UC Davis Picnic Day [April 2024]

by Stewart Savage | Apr 4, 2023 | Community

stewart-savage-photography-uc-davis-picnic-day–20

Countdown to Picnic Day 2024

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

UC Davis Picnic Day to Return for 2024

In information found on the UC Davis Picnic Day website, the UC Davis Picnic Day returns to the UC Davis campus on April 20, 2024 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.

Picnic Day and COVID

In 2020 and 2021, the UC Davis Picnic Day was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was disappointing that we wear all unable to participate and enjoy this this much loved community event. Fortunatly, in 2022, we were able to emerger from emerge from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate the UC Davis Picnic Day in-person. A breath of fresh air.

Picnic Day 2020 photo gallery: Shadows of Picnic Day

Check Back Often

Details are still forthcoming for the 110th UC Davis Picnic Day celebration. Will keep you posted about all parade-day information as it surfaces.

What is the theme for the 2024 UCD Picnic Day?

The theme for the 2024 UCD Picnic Day is “Picnic Palooza.”

According to the Davis Enterprise, the theme was chosen by the 15-student Picnic Day Board of Directors. It “What better way to celebrate the 110th Picnic Day than with a palooza?” said Picnic Day Vice Chair, Mina Sarmah.

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.

Custom Product Portrait Photography

Enhance your website or personal portfolio with custom photography from Stewart Savage Photography

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 events are to be scheduled for the 2024 UC Davis Picnic Day.

The traditional favorites should definitely back!

Picnic Day Parade
Battle of the Bands
Frisbee-dog throwing contest (Hutchinson Field)
Doxie Races
Chemistry Magic Show
Laser Maze
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.

Check back for the full 2024 UC Davis Picnic Day schedule.

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 (2023 Pricing)!

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

UC Davis 2020 Picnic Day (COVID)

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 for the Picnic Day Parade Route for 2024 (based upon previous parade routes) 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 2024.

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.

To help alleviate some of the issue that have ocurred in the past, The City of Davis implements the Picnic Day Safety Enhancement Zone for specific locations and for a specific duration.

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.