Countdown to Picnic Day 2023
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UC Davis Picnic Day to Return for 2023
In information found on the UC Davis Picnic Day website, the UC Davis Picnic Day returns to the UC Davis campus on April 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What exactly is Picnic Day at UC Davis?
Picnic Day is an “open house” for the University of California, Davis campus. The first Picnic day was in 1909 when the University Farm invited the community to see their new dairy barn. Thousands of visitors arrived brining their own picnic lunches to enjoy while touring the new facility.
Since then, the event has grown into a major event that showcases the diversity and achievements of the UC Davis campus. UC Davis Picnic Day attracts an estimated 70,000 people to see over 200 events, including the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade.
See more on the history of UCD’s Picnic Day.
2022 Picnic Day and COVID
The 2022 UC Davis Picnic Day was a huge success even though we were emerging from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. With in-person events for the previous two years having been cancelled, the 2022 Picnic Day celebration was a breath of fresh air. A wonderful in-person event.
Picnic Day 2020 photo gallery: Shadows of Picnic Day
Check Back Often
Details are still forthcoming for the 109th UC Davis Picnic Day celebration. Will keep you posted about all parade-day information as it surfaces.
What is the theme for the 2023 UCD Picnic Day?
The theme for the 2023 UCD Picnic Day is “Ignite Our Moment.”
According to the Daily Democrat, the theme was chosen by the 12-student Picnic Day Board of Directors. It “exemplifies Davis and what we stand for,” according to Jesse Goodman, Chair of the Board.
Past Themes
With each new Picnic Day comes a new theme. If you are interested in reviewing the themes of yesteryear, have a look at: https://picnicday.ucdavis.edu/theme.
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Picnic Day Schedule of Events
On the Official UC Davis Picnic Day website, you will be able to see what is in store for visitors to the UC Davis campus. A full line-up of in-person events are to be scheduled for the 2023 UC Davis Picnic Day.
The traditional favorites should definitely back!
- Parade
- Battle of the Bands
- Doxie Races
- Chemistry Magic Show
- Fashion Show
- Food on the Quad
- Live Entertainment
Picnic Day Schedule of Events
There is a lot happening on the UC Davis campus on Picnic Day. What you need is a schedule of event to help plan your visit. This is something that you really need. You can download the complete Schedule of Events in PDF format or you can see what is happening around campus using the category links. The most important thing is to have fun!
Odd Fellows Pancake Breakfast
Looking for a great breakfast before joining in on the UC Davis Picnic Day fun?
Well, head on over to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Davis Lodge #169 and treat yourself to a wonderful Picnic Day Pancake Breakfast.
This Davis family tradition dates back over 70 years. The Odd Fellows have been serving-up fresh pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and fresh fruit on the morning of Picnic Day.
Not only is the breakfast delicious, it is ONLY $5!
So, head over to the Odd Fellows Lodge Hall and enjoy a uniquely Davis tradition.
The Odd Fellows Lodge Hall is located at 415 Second Street in downtown Davis, CA.
Get all the details at: https://www.davislodge.org/odd-fellows-events/picnic-day-pancake-breakfast/
Photography from previous Picnic Days
Parade Map
The UC Davis Picnic Day Parade is the biggest highlight of the day. The parade starts on campus, travels around the UC Davis Quad, and then winds its way through Downtown Davis. There are plenty of spots from which to watch the parade.
Here is a map of the Picnic Day Parade Route for 2022 (based upon the 2022 printed map) along with some choice locations to watch the parade and to grab a bite to eat. The parade route has not changed in years, so this should be good to go for 2023
If you would like to see the original map from the 2022 Picnic Day event guide, you can download the PDF.
For the best views and some professional announcing, check out these locations along the parade route:
- Grandstands on North Quad Ave. across from Wickson Hall
- 2nd and D St. in front of Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate Inc.
- F St. in front of PDQ Fingerprinting
- 3rd and D St. near the Newsbeat
Davis Downtown Road Closures
As with any parade, there will be some road closures during the event. The parade route enters downtown Davis on First St, winds it’s way across town on Second St, turns North onto F Street, and then heads back to campus on Third St.
Expect the roads to be closed prior to the start of the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade and remain closed through the end of the parade. Vehicle traffic between First St and Fourth St from A St to G St will be impacted.
The best way to get around downtown Davis is by bicycle of by foot. Avoid the cars altogether when travelling to downtown Davis.
Celebrate Safely on Picnic Day Weekend
As with any event, they come with their fair share of problems. The City of Davis and UC Davis are no strangers when it comes to “over celebration” on Picnic Day.
When is the Picnic Day Safety Enhancement Zone in effect?
For 2023, the Safety Enhancement Zone will be in effect from 6:00 p.m. on Friday April 14 to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday April 16, 2023.
The City of Davis implements the Picnic Day Safety Enhancement Zone from 6:00 pm the evening prior to through 6:00 am the morning after of Picnic Day. So, from Friday evening to Sunday morning, think of safe ways to celebrate the rich history of UC Davis.
What happens in the Safety Enhancement Zone?
To help promote a safe celebration of Picnic Day, increased visibility of law enforcement and fines for violations shall be increased during the effective period of the Safety Enhancement Zone. Here are some examples of fines you may see.
- General noise $403
- Urinating in public $403
- Open containers of alcohol $321
- Smoking in public $485
- Minimum citations in City of Davis $239
According to the Davis, California Municipal Code 26.05.020, The enhanced fine shall be twice the amount of the fine applicable to a violation of the designated municipal code provision, up to a maximum of one thousand dollars. (Ord. 2375 § 1, 2011)
New for 2023
This year, a new part of Davis, Ca has been added to the Safety Enhancement Zone. The enhancements that cover the main zone will now be applied to Slide Hill Park in East Davis. The addition of Slide Hill Park was the result of a bit of “over indulgence” at the location. See the details at:
Slide Hill Park added to safety enhancement zones during Picnic Day weekend
More information on safely celebrating Picnic Day
A list of ideas on how to safely celebrate UC Davis Picnic Day along with a list of enhanced fines can be found at:
Enhancement Zone Map
Here is a map of the Safety Enhancement Zone from 2022. It is highly likely it will be very similar for 2023.
Note: This map is for illustrative purposes only and varies from the actual Enhancement Zone Map. You can find more information about the Safety Enhancement Zone and the original map at:
https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/city-manager-s-office/community-events/picnic-day
