In Davis, you'll find lots of fun and interesting things to do without ever leaving the city limits. There truly is something for everyone.
Davis Farmer's Market
Located in Central Park, the Davis Farmer's Market meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is a place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods, as well as socialize with friends, listen to live music and, of course, eat. It was recently voted "America's Favorite ‘Large' Farmers Market."
Visual and Performing Arts
Davis is home to several art galleries, including the John Natsoulas Gallery and the Pence Gallery, representing internationally known artists.
If performing arts is your passion, Davis has a lot to offer. You'll find everything from symphonies to rock concerts.
The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
Performing arts of all kinds, including dance troupes, rock concerts and distinguished speaker presentations. This state-of-the-art performing arts center opened in October 2002.
Varsity Theatre
A historic theater located in downtown Davis.
UC Davis Arts and Entertainment
There are a wide variety of entertainment options on the UC Davis campus.
Night Life
Unlike other small towns that "go to sleep" at 9 p.m., Davis remains lively into the late hours of the night. Students and the young at heart enjoy live music and dancing at a number of Davis night clubs, most of which are located within walking distance from the UC Davis campus. And places like coffeehouses, bookstores, music stores and video stores often stay open late to cater to those night owls.
Movies
You'll find three movie theaters totaling 12 screens located downtown. UC Davis also has an on-campus theater that plays movies.
Eating Out
In Davis, the sky is the limit when it comes to food. You'll find everything from pizza parlors and juice bars to authentic restaurants featuring Mexican, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Indian and Thai cuisine just to name a few.
For listings of restaurants in Davis visit the following Web sites:
Special Events and Fairs
Picnic Day
Held in April each year, Picnic Day is the largest student run event in the United States and is the annual Open House for the University of California, Davis. This hallmark event has been designed to showcase and celebrate the richness of campus life, the diverse achievements of UC Davis students, staff and faculty and to provide a day of education, information and entertainment. There are more than 150 events throughout campus including a parade, sheep dog trials, dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier races, live music, food and a wide variety of fun and interesting exhibits.
Whole Earth Festival
For more than 30 years the UC Davis campus and community have come together each May to celebrate the Whole Earth Festival. In an effort to promote sustainability, spirituality and holistic consciousness, a new staff is assembled each year to plan and prepare the three-day collective of life that is the Whole Earth Festival. 20-30,000 students, families and followers of a dream come to Davis each year to celebrate spring and enjoy the two music stages, a dance stage, several speakers areas, workshop spaces for natural crafts and personal growth, vegetarian (and often organic) food booths, educational booths and tables, massage booths, spiritual ritual, and booths selling handmade natural and/or recycled goods.
Asian Pacific Culture Week
A university-sponsored cultural program dedicated to creating cultural awareness and celebrating diversity within the Asian-Pacific American community. The celebration features music, dance, food, games, and student organization booths. The week continues with presentations by speakers from diverse corners of the Asian Pacific Islander community. In the past, musicians, comedians, actors, authors, artists, and civil rights activists have visited the campus to share their experiences and talents.
Black Family Week
Black Family Week is a time to celebrate the essence of the Black culture. This celebration consists of food, entertainment, vendors, art, and an overall fellowship all geared towards reviving the Black community on the UC Davis campus. Not only is it beneficial for students, but it also is an opportunity to invite friends and family to come celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
La Raza Cultural Days
La Raza Cultural Days (LRCD) is designed to educate the campus and community about the social, cultural and political issues facing the Chicano/Latino community, while celebrating the traditions and contributions of Chicano and Latino cultures. The event features: live entertainment and traditional foods; youth outreach and empowerment conferences; art exhibits; political forums; performing artists; seminars; and films.
Mixed Heritage Week
Mixed Heritage Week is an annual celebration of the mixed experience. Started in 2005 as a joint effort between MOSAIC (a student organization for mixed students, now known as the Mixed Student Union) and the Cross Cultural Center, Mixed Heritage Week seeks to empower members of the mixed community, as well as to educate the larger community about issues faced by mixed individuals.
Native American Cultural Days
For more than 30 years, Native American Cultural Days on the UC Davis campus has been a showcase for the rich cultural heritage of Native American community. The event features: speakers, film, music and dance performances. The highlight is the Pow Wow where visitors can watch traditional dance performances and listen to Native American drum circles. This is truly an incredible experience that should not be missed.
Yolo County Fair
Held each August in Woodland, the Yolo County Fair is an area tradition. The fair features exhibits, rides, live music and food.
California State Fair
Since 1854, the California State Fair has been a showcase for the people of this state. The fair features a wide variety of exhibits, entertainment, rides and food. The fair takes place at Cal Expo in Sacramento.
Dixon May Fair
For more than 125 years - the Dixon May Fair has been providing surrounding communities with a spring fair. Highlights include: livestock and craft exhibits, carnival rides, fair food and a variety of live music. This is a great opportunity to experience a real small town fair.