There’s no way to see all 209 events on the official schedule for Picnic Day this Saturday (April 18), so the best way to plan your day may be to go for a “package deal” approach. Below, Dateline UC Davis is presenting a selection of events, grouped by category: You can go for the iconic events, family-focused activities, animals, performances, or those that are uniquely Davis. See the full schedule here.

All events below are free unless indicated otherwise. Parking on campus is free all day. Read more about getting around on Unitrans, which will operate expanded weekend service with detours and changes.

The staples

When longtime Aggies think of Picnic Day, they may think of iconic events like the parade, Doxie Derby and more.

• Parade: Opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. across from Wickson Hall
• Doxie Derby: Noon in the University Credit Union Center, advance tickets required for $10
• Fashion and Design Society Fashion Show: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Makerspace Courtyard of Cruess Hall, advance tickets required for $15
• Chemistry Magic Show: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Rock Hall 194
• Laser Maze: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kemper Hall 1003 and 1007.

Activities for kids

All of Picnic Day is family-friendly, but there are dozens of events aimed squarely at the youngest Aggies, including:

• Cal Aggie Alumni Association Family Fun Zone: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Vanderhoef Quad
• Children’s Discovery Fair: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dairy Outdoor Recreation Complex (a new location this year), featuring the chance to play freeze tag and make friendship bracelets, cave art, popsicle stick picture frames, upcycled T-shirt tote bags and more
• Interactive atmospheric science: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hoagland Hall north patio
• Slime Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bainer Hall lawn 

Animals

Creatures big and small are always a key element of Picnic Day. Some highlights include:

• Animal Science Petting Zoo: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Cole Facility A
• Chick handling: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Meyer Hall 1338
• Draft horse driving demonstration: 1-1:45 p.m., Horse Barn
• Frisbee dog contest: Contestants may register until 5 p.m. on April 17, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hutchison Field

Performances and events

Take in the atmosphere and entertainment at these events:

• Football spring game: 10:15 a.m. kickoff, UC Davis Health Stadium, featuring the opportunity for kids to lead the team onto the field (meet at the tunnel at 10:15 a.m.) and run drills with the team, giveaways and the ability to purchase season tickets for the upcoming fall season
• Video Game Orchestra: Noon, Wellman Hall
• Stand Up Comedy Club: 12:40 p.m., Katherine Esau Science Hall patio
• Battle of the Bands: 2-10 p.m., Mrak Hall lawn

Uniquely Davis

Many aspects of Picnic Day, including the sheer size of the event — it is thought to be the largest student-run event in the nation — could only happen at UC Davis. But several parts of this year’s event are unique even by Picnic Day standards:

• Return of Gong: Ring the 4,000-pound, interactive artwork outside the Manetti Shrem Museum
• Physics for Fun!: Several Department of Physics and Astronomy faculty members will give short presentations on advances in physics, cosmic rays and more, followed by a Q&A, 10:30 a.m., Roessler Hall 55.
• Synth Petting Zoo: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Art Annex Sound Lab
• Cockroach racing: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., outside Briggs Hall