Living the Aggie Life
Aggies agree that UC Davis has a warm, welcoming culture. We provide a great education for our students, but we also provide an amazing home! Our campus is alive with activity, our community is inclusive and fun, and our college and the surrounding town are laid back and friendly. And when you’re not focused on academics, we have a tradition of hosting unique and engaging campus events for students to participate in.
International students new to UC Davis and U.S. culture will learn to be Aggies through our many traditions. Read on for a sample of some of our unique and enjoyable events that you can be a part of.
Picnic Day
Picnic Day is one of UC Davis’ most revered traditions and brings together students, families, alumni, staff, faculty, and the greater Davis and regional communities. Since its inception in 1909, Picnic Day has become the crown-jewel event of the University of California system and the signature event of UC Davis. One of the largest student-run events in the nation, Picnic Day showcases the richness of diversity and achievement at UC Davis and the surrounding community in the areas of research, teaching, service and campus life. Emerging from humble beginnings as a tour of the University Farm’s new dairy barn, Picnic Day now draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and offers a wide variety of entertainment with hundreds of events planned, including animal events, hands-on exhibits, live music, food booths and the beloved Picnic Day parade.
Whole Earth Festival
The Whole Earth Festival began in 1969 as a small art class project (“Art Happening”) on the UC Davis Quad. The students used art to teach visitors about the realms of activism, wellness and environmental sustainability in an interactive and creative way. Following the United Nations' recognition of Earth Day in 1970, the event was renamed to the Whole Earth Festival and has since evolved into a free student-run event, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually. The festival is a family-friendly, zero-waste event featuring food booths, activities, crafts, live music and performances, art galleries and installations, a kids’ space and dancing.
Homecoming
The annual UC Davis Homecoming celebration offers a week of exciting events, cherished friendships and captivating activities. The campus community embraces the spirit of camaraderie and dress up in their finest Aggie gear. Homecoming offers networking and socializing opportunities, the Aggies homecoming football game complete with a visit from the Aggies Marching Band and cheerleaders, pep rallies, plant and bike sales and more.
Culture Days
Hosted by the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center, Culture Days take place throughout year, featuring exciting celebrations that showcase diverse cultures. Students can join the planning committees and actively contribute to the events. Each day is filled with food, crafts, performances, art and more. Culture Days include: Black Family Day, celebrating Black culture and empowerment; La Gran Tardeada, honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Chicanx/Latinx community; Lights Festival, a lively festival celebrating Asian and Pacific Island, Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian communities; and Powwow, an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate the traditions and cultures of Indigenous peoples.