Whole Earth Festival – UC Davis, CA

What is the Whole Earth Festival?

The 2026 Whole Earth Festival (WEF) is a three-day festival designed to teach visitors to the UC Davis campus the importance of activism, wellness, and enviornmental sustainability. 

This year marks the 57th Annual Whole Earth Festival.

The history of WEF is varied. But, everyone is in agreement that the event started in 1969 on the UC Davis Quad. From its humble origins, WEF has evolved into  a free student-run event that attracts over 30,000 visitors to the UC Davis campus for this Mother's Day Weekend festival.

The Whole Earth Festival is a family-friendly, zero-waste event. Visitors are encouraged to celebrate the beauty and health of our Mother Earth while disposing of waste into appropriate bins. Do the best you can so it is easier for volunteers to divert recyclables and compostable items to the best locations.

WEF thanks you for keeping the event drug-free. This means no alcohol, tobacco (smoke or vape) stimulants, weed, hallucinogens, depressants, narcotics, inhalants and any other controlled or mind-altering substances.

When is the Whole Earth Festival?

The Whole Earth Festival takes place every May on Mother's Day. This year, WEF will be on May 8-10, 2026.

Hours are:

• Friday: 12:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Whole Earth Festival Location

The location for WEF is the UC Davis Quad to the south of the Memorial Union.

The UC Davis Quad has been the home of the Whole Earth Festival since its inception in 1969 with the exception of 2024. In 2024 WEF was move to Russel Field due to protests which were taking place in the Quad.

This year, WEF returns home to the UC Davis Quad.

History of the Whole Earth Festival at UC Davis

The Whole Earth Festival started as a class project in 1969. Originally an "art class project ("Art Happening") desinged to teach visitors about the realms of activism, wellness, and enfironmental sustainability in an interactive way"

According to the UC Davis website, the event was renamed the Whole Earth Festival following the United Nations' recognition of Earth Day in 1970.

There is a fantastic historical account of WEF on the Shields Library website.

Whole Earth Festival Lineup

For 2026, there will be two stages  where music and events will take place. Here is the information for the stages where live music will be.

Friday

Quad Stage

• Maya Burns 12:00 p.m. -12:40 p.m.
• Universe 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Carport 6:20 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.
• Charity Kiss 7:40 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
• Twen 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Cedar Stage

• Lyric Michelle Band 5:00p.m.-5:30p.m
• Masked Jestures 5:50p.m.-6:20p.m.
• Little Critter 6:40p.m.-7:40p.m.
• Blood Compact 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

Saturday

Quad Stage

• Katalysst 10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
• No Voodoo Here 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Floratura 12:30 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
• Kasuyama 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Carabeza 3:00 p.m. - 3:50PM p.m.
• Agraria 4:10 p.m. - 4:50PM p.m.
• Oke McFly 5:10 p.m. - 6:00PM p.m.
• Dogwater 6:20 p.m. - 7:20PM p.m.
• RYL0 7:40 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
• Reysha Rami 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Cedar Stage

• Vision Dance Troupe 10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.
• Nā Keiki o Hawai’i 10:10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
• UCD Tinikling 10:25 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
• Treble by the Bay 10:50 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
• Agua de Beber 11:20 a.m.- 11:40 a.m.
• Babe’s Kitchen 11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• The Hello Hello’s 12:50 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Highest Intention 1:50 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
• Cachondo 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• In Bloom 3:50 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
• Camping Grounds by KDVS 5-5:20
• Lazer Funk by KDVS 5:35 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
• Blind Eyes by KDVS 6:40 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Tiger Penis 7:20 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Milk for the Angry 8:20 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday

Quad Stage

• Scott T. Miller 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• Dakota Dry 11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Gavriella 12:20 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
• Playground Insults 1:40 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.
• Hip Hop for Change: 10beatzzz, Kai The MC, & LiL MC 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Junior Varsity 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cedar Stage

• Davis Drag Club 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
• Davis Dhadkhan 11:05 a.m. -11:10 a.m.
• EHKO 11:15 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
• Trank Moo 11:30 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.
• For Cindy 11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
• Samba da Terra 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Lost Coast Duo 1:40 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
• Horizon Point 3:00 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
• Paddy on the Binge4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

See the complete WEF lineup.

Will update this space as information becomes available.

Whole Earth Festival Application

Applications for the 57th WEF are now open. Applications are accepted for the following categories. Check the website quickly as application windows are closing. 

https://wef.ucdavis.edu/apply

• Entertainment
• Craft
• Food
• Experiential
• Service Booth
• Education Space
• Dance Stage
• Arts

Whole Earth Festival Photo Gallery

How do I get involved with the Whole Earth Festival?

Many people ask how to support WEF. You can support this event in two ways; finacial support and volunteer support.

Finacial Support

The Whole Earth Festival is supported thorough the vendors who apply and through the contributions of individuals and external organizations (non-UC Davis). Combined, these groups make it possible for WEF to continue it's mission of supporting activism, wellness, and environmental sustainability.

The ASUCD Whole Earth Festival is a 501(C)3 and donations can be made here.

Volunteer Support

Volunteers make WEF happen. Sign-up to volunteer at WEF.