Hashtag for the Day

Make sure to use #PicnicDay100 when posting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This year, Picnic Day will be turning 100! 

The jam-packed day of events may seem overwhelming, but the 100th Picnic Day Board of Directors is here to help. Here are some events that we recommend you check out.

Make sure to also pick up a Schedule of Events when you arrive on campus, and visit all of the exhibits and events that spark your interest. The schedule can be found on the Picnic Day website or picked up at various locations across campus during Picnic Day.

How to enjoy the parade

The Best of the Parade - Grace Scott

Video by Summer Kang/UC Davis
(39 sec)

What is it?

The parade starts on the UC Davis campus and proceeds through a downtown Davis route. This year the parade has more than 50 entries to watch and hear. This year's parade marshals are Sandy Holman and Hal and Carol Sconyers.

When and where is it?

One of the key events that kicks off the day, the opening ceremonies are located at the grandstands on North Quad Avenue across from Wickson Hall. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m., and the route runs through the campus into downtown Davis. You can learn about parade entries from four announcement stages located throughout the parade route. The entire parade route can be found in the Schedule of Events. 

Exhibit recommendations

Exhibits - Jacquelyn Kong

Video by Summer Kang/UC Davis
(1 min 2 sec)

What is it?

Most of our academic departments are open to the public during Picnic Day to showcase their research, and they host many interactive exhibits worth checking out. The very popular exhibitions include cockroach painting, a liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration and an optical illusions exhibit. Even though there are so many departmental exhibits, we recommend youtry to visit them all! 

When and where?

All of the departmental exhibits, locations, and times can be found on the Schedule of Events. 

Check out the Quad

"Food, music, friends and laughter — this was everything I saw and experienced on the Quad at Picnic Day. The day was a perfect 80 degrees and my friends had come to Davis to visit for the day. I distinctly remember children playing with a Frisbee™, while my friends were awed at the live music, great food and overall atmosphere! This day was definitely one of the most memorable moments of my freshman year in college!”

— Dustan Li, publicity director

What is it?

The Quad is the central hub of campus. During Picnic Day, student groups sell food, fundraise for their clubs and give out information about how to be more involved. You’ll see the stage where live music and performers entertain throughout the day. “Picnic on the Quad” is also an option this year, so bring food and picnic with family and friends! 

When and where is it?

The Quad is located next to the Memorial Union and Coffee House. Bands will perform on the stage from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Student Organization Fair, which offers information, fundraising and food booths, begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

Animal events

“I remember helping set-up at Hutchison Field in the morning, and it was so exciting to see all the animal organizations arrive with their array of different dog breeds. Throughout the day, I loved seeing all the visitors interact with the great Pyrenees. The friendly competition and enthusiasm at the Doxie Derby was quite a sight and something everyone should experience at least once in their life!”

— Andrea Ramos, animal events director 

What is it?

Have you ever wanted to kiss a pit bull or see fly dogs in action? Both of these are some of the animal events that will take place during Picnic Day. Other events include the wildly popular Doxie Derby, a petting zoo, cow and goat milking and much more!

When and where?

The Doxie Derby takes place at the ARC Pavilion from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. The majority of the other animal events take place at the Cole Facility and Hutchison Field. All specific events and times can be found in the Schedule of Events.

Don't miss these events!

Here is a list of five events you may not know about but should visit.

1. Plant giveaways

• Grapevine giveaway | 10 a,m,-noon | Robert Mondavi Institute South
• Plant Pathology plant giveaway |10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hutchison Hall

2. Guess the weight of a pig and win a ham! | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Cole Facility

3. Painted horse | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cole Facility

4. Picnic Day: A Century of Celebration history exhibition | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Shields Library

5. Buy a limited-edition Picnic Day centennial T-shirt | all day | Memorial Union UC Davis Store, ARC Pro Shop, downtown UC Davis Store.