Parent's insider guide: all you need to know about Picnic Day 2026
The Journey Home: Destination Davis
UC Davis’s Picnic Day is one of the largest student-run events in the nation with more than 70,000 attendees each year and over 200 activities including a parade, battle of the bands, fashion show, student organization fair, and the Doxie Derby, the beloved wiener dog race. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event 8am to 5pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
This year's Picnic Day theme is The Journey Home: Destination Davis. Read on for everything you need to know about Picnic Day: history, can't miss events, a scavenger hunt for parents & families, a chance to participate in the parade, parking information, and food recommendations.
This article has been updated as of April 10, 2026. The information provided is subject to change, so you'll want to be sure to visit the Picnic Day website for more information as Picnic Day approaches.
Alumni and Affiliate Relations want you to join us for Picnic Day events! You can register and view events here!
History Behind Picnic Day:
Source: UC Davis photo archives
From the very first Picnic Day in 1909, it has become the crown-jewel event of the UC system and is greatly cherished by UC Davis. It is one of the largest student-run events in the country, and Picnic Day demonstrates the diversity and achievements of the UC Davis community in areas such as research, teaching, service, and campus life.
The Picnic Day tradition began in 1909 for people to view the University Farm's new dairy barn. More than 2,000 people attended and brought picnics to accompany the coffee, cream, and sugar the University Farm provided. The University Farm continued to sponsor and plan the event until 1912, when Picnic Day planning responsibilities were transferred to the student committee.
Picnic Day now offers a variety of entertainment for all ages and it is not an event you want to miss out on.
For more information on Picnic Day history, you can visit this website.
Entertainment Events You Won't Want to Miss:
The following events are some highlights being offered during Picnic Day. Be sure to visit the Picnic Day Website to learn updates on location and times, as well as view the other events they have planned this year.
Celebrate Picnic Day and be sure to check out the Family Fun Zone on Vanderhoef Quad by the UC Davis Welcome Center! Aggies of all ages are welcomed to stop by for games, face painting, art station, photo booth and more!
Source: UC Davis photo archives
Calling all Aggies, whether you're alumni, parents, friends, and/or families! Join the Cal Aggie Alumni Association and Give Day in the Picnic Day Parade!
Start your Picnic Day by joining fellow Aggies for pastries and coffee before walking in the Picnic Day Parade! Arrive early and help decorate the Alumni & Affiliate Relations Tram, then show your Aggie Pride by walking in the parade with signs and fun giveaway items!
Friends, family and the community are welcome and encouraged to participate.
All participants will receive a free Give Day t-shirt. Register by March 1st to be guaranteed your preferred shirt size.
Things to note about the parade:
- All individuals participating in the parade must submit a waiver (will be sent to you following registration once available).
- The meeting location will be shared with registrants once available.
- We will start decorating the tram at 8:30am and be ready to line up by 9:15 a.m. for opening ceremonies which start at 9:30 a.m. Space is available to ride on the tram for those with mobility issues. Others may also ride, but most prefer to walk and hand out goodies.
- Please remember, the parade route is up to three miles of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
View the map for the CAAA parade route on Picnic Day.
Source: Guide: UC Davis Picnic Day 2019
The Doxie Derby is one of Picnic Day’s most popular events. At this event, thousands of spectators watch as adorable Dachshund’s race one another to the finish line. This event is hosted by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in order to help them raise funds for their licensing exams at the end of their training. Because this event is so popular, you’ll want to be sure to arrive early so that you can see it in person. If you can’t make it, no worries, because the event will be live streamed so no one misses out on the fun, learn more here!
Tickets are required for this event.
There are many events throughout the day that offer amazing experiences to interact with animals. In the past these events have been a staple of picnic day:
- Petting Zoo - Cole Facility 10am-2:30pm
- Laboratory Animal Science - Cole Facility 10am-4pm
- Orphan Kitten Project - Giedt Hall room 1001 - 10am-3:30pm
- Chick Handling - Meyer Hall 10am-2:30pm
Source: Guide: UC Davis Picnic Day 2019
Davis Dance Revolution (DDR) is an annual dance competition that features traditional and modern student dance groups at UC DAVIS. Each year these talented groups compete for prizes in the biggest dance event on campus.
The Center for Student Involvement invites you to join us as this signature dance competition returns once again on Picnic Day (April 18, 2026) in the Mondavi Center on campus.
More information: tickets and details
AlChE Alumni Liquid Nitrogen Sorbet:
Source: Guide: UC Davis Picnic Day 2019
The UC Davis Student Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering hosts an event where you can make liquid nitrogen ice cream. Watch current UCD Chemical Engineering Students prepare sorbet with liquid nitrogen for alumni!
Lawn Outside of Bainer Hall - 10am - 2pm
Coffee: See, Smell, Touch, and Taste:
Source: UC Davis photo shelter
Taste different types of coffee at the brand new UC Davis Coffee Center, the nation’s first academic center devoted to coffee science! Learn about green coffee beans, see and smell how they are roasted, and sample a free espresso, americano, or affogato. Decaf coffee available too!
UC Davis Coffee Center (665 Putah Creek Lodge Dr.) - 8:00am - 2:00pm
Source: UC Davis photo archives
Come get your hands sticky and create your own slime! Whether you're a slime enthusiast or a first-timer, this interactive activity is perfect for all ages. Bring your friends and family to join us to see the reaction happen!
Bainer Hall Lawn - 10am-2pm
The Children’s Discovery Fair offers a variety of fun crafts and activities for children and families to enjoy.
Designed for families with children aged 2 to 12 years old. Parent or guardian supervision is required at all times.
Please note, the Children's Discovery Fair has been moved to the Dairy Outdoor Recreation Complex (135 Dairy Rd, Davis, CA 95616) this year.
Picnic Day is also Give Day. Join us for our tenth annual UC Davis Give Day April 17-18. UC Davis Give Day is a 29-hour online and in-person fundraising drive to support initiatives at UC Davis Health, our veterinary hospitals and the UC Davis campus.
Food Recommendations:
There are a number of eateries available for UC Davis guests, both on campus and in Downtown. There are many popular restaurants in Downtown Davis, including Burgers and Brew, Sudwerk, Paesanos, Woodstock’s Pizza, Crepeville, Davis Creamery, and Cafe Bernardo.
- Silo (Market, Spokes Grill, The Gunrock, Crepe Bistro)- Open 9am - 3:30pm
- Sage Street Market - Open 12-8pm
- Food Truck Locations - Memorial Union Quad, Hoagland, Silo, California Hall, Cole Facility, Hutchison, Mondavi
- All food trucks will have vegetarian options
- For more information on vendors check out the picnic day website.
On campus coffee locations:
- Peet’s ARC - Open 9am - 9pm
- Peet’s Silo - Open 8am - 3:30pm
- California Hall Coffee Kiosk - Open 8am - 3:30pm
Residential Dining Commons:
- Segundo DC - Open 9am-2pm; 5pm-8pm
- Segundo Market - open 9am-8pm
- Tercero DC - Open 9am-2pm; 5pm-8pm
- Tercero Market - open 9am-8pm
- Cuarto DC - Open 9am-2pm; 5pm-8pm
- Cuarto Market - Open 12-8pm
Parking and Shuttles:
Parking is free on campus all day except in restricted spaces. For vehicle emergency assistance between 8 AM and 5 PM, call TAPS at (530) 752 - 8277. Driving through campus will be very difficult because of how busy it is, and some of the lots are larger and more accessible than others. The parking lots we recommend are the Quad structure, Pavilion, and Gateway.
Please also visit unitrans.com for more information about the bus schedule. On Picnic Day, Unitrans will operate expanded weekend service with some route changes. All regular fares apply, and all Unitrans passes are accepted.
Be sure to refer back to the Picnic Day website for the most up to date information as Picnic Day approaches.
What to Bring and Weather:
The average temperature in Davis around Picnic Day is in the high 70’s. Here is a list of what we recommend to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight clothing
- Walking shoes
- Device to take pictures
- Cash and debit or credit card
Important Information:
Headquarters:
The Picnic Day Headquarters is located in the Memorial Union on the 3rd Floor in room 349. If you have any questions or concerns, you can visit their office. You can also contact them at (530) 752-6320.
Restrooms:
Picnic Day restroom locations can be viewed on this map.
What is the Picnic Day Parade Marshal?
The Parade Marshal represents Picnic Day and is selected based on their activity and participation within the community, their positive impact on others, and their embodiment of the theme.
This year's Parade Marshal is Paul Cody. He is a senior research associate in Student Affairs and formerly a longtime staff advisor for Picnic Day. The Picnic Day board’s news release cited Cody’s “28 years of dedicated service to UC Davis, his commitment to the student experience and his reputation for positively impacting the campus community.”
How is Picnic Day Planned?
The Picnic Day Board of Directors is composed of 15 student directors who are each responsible for a specific aspect of Picnic Day. This year's Board of Directors includes:
- Chair - Trinh NguyenDiem Vo
- Vice Chair - Saanika Gupta
- Animal Events - Taj Cheema
- Business - Yuvika Kejriwal
- Children’s Discovery Fair - Lois Ma
- Entertainment - Divyatmika Mohanty
- Exhibits - Andrew Chik
- Graphics - Sophia Kang
- Operations Director - Iteoluwa Aladesanmi
- Parade - Amany Elkheidi
- Publicity - Pranaya Rao Ganta
- Special Events Director - Sriya Joshi
- Student Organization Fair - Terra Skaar
- Transportation Director - Arya Trivedi
- Technical Director - Sruti Elangovan
- Volunteer Director - Eda Tao
To learn about the board of directors and their responsibilities visit this website.
Fun Picnic Day Trivia Facts:
Are you the ultimate Picnic Day fan? Take our trivia quiz and find out!
Scroll down for spoilers.
1. Through the years of Picnic Day history, how many times has the event been canceled?
2. In what year did the event first get the name "Picnic Day"?
3. What year was the first Picnic Day?
4. Since 1959, the parade was extended to include downtown Davis. What happened in 1959 to spur this change?
5. What was the reason for the very first Picnic Day?
6. During the first Picnic Day, Molly the cow walked from Davis (then Davisville) to Berkeley. How long did it take her to walk there?
7. In 1912, what organization took over the task of planning and sponsoring Picnic Day?
8. How many people attended the first Picnic Day?
9. What is the theme of this years Picnic Day?
10. Who is our 2026 Picnic Day Marshal?
- Answers
- 1. Picnic Day has been canceled 5 times
2. "Picnic Day" got its name in 1916
3. The first Picnic Day took place in 1909
4. Davis became a separate UC Campus and not just the Farm School for UC Berkeley
5. To tour the University Farm's new dairy barn
6. Molly walked for 97 hours
7. The Student Committee took over Picnic Day planning
8. 2,200 people attended the first Picnic Day
9. The Journey Home: Destination Davis is the theme this year
10. Paul Cody is our 2026 Picnic Day Marshal