UC Davis’ 112th Picnic Day is Saturday. Here’s what to know, what’s changing

One of the largest student-run events in the nation is back Saturday — but if you’re planning on going to Picnic Day this year, there’s a lot that’s changed. The 112th Picnic Day still has the parade, Battle of the Bands, fashion show, student org fair and wiener dog race. What’s different is everything happening off campus.

After a shooting at Community Park during last year’s Picnic Day that wounded three people and trampled a fourth, the city of Davis is rolling out its most aggressive enforcement plan in years.

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

The big picture: What happened last year

On April 12, 2025, gunfire erupted at Community Park during a fraternity-hosted rap concert that had drawn hundreds. Three people — two teenagers and a 24-year-old — suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds. A fourth person was trampled as crowds fled across the park and nearby Davis Little League fields, where a kids’ baseball game was underway.

The Lambda Kappa Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity had a noise permit listing about 150 people with a DJ and two speakers. But the fraternity had invited Stockton freestyle rapper Haiti Babii without disclosing it to police. Once broadcast on social media, the event attracted people from across the capital region.

Davis Police Chief Todd Henry said if police had known about the large performance, the city’s Parks and Community Services would not have permitted the event. “We had no idea (Haiti Babii) was coming into town because that wasn’t disclosed by the fraternity,” Henry said.

A 19-year-old Sacramento man, Joseph Allen Davis, pleaded guilty in federal court in December to being a convicted felon in possession of a gun. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and was scheduled to be sentenced March 26. He still faces state criminal charges in Yolo Superior Court as well. A second suspect, Stephon Wayne Stroman, surrendered to authorities in December and faces several firearms-related charges in Woodland court. He’s expected back in court next month.

No special event permits — period

This is the biggest change for off-campus gatherings. The city announced in February that it would prohibit all special event permits on Picnic Day. That means no permitted parties, concerts or organized events off campus.

The city said the move is intended to “reduce congestion, speed response times, avoid overlapping crowds and minimize risk.”

Organizations and user groups that traditionally host events on private property or at public locations under use agreements will be notified that police and emergency response resources may be limited at times. The city advised event hosts to plan accordingly.

Translation: If you’re counting on a big off-campus party happening with city approval, it’s not.

Safety enhancement zones: Where and when

The Davis City Council voted on establishing three safety enhancement zones across the city. These are designated areas where penalties for certain violations are increased. The three zones are:

• Two zones surrounding Willow and Slide Hill parks
• A third zone encompassing much of downtown Davis

The zones would be in effect from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Sunday — meaning enforcement starts the night before and runs through the weekend. Within these zones, violations that carry increased fines include:

• Open container possession
• Public intoxication
• Public urination
• Public smoking
• Excessive noise

Alcohol enforcement is the centerpiece

The City Council also voted on March 3 to prohibit alcohol consumption in city parks during the entire Picnic Day weekend. Parks are ordinarily exempt from the city’s public drinking ban — but not this year.

Davis police have been working with the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and meeting with downtown bar owners ahead of the event, according to the city. Alcohol-related violations — including open container, public intoxication and furnishing alcohol to minors — will be strictly enforced, particularly within the safety enhancement zones.

“Enforcement of laws will be a key focus on Picnic Day this year,” the city said. “Police officers will be prepared to take early and consistent enforcement action to promote safety and reinforce behavior expectations.”

Double the cops, drones and more barricades

The city’s Police Department will double its staffing and rely on multiple mutual aid partners. More barricades and traffic control measures will be deployed, with more officers positioned in the field to “support faster response times.”

Beyond the usual police presence, the city has also:

• Secured support from the Sacramento Regional Incident Management Team
• Plans to use drones for situational awareness throughout the day
• Activated its Emergency Operations Center
• Expanded Fire Department staffing to handle increased call volume

UC Davis police will assist with staffing along the Picnic Day parade route within city limits. The parade route itself has been shortened by one block “to support staffing and operational efficiency.”

The on-campus event is still on

The 112th Picnic Day runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday on the UC Davis campus. It’s free and everyone is welcome. The event draws about 70,000 attendees and boasts more than 200 activities.

On-campus highlights include:

• Parade (route shortened by one block this year)
• Battle of the Bands
• Fashion show
• Student organization fair
• Doxie Derby Race (wiener dog race)

Henry, the police chief, has drawn a clear distinction between the campus event and what happens in town. “The campus event is much different than what’s occurring in the city,” Henry said, adding many of the gatherings in the city are centered around alcohol.

Picnic Day, first held in 1909, is considered UC Davis’ signature event and annual open house. The full schedule and other details are at picnicday.ucdavis.edu.

Parking and transit

Parking is free on campus during Picnic Day, with all lots open to the public unless marked reserved for Picnic Day staff. Parking attendants will assist. Yolobus also provides bus service, with bus lines 42 and 220 stopping at the university’s Memorial Union on Saturdays.

The bottom line

This year’s Picnic Day on campus should feel familiar — the same student-run traditions that have been going for over a century. Off campus is a different story. The city is clearly sending a message: unsanctioned parties, open containers and large unpermitted gatherings will face real consequences this year.

The city said public outreach about changes will continue through the city’s website, email notifications, social media and inserts in residents’ utility bill mailers.

As Henry put it after the 2025 shooting: “We’re looking at all options. Obviously, arrest is an option. It’s just not the best option.” This year, Davis is trying to prevent the problems before they start.