The year 2018 marks the 104nd annual Picnic Day. The theme of the festivities is Where The Sun Shines. Parade marshals are Professor Emeritus Thomas Famula and Dr. Michelle Famula.

This family friendly event is free for all to come and experience the richness of diversity and achievement at UC Davis and the surrounding community in the areas of research, teaching, service and campus life. More than 200 events will take place throughout campus and will include exhibits, shows, competitions, demonstrations, entertainment, animal and athletic events, the Student Organization Fair, the Children’s Discovery Fair, the Parade and much more.

All events and parking are free! Picnic Day is one of UC Davis’ most revered traditions and serves as the university’s annual Open House for prospective and current students, families, alumni, staff, faculty, and the greater Davis and regional communities.

Picnic Day begins with the parade opening ceremony at 9:30am, and the parade begins at 10:00am.
Most events hosted by Picnic Day run from 10:00am to 3:00pm or 4:00pm. All events hosted by Picnic Day start after 9:00am and end before 5:00pm.
There are other independent events on Picnic Day that run into the evening, including Battle of the Bands and Davis Dance Revolution, which end around 10:00pm.

Popular Traditional Events:

The Battle of the Marching Bands
Doxie Derby Race
Chemistry Magic Show
Fashion Show
Parade
Cockroach Races
Entertainment Stages

About this year's theme Where the Sun Shines 🌞

The Picnic Day Board:

We feel that our theme showcases not only the sunny and bright environment of UC Davis but also the cheerful people and their warm expressions on Picnic Day. The Board of Directors is dedicated to planning this event to give our students and community a day to look forward to.

A day full of laughter, awe, and inspiration. A day where you can milk a cow, watch dogs race, and see the latest student-created fashion strut the runway. A day where we can celebrate the accomplishments of our UC Davis students, departments, and organizations. To demonstrate our discoveries with the community and entertain our inner child-like hearts.

A day where the sun shines. 🌞