guide for everything you need to know to ensure a smooth trip to the airport.
Looking to park at OAK or SFO stations? On the official BART app you can purchase single/multi-day parking, which enables you to reserve multiple days of parking in advance and leave your vehicle overnight. Follow this guide for purchasing airport parking and learn more about parking at BART stations on bart.gov/parking.
Weekend Read
Looking for something to do to pass the time on a platform or train? Might we suggest this story about the Chapmans, a Bay Area family who use BART to access fun and activities. “When we ride BART, we know we’re going to have a good time, wherever we’re going,” said Kirsten Chapman.