By Edward Bennett for The Dirt
Picnic Day stumbled into UC Davis tradition in 1909, but the Associated Students of UCD have grown the event into so much more than merely an ‘“open house”.
Previously shuttered by the pandemic, City and University leaders have emerged with redoubled vigor for agriculture, bicycles, cows, and shared culture.
This year marks the third Picnic Day back, and Aggies are showing up with more than 200 activities for crowds of more than 70,000 people. That’s nearly Davis’ entire population in one place, at one time. Picnic Day can be overwhelming.
You may encounter young families with little ones, tweens hurling stink bombs, UCD students learning courtship, or day drinkers experimenting with roller-skates. You’ll find throngs of neighbors crowding & squishing between events. And there are so many events.
We hope this guide helps your family make the most of this Davis tradition. Take advantage of good weather if we have it and keep an eye on the Picnic Day website for last-minute scheduling changes.
- Picnic Day Parade
Grandstands on North Quad Ave., 10a–12p.
If you’ve never been, you must attend—especially if you have children. Get to the Quad by Shields Library early for some of the best central-location seats. - Cockroach Race
Outside Briggs Hall, 11a–3p.
Cheer for bugs you rarely (ever?) cheer for! An outdoor event sure to stir mixed emotions & stomachs. Pro tip: Take selfies with the champions.
- Fashion & Design Society Show
Cruess Hall Annex & Courtyard, 11a–2:30p.
Davis culture is increasingly influenced by UC Davis creatives. This show highlights student collections and designs on a modern indoor runway.
- Picnic with Raptors
Hutchison Field, 10a–2pm.
Learn more about raptors from the California Raptor Center and the unreleasable birds they have available to show off the agility and beauty of these apex predators.
- Plant Pathology & Strawberry Plant Giveaway
Plant & Environmental Sciences Building Courtyard, 10a–3p.
UC Davis is responsible for the volume and quality of most strawberries we consume. Learn more from these clever folks and walk away with a free strawberry plant.
- Liquid Nitrogen Sorbet
South Bainer Hall, South Lawn, 10a–2p.
Chemical Engineering & Materials Sciences make generous use of their liquid-nitrogen supply to dish out exquisite sorbet.
- The Sound Lab Experience
Music Building 101, 12p–2p.
The sound lab is a cavalcade of interactive experiences using eclectic physical models and simulations to visualize sound & theory for beginners and expert musicians alike.
- Battle of the Marching Bands
Mrak Hall Lawn, 2p–10p.
When the wind’s just right, you can hear the Aggie Band pounding their hearts out in practice. Here’s the chance to watch them sound off against the other bands. We all know the outcome, but it’s thrilling to witness nonetheless.
- Cow & Goat Hand-Milking
Cole Facility, 10a–3p.
Try your hand at milking at least once. Davis is a global agricultural landmark, and milking cows and goats with strangers really brings the point home in a bucket, where you might marvel at pasteurization. Bonus: you’ll be near the fistulated cows, which have holes cut into their stomach so scientists (and you!) can watch their digestive systems working live.
- Doxie Derby
The ARC, 12p–2p.
The Doxie Derby is a blur of furry cylinders sprinting across an indoor court after a rabbit, while Jumbotrons feature instant-replays and crowd-cams.
CLICK HERE for The Dirt‘s Picnic Day Calendar, featuring many local off-campus celebrations.
