Gunrock poses for a photo at a pep rally during homecoming

Aggie Life 101: Campus Traditions That Make UC Davis Unique

  • by Michelle Risser

At UC Davis, you’ll find more than just top-tier academics—you’ll find a welcoming, inclusive community that celebrates culture, creativity and connection. From campus-wide festivals to cultural celebrations and quirky traditions, these events are a fun and meaningful way to feel at home, especially for international students who are discovering a new environment. Here are just a few of the beloved traditions that make life as an Aggie so memorable.

Campus-Wide Celebrations

The Doxie Derby dogs compete in the annual contest during Picnic Day
The Doxie Derby dogs compete in the annual contest during Picnic Day. It's a fan favorite event. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

Picnic Day

Picnic Day is one of UC Davis’ most beloved and long-standing traditions. For over a century, this student-run open house has brought together students, families, alumni, staff, faculty and the wider community. Held every April, it’s one of the largest student-run events in the nation—featuring hands-on exhibits, live music, food booths, animals and the famous Picnic Day parade through downtown Davis. What began as a tour of the University Farm’s new dairy barn has grown to welcome tens of thousands of visitors annually to celebrate everything UC Davis represents: innovation, research, service and community.

This was my first time participating in Picnic Day. I heard from my host family that it is one of the biggest events in Davis. I’m sure it will be one of my best experiences during my stay!” –Mao Kato, Ritsumeikan University

Participants in the Whole Earth Festival dance to the music on the quad
Participants in the Whole Earth Festival dance to music on the quad. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

Whole Earth Festival 

Each May during Mother’s Day weekend, the UC Davis Quad transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and sustainability for the Whole Earth Festival. Born out of a 1969 art class project, this student-run, zero-waste event brings together over 30,000 visitors for free, family-friendly fun, including food, crafts, music, dancing, yoga, art installations and geodesic domes inspired by futurist Buckminster Fuller. The festival celebrates environmental consciousness, wellness and community expression.

UC Davis football players run out onto the field during a homecoming game
The UC Davis football team runs out onto the field during a homecoming game. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

Homecoming 

UC Davis' annual homecoming celebration is a week of campus pride, fun and connection. Aggies head into October full of energy and excitement for homecoming activities and Aggie Spirit Week. Students, alumni and parents take part in plant and bike sales, food and drink festivals, campus tours and of course the homecoming pep rally and football game—complete with cheerleaders and the marching band. It’s an unforgettable time to make new friends and celebrate all things Aggie.

Stress Relief and Unusual Traditions

A therapy dog greets students outside the Shields library during finals week
Therapy Fluffy Maddox greets students during finals. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

Fluffy Therapy

Destress during finals week with therapy dogs—UC Davis’ unique approach to helping students relax and recharge. Every year during finals week, UC Davis Student Health brings adorable puppies and foster dogs to the Memorial Union for students to pet and cuddle. Destress during finals week with therapy dogs—UC Davis’ unique approach to helping students relax and recharge. Every year during finals week, UC Davis Student Health brings adorable puppies and foster dogs to the Memorial Union for students to pet and cuddle. 

UC Davis international students pose in front of Eye on Mrak Egghead
International students pose in front of Eye on Mrak Egghead. 

Kiss the Egghead

One of UC Davis’ quirkiest traditions involves the campus’ iconic Eggheads. Created by the late professor and artist Robert Arneson in the early 1990s, these six sculptures are a must-see for students. According to tradition, kissing the Bookhead Egghead near Shields Library before finals may bring good luck on your exams. Visiting all six Eggheads is a rite of passage for Aggies—so be sure to check them out while you’re touring campus.

Cultural Celebrations

A little girl plays with paint during the Black Family Day celebration at UC Davis
For over 50 years, Black Family Day has been a free annual event in which students and families gather at the Quad. (Martin H. Wong/UC Davis)

Culture Days

Throughout the year, the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center features Culture Days—exciting celebrations showcasing the diversity of the campus community. These vibrant events include food, crafts, performances, art and more. Students are encouraged to join planning committees and share their voices. Signature events 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 showcasing Asian and Pacific Island, Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian communities 
  • Powwow—A celebration of Indigenous peoples and traditions 

Start Your Aggie Story 

Aggie life is full of ways to connect, participate and make lasting memories. As an international student, these experiences are a great way to help you feel at home, make new friends and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of UC Davis. Learn more about what it means to be an Aggie and check out more Aggie traditions.

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Student Life

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The Davis Difference