UC Davis Picnic Day 2026 will be held on Saturday, April 18, featuring over 200 activities, a parade, and enhanced safety measures across campus and the city.

Event Overview

The 112th UC Davis Picnic Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the parade opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and the parade starting at 10:15 a.m. This annual open house welcomes students, families, alumni, staff, and the broader community to explore the campus and enjoy a wide range of activities. Attendance is free, though some popular events like the Chemistry Magic Show, Doxie Derby, Fashion Show, and Davis Dance Revolution require free tickets to manage crowds.

Theme and Parade

The 2026 theme is “The Journey Home: Destination Davis”, celebrating the paths that bring people to Davis and fostering a sense of belonging and pride. The parade marshal will be Paul Cody, Ed.D., a longtime staff advisor for Picnic Day. The parade features marching bands, student organizations, 4-H clubs, and local groups, with opportunities for community members to participate, including walking with International House Davis and UC Davis Global Affairs.

Activities and Attractions

Picnic Day offers over 200 events, including:

• Parade and marching bands
• Battle of the Bands
• Doxie Derby (wiener dog races)
• Children’s Discovery Fair
• Student organization fairs
• Science and engineering exhibits (e.g., DNA extraction from strawberries, laser maze)
• Arts, crafts, and live performances
• Food trucks and local dining options, including the Odd Fellows Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in downtown Davis.
• Visitors can also enjoy the UC Davis Arboretum, which spans 100 acres of gardens and landscapes open for strolling.