Parent's insider guide: all you need to know about Picnic Day 2022
Picnic Day is on April 23rd, 2022, will you be joining us? This year's theme is Rediscovering Tomorrow and will be the first in-person Picnic Day since 2019. Read on for everything you need to know about Picnic Day: history, can't miss events from previous lineups, parking information, and food recommendations. If you are already a Picnic Day expert, scroll down to the bottom of this article to test your knowledge with a little bit of trivia.
The information provided is subject to change, so you'll want to be sure to visit the Picnic Day website for more information as Picnic Day approaches. We've updated this insider's guide as of 4/19 to reflect the new changes Picnic Day has released.
Alumni and Affiliate Relations wants you to join us for our events! You can register and view events here. We'll be hosting a virtual pancake breakfast just before the parade begins, an in-person traditions walking tour, a member lounge for APFA members, an event to meet this year's parade marshal, and so much more!
COVID-19 Guidelines:
To protect the health of our community, here are a few things you need to know. If you’re feeling sick, please stay home and UC Davis employees and students should report any positive cases. Face coverings are strongly recommended and required in public transit, healthcare settings and when visiting the testing kiosks at the ARC and Healthy Davis Together locations.
Please be prepared to fill out the UC Davis Daily Symptom Survey for entrance into some indoor events at campusready.ucdavis.edu/symptom-survey. Screening is at the discretion of individual exhibits and animal events. On the symptom survey webpage, you will see that there are two versions of the survey—one for UC Davis employees and students and one for visitors—so please be sure to select the version that applies to you.
Campus visitors can refer to this resource for Information on Campus Visitors with any questions they may have. Campus Ready also has all of the updated information on COVID-19 policies.
History Behind Picnic Day:
From the very first Picnic Day in 1909, it has become the crown-jewel event of the UC system and is greatly cherished by UC Davis. It is one of the largest student-run events in the country, and Picnic Day demonstrates the diversity and achievements of the UC Davis community in areas such as research, teaching, service, and campus life.
The Picnic Day tradition began in 1909 for people to view the University Farm's new dairy barn. More than 2,000 people attended and brought picnics to accompany the coffee, cream, and sugar the University Farm provided. The University Farm continued to sponsor and plan the event until 1912, when Picnic Day planning responsibilities were transferred to the student committee.
Picnic Day now offers a variety of entertainment for all ages and it is not an event you want to miss out on.
For more information on Picnic Day history, you can visit this website.
Entertainment Events You Won't Want to Miss:
The following events are some highlights being offered during Picnic Day this year. Be sure to visit the Picnic Day Website to view the other events they have planned this year.
Source: Guide: UC Davis Picnic Day 2019
This year's Doxie Derby is taking place at the University Credit Union Center from 12pm-2pm.
Can't make it to the live event? A livestream will be available at this link: tinyurl.com/108picnicdaydoxiederby
The Doxie Derby is one of Picnic Day’s most popular events. At this event, thousands of spectators watch as adorable Dachshund’s race one another to the finish line. This event is hosted by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in order to help them raise funds for their licensing exams at the end of their training. Because this event is so popular, you’ll want to be sure to arrive early so that you can see it in person. If you can’t make it, no worries, because the event will be live streamed so no one misses out on the fun.
Animal Events:
There are many events throughout the day that offer amazing experiences to interact with animals. This year, some of the events include:
- Petting Zoo at Cole Facility from 10am-2:30pm
- Cow Hand Milking at Cole Facility from 10am-3pm
- Orphan Kitten Project at Giedt Hall 1001 from 10am-3:30pm
- Norcal Live Bats at Hutchinson Field from 10am-4pm
- You can view the many other animal events here!
Davis Dance Revolution:
Source: Guide: UC Davis Picnic Day 2019
The Davis Dance Revolution (DDR) is an exciting way to end Picnic Day. Hosted by the UC Davis Center for Student Involvement, there are modern and traditional dance routines at this annual competition, so be sure to stop by to see which student group takes home the top prize.
DDR is taking place at the University Credit Union Center from 7pm-10:30pm, and tickets can be found here.
Liquid-Nitrogen Frozen Sorbet:
Source: Guide: UC Davis Picnic Day 2019
The UC Davis Student Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering hosts an event where you can make liquid nitrogen ice cream. This is an exciting opportunity to see this chemical phenomenon take place, and you may even get to enjoy some of it afterwards. This year, the event is taking place at South Bainer Hall Lawn from 10am-2pm.
Laser Maze:
Source: UC Davis Facebook Page
The laser maze, happening at Kemper Hall 1003 from 9am-2pm, is an exciting event where you get to navigate your way through a maze made entirely from laser beams. You'll want to get there early to avoid the long lines!
Cockroach Racing:
Source: Bug Squad
Cockroach racing is another very popular event hosted by the UC Davis Entomology Graduate Student Association (ESGA). The roaches will be racing all day in front of Briggs Hall from 11am-3pm. Make sure to come out and support your favorite racer!
Scavenger hunt:
The scavenger hunt provides you with the opportunity to both attend Picnic Day events and win fun prizes. There is usually one grand prize winner, with runner-ups also receiving prizes based on their final placement.
How to play
1. Scavenger huntees will need a mobile device to access the scavenger hunt at tinyurl.com/108picnicdayscavengerhunt
2. Explore Picnic Day and the campus by answering the questions on the google form.
Pro-tip: Use the schedule of events and the Picnic Day website to help guide you!
Children's Discovery Fair:
The Children’s Discovery Fair offers a variety of fun crafts and activities for children and families to enjoy. Join the Fair at the Hoagland Lawn for fun adventures and new experiences! Here are some events featured at the Children's Discovery Fair:
Rainbow Flavors with the Davis Food Co-op @ 10am to 4pm
Taste the flavors of the rainbow and learn about how different colored foods fuel your body. Learn about
the importance of Local and Organic Produce from our teachers and our coloring pages.
T-Shirt Capes @ 10am to 4pm
Want to feel like a superhero (or supervillain!) during Picnic Day? Stop by and design your own cape
made from old t-shirts so you can fly to your next adventure!
Loteria @ 10am to 12pm
Come learn to play Loteria a traditional game similar to Bingo, where you will learn words in Spanish next to your friends and with the help of fun pictures.
Give Day:
Join us for our sixth annual UC Davis Give Day April 22-23!
Picnic Day 2022 Campus Map:
Please refer to this map for information on bathroom, water stations, Unitrans terminals, and the location of campus buildings where Picnic Day events are being held.
Parade Watching Locations:
Picnic Day begins with a morning parade. This year's parade will consist of the UC Davis Marching Band Picnic Day Parade Show, Healthy UC Davis, U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, UC Davis Horse Barn, and many more.
Here is a video of the Picnic Day Parade in 2019, which was the last time it was in person.
If you can't make it in person to the parade, you can visit this website for a live virtual viewing.
The map of the parade route for Picnic Day 2022 is below. Please use this as a reference image to get a good idea of where you should try to find the best seat for the best view.
Food Recommendations:
There are a number of eateries available for UC Davis guests, both on campus and in Downtown. There are many amazing and popular restaurants in Downtown Davis, including Burgers and Brew, Paesanos, Woodstock’s Pizza, Crepeville, and Cafe Bernardo.
On campus dining options:
The Coffee House at Memorial Union: 9am to 5pm
Spokes Grill: 10:30am to 3:00pm
Silo Market: 10:30am to 3:00pm
- Deli sandwich platform: 10:30am to 3:00pm
The Gunrock: closed
Scrubs: closed
Sage Street market | coffee open: hours TBD
Food Truck Locations:
- Quad
- Silo
- Hutchinson Field
- Lot 6
- Hoagland Hall Lawn
- Cole Facility
Coffee:
Peet’s ARC: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Peet’s Silo: 8:00am – 4:00pm
King Hall: closed
California Coffee Kiosk: 8:00am – 3:00pm
If your student has a meal plan, they'll have access to the Dining Commons on Picnic Day. Below are the locations that will be open, along with at what times.
Residential Dining Commons:
Segundo DC:
Brunch 9AM-2PM
Lunch 11AM-2PM
Dinner 5-8PM
Segundo Market: 12-8pm
Tercero DC:
Brunch 9AM-2PM
Lunch 11AM-2PM
Dinner 5-8PM
Tercero Market: 12-8PM
Cuarto DC:
Brunch 9AM-2PM
Lunch 11AM-2PM
Dinner 5-8PM
Cuarto Market: 12PM-8PM
Campus Restaurants:
Latitude DC: closed
Latitude Market: closed
Parking and Shuttles:
Parking is free on campus all day except in restricted spaces. For vehicle emergency assistance between 8 AM and 5 PM, call TAPS at (530) 752 - 8277. Driving through campus will be very difficult because of how busy it is, and some of the lots are larger and more accessible than others. The parking lots we recommend are the Quad structure, Pavilion, and Gateway. Here is a map of available parking lots around campus:
Please see below an image of the Unitrans schedule:
Please also visit unitrans.com for more information.
Be sure to refer back to the Picnic Day website for the most up to date information as Picnic Day approaches.
What to Bring and Weather:
The average temperature in Davis around Picnic Day is in the high 70’s. Here is a list of what we recommend to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight clothing
- Walking shoes
- Device to take pictures
- Cash and debit or credit card
Important Information:
First Aid Tent:
A first aid tent will be available from 10am-5pm in the parking lot across from the Sciences Lecture Hall. First Aid is provided by Yolo County American Medical Response (AMR).
Headquarters:
The Picnic Day Headquarters is located in the Memorial Union on the 2nd Floor in Garrison. If you have any questions or concerns, you can visit their office. You can also contact them at (530) 752-6320.
Lost Children's Booth:
A central meeting place for children should they become lost during the day is at the Hoagland Hall South Lawn (the Children's Discovery Fair) from 10am-4pm.
What is the Picnic Day Parade Marshal?
The Parade Marshal represents Picnic Day and is selected based on their activity and participation within the community, their positive impact on others, and their embodiment of the theme.
This year's Parade Marshal is Dr. Nam Tran. Dr. Tran is Professor and Senior Director of Clinical Pathology at UC Davis Health with expertise in clinical chemistry, toxicology, molecular infectious disease diagnostics, and point-of-care testing. Dr. Tran graduated from UC Davis in 2003 and later pursued a PhD in Comparative Pathology (2008). You can visit this website to learn more about our amazing 2022 Parade Marshal!
How is Picnic Day Planned?
The Picnic Day Board of Directors is composed of 15 student directors who are each responsible for a specific aspect of Picnic Day. This year's Board of Directors includes:
- Chair - Amanda Portier
- Vice Chair - Jesse Goodman
- Animal Events - Adrianne Daniels
- Business - Anavi Arora
- Children’s Discovery Fair - Oshiogwe Nash-Haruna
- Entertainment - Brittney Le
- Exhibits - Megan Tsang
- Graphics - Murielle Danant-Fung
- Parade - Michael Navarro
- Publicity - Alexis Tornero
- Student Organization Fair - Kimberlee Villar Bucio
For more information, you can visit this website for the responsibilities each Picnic Day category has.
Fun Picnic Day Trivia Facts
Are you the ultimate Picnic Day fan? Take our trivia quiz and find out!
Scroll down for spoilers.
1. Through the years of Picnic Day history, how many times has the event been canceled?
2. In what year did the event first get the name "Picnic Day"?
3. What year was the first Picnic Day?
4. Since 1959, the parade was extended to include downtown Davis. What happened in 1959 to spur this change?
5. What was the reason for the very first Picnic Day?
6. During the first Picnic Day, Molly the cow walked from Davis (then Davisville) to Berkeley. How long did it take her to walk there?
7. In 1912, what organization took over the task of planning and sponsoring Picnic Day?
8. How many people attended the first Picnic Day?
9. What is the theme of this years Picnic Day?
10. Who is our 2022 Picnic Day Marshal?
1. Picnic Day has been canceled 5 times
2. "Picnic Day" got its name in 1916
3. The first Picnic Day took place in 1909
4. Davis became a separate UC Campus and not just the Farm School for UC Berkeley
5. To tour the University Farm's new dairy barn
6. Molly walked for 97 hours
7. The Student Committee took over Picnic Day planning
8. 2,200 people attended the first Picnic Day
9. Rediscovering Tomorrow is the theme this year
10. Dr. Nam Tran is our 2022 Picnic Day Marshal