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112th UC Davis Picnic Day Quick Links
UC Davis Picnic Day Returns in April 2026
UC Davis Picnic Day returns to the UC Davis campus on April 18, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to information found on the UC Davis Picnic Day website.
What exactly is Picnic Day at UC Davis?
The 112th UCD 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 regional event that showcases the diversity and achievements of the UC Davis campus. UC Davis Picnic Day is a one-day event that attracts 70,000+ students, staff, parents, alumni, and community members to see over 200 events, including the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade.
See more on the history of UCD's Picnic Day.
Check Back Often
Details are still forthcoming for the 112th UC Davis Picnic Day celebration. Will keep you posted about all parade-day information as it surfaces.
What is the theme for the 2026 UCD Picnic Day?
The theme for the 112th (2026) UCD Picnic Day is "The Journey Home: Destination Davis."
The theme is selected by the students who organise the event. The announcment was made on November 17, 2025.
Also announced by the Picnic Day board is that the parade marshal for the 112th UC Davis Picnic Day Parade will be the Student Affairs senior research associate, Paul Cody, Ed.D. Mr. Cody is a longtime staff advisor for Picnic Day.
Past Themes
With each new Picnic Day comes a new theme. And with the UC Davis Picnic Day starting in 1909, there have been quite a few themes over the years.
It is important to note that although UC Davis Picnic Day started in 1909, the first record of a UC Davis Picnic Day theme begins in 1923. There have also been a number of years where themes are not listed.
If you are interested in reviewing the themes of yesteryear, have a look at: https://picnicday.ucdavis.edu/theme.
Picnic Day Schedule of Events
On the Official UC Davis Picnic Day website, you will see what is in store for visitors to the UC Davis campus. A full line-up of events are to be scheduled for the 2026 UC Davis Picnic Day.
The traditional favorites should definitely be back! Plus much, much more.
- 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
You can view the PDF of the UC Davis Picnic Day Schedule right here...
There is a lot happening on the UC Davis campus for Picnic Day. What you need is a schedule of events to help plan your visit.
Still waiting for a full event schedule. But here is an online resource (from 2025) to find a specific event at UC Davis Picnic Day.
Picnic Day Tickets
Do you need tickets for Picnic Day? Well, the anser is both No and Yes. Tickets are not needed to attend Picnic Day at UC Davis. The celebration is a free student-run Open House that generously welcomes all to visit and enjoy the many shows, exhibitions, animal events, and live music and performances that make Picnic Day and the Davis, CA community the place to be in the month of April.
Some events do require tickets. Tickets are free to these events. The purpose of these tickets is to manage attendance to these wildly popular events. For some events, the lines stretch for days and there would be no guarantee that you would be able to see the show. Issuing tickets helps reduce the stress of attending the events and makes for a more enjoyable experience.
Picnic Day Shows with Tickets in 2026
Chemistry Magic Show
For quite a few years, the Chemistry Magic Show has required pre-ticketing. This show is extremely popular and has been impacted for many years. Attending the show has transformed from standing in line for the shows on the day of the event, to issuing tickets on the morning of Picnic Day, to online ticketing.
In 2025, tickets to the Chemistry Magic Show were available at:
https://chemistry.ucdavis.edu/chemistry-magic-show
Doxie Derby
The Doxie Derby is another fan favorite at the UC Davis Picnic Day. Long lines are common to enter the event. Plus, the ARC Pavillion is generally at maximum capacity to watch the races.
In 2025, tickets were available online. According the the UD Davis Picnic Day IG account, tickets will be released on the following schedule:
- April 1 - Students
- April 2 - Facutly and Staff
- April 3 - General Public
Will try to get the link for you. Otherwise visit their IG page for details.
Odd Fellows Pancake Breakfast - Picnic Day 2026
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.
Picnic Day Breakfast at the Odd Fellows Lodge runs from 8:00 am to 10:30 am.
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! That is right. Only $5 USD. Plus, kids 5 years-old and under eat for free.
So, gather up the family and head over to the Odd Fellows Lodge Hall in Downtown Davis and enjoy a truly unique Davis tradition.
The Odd Fellows Lodge Hall is located at 415 Second Street in downtown Davis, CA.
Food Trucks
Although you may have stopped by the Odd Fellows Lodge in Downtown Davis and scored their absolutely delicious pancake breakfast, it is likely that you will work-up an appetite while visiting the many events, displays, and shows of the UC Davis Picnic Day. UC Davis is a big campus and you will get your "steps" in for the day.
To help assuage those hunger pangs, check out the food trucks that have been strategically placed throughout the UC Davis campus. From Russell Field on the north to the Cole Facility on the south, there are plenty of food options to enjoy while experiencing the UC Davis Picnic Day.
Here is a map showing the locations of the food trucks, what food trucks are at that location, and the type of food they are offering.
Photography from previous Picnic Days
Enjoy this photo gallery of Picnic Day images from over the years. There are so many fun and interesting things to on and around the UC Davis campus.
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 were unable to participate and enjoy this this much loved community event. Fortunately, in 2022, we emerged from emerge from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate the UC Davis Picnic Day in-person.
In 2020, I visited the UC Davis campus for Picnic Day and captured images of the deserted campus. I combined the images from 2020 with images from prior Picnic Days. The photography is amazing.
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 2025 (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 2026.
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.
Due to the gun violence issues at Community Park in 2025, The City of Davis will be implementing a full prohibition on special event permits for the 2026 Picnic Day. This means that no special permits will be issued for April 18, 2026 in an effort to reduce congestions, improve emergency response times, and minimize risk to the community.
The City of Davis is currently notifying organizations of the new restrictions.
Changes for UC Davis Picnic Day 2026 includes:
- Increased law enforcement staffing
- Increased enforcement of laws
- Alcohol service regulations at local establishments
- Use of drones for enhanced enforcement
- Activation of an Emergency Operations Center
- Expanded Davis Fire Department operations
- Collaboration between UC Davis police and City of Davis police
Here is where you can read the entire news article in the Davis Enterprise.
Will there be a Picnic Day Safety Enhancement Zone in effect? (2025 Info)
For 2025, the Safety Enhancement Zone will be in effect from 6:00 p.m. on Friday April 11 to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday April 13, 2025.
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. (Note: these are only examples. The actual fines are yet to be determined by the City of Davis)
- 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 2026
For 2026, a new section of Davis is being included as part of the Safety Enhancement Zone (SEZ). The new area, in South Davis, is Walnut Park. This park is located 2700 Lillard Dr (on the south side of the street) between Cowell Blvd and Danbury St. The park is also adjacent to Korematsu Elementary School. All enhancement zone provisions now apply to Walnut Park for the duration of Picnic Day.
In 2024, the public park in East Davis was added to the Safety Enhancement Zone. The enhancements that covered the main zone were 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:
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 for 2025. You can easily see what parts of Davis, CA are addressed by the ordinance.
Note: This map is for illustrative purposes only and may vary from the actual Safety 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
Or view the Davis City Council agenda item at;
