Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, please contact UC Davis Parent Programs at parentprograms@ucdavis.edu.
- Who should attend Parent & Family Weekend and why?
Historically, parents of freshmen are our biggest group of attendees. However, we would encourage all family members to consider joining the fun. By visiting campus annually (or more), having a personal recognition of the buildings where your student takes classes and the places that they eat and hang out, meeting their friends, spending time in the community—really feeling what it is like to be a UC Davis student – helps you to have the tools to understand and talk with your student about their experience. The weekend is a great way to meet the families of your student’s friends and to make new friends yourself. And if you still need convincing, you should attend because it’s a whole lot of fun!
Another fun time to visit UC Davis is for Picnic Day, the world’s largest student-run event! This year, Picnic Day will take place on April 18, 2026.
- Why does Parent & Family Weekend start on Saturday?
- This year, Friday is Halloween, and we recognize that many of our students’ families have younger siblings at home and family traditions around Halloween. In addition, there are many student-focused activities that evening. Therefore, we are starting Parent & Family Weekend on Saturday. You are still welcome to come to Davis on Friday, and there are some events and activities listed that you can participate in should you wish to come on Friday.
- How should we dress for Parent & Family Weekend?
- Parent & Family Weekend is a casual event. We recommend wearing blue & gold if you have it. The first weekend in November can be rainy or warm, so plan on bringing layers.
Registration Questions
- Is there a cost to attend Parent & Family Weekend?
- Yes, there is a per-person fee to attend. The prices are $30/pp for APFA members and $40/pp for non-members. UC Davis students and other family members over 12 are $15. Children under 12 are free. Your fees include a giveaway item, access to discounts and events, breakfast and a tour of the UC Davis Coffee Center.
- Does my UC Davis student need a ticket for Parent & Family Weekend?
Yes. Each participant must be registered, including UC Davis students (and their non-UCD siblings).
Students can use their own ticket to the football game, if they have student tickets. However, they will not be able to sit with you if you do not purchase them a ticket.
- Why do you charge a registration fee?
- We work very hard to keep the costs down as much as possible. The registration fee pays for the costs of renting venues for events, catering, parking, exclusive commemorative merchandise (t-shirt, water bottle, hat, etc), printing, web design, and more.
- Does my student need to register?
- Yes! Students are not automatically included in your registration, so please add them as a guest when you register.
- How will I see what I registered for?
- You should have received a confirmation email from parentprograms@ucdavis.edu when you registered. That email includes a confirmation number and a link to modify your registration. Click on the modify registration link and enter your email and confirmation number when prompted. You'll be able to review and update your registration.
- What if I need to change or cancel my registration?
- No problem. Once you register, you'll get a confirmation email from parentprograms@ucdavis.edu. If you need to modify or cancel your registration for any reason, you'll find links in that confirmation email that will allow you to do so. However, Parent & Family Weekend registration is non-refundable. Tickets for Athletic events or events at the Mondavi Center are also non-refundable.
- Can I register on-site if I missed online registration?
- Yes, we will have same-day registration available on Saturday, November 1st, from 9 - 11 a.m. only. Same-day registration will be available using the same link, only during check-in hours. If your family registered online that day, please let the check-in staff know so they are not looking for your check-in information.
- How do I purchase tickets to the Parent & Family Weekend football game?
- Tickets to the football game must be purchased separately. Use this link to purchase tickets in the Parent and Family section. If you would like to sit with your student during the game, you will need to purchase a ticket for them (free tickets for students are only for seats in the student section).
- Are clear bags required at the football game?
- UC Davis does not have a clear bag policy; however, UC Davis football game day security involves thorough bag searches at entry points and enforcement of a stadium code of conduct to ensure a safe environment. Prohibited items, such as alcohol and amplified noisemakers, are not allowed, and all bags are subject to inspection. Guests must adhere to the code of conduct, and those exhibiting unacceptable behavior may be removed from the stadium.
Getting Here Questions
- Do you have hotel recommendations?
- Provide links to local or sponsor hotels
- Parking Info
- Parking on campus is free on Saturdays with some exceptions. After 4:30 pm, the Gateway Structure, lot 1 or lot 2 requires a permit for the show at the Mondavi Center. On Saturday, due to the football game, you will need a permit for the Pavilion Structure, Lot 41, 30, 57 or Health Sciences Drive. If you purchase a permit at any time on Saturday, you can use the same permit to park in any of the event areas.
Parking permits can be purchased via AMP Park, from a mobile device by downloading the "Aggie Park" AMP app , or online. Registered students who are not living in campus housing have access to reduced affiliate rates through the app if they sign up with their UC Davis email address, and non-affiliates can use the app to purchase a daily permit at visitor rates or short-term parking in Limited Time Zone spaces. We recommend downloading the free AMP Park app on your iPhone or Android prior to your arrival for the easiest parking experience. You can also visit Transportation Services’ website for information regarding rates and all available permit options, parking with a disabled placard or license plate, campus resident parking guidelines, event parking and more. - Where do I check in for Parent & Family Weekend?
- Saturday check-in hours: 9 - 11 a.m. at the Walter A. Buehler Alumni Center
After 11 a.m., you can check in at the Tailgate on Hutchison Field until 1 p.m.
You only need to check in once and one person in your party can check in for everyone. - When should we plan to arrive and depart?
- Plan to check in anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Alumni Center. Families are encouraged to arrive Saturday morning so that they may more fully enjoy the activities we have scheduled. We also encourage families to stay for the Sunday morning activities so there’s time to get a feel for the campus.
- We will be arriving late on Saturday, can I still check in?
- Yes, you can still check in at the tailgate on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Can I bring my pet?
- As per PPM 290-90, Animal Control on Campus, Dogs, except for police dogs and service animals, are not permitted in posted campus buildings and must be on a leash in all areas of campus, except during approved sponsored events or training classes. More information about service animals can be found here. For students and visitors, only Service Animals are permitted in areas where dogs are not otherwise allowed.
Attending Events and Sessions
- Do I have to be registered for a session to attend?
We ask guests to register for sessions they would like to attend to help our team plan accordingly. You can even update your registration if you change your mind later on.
Some sessions have limited capacity and will “sell out”, so please only register for those events you plan to attend and let us know if you are unable to make it.