10 Aggie Traditions to Complete This May
Aggie Traditions are one of the best ways to make your time at UC Davis memorable. With nearly fifty to explore and a traditions medal you can earn by completing them all, there’s plenty to experience. This month, check out activities that help you cross a few off your list and see which traditions you may have already completed without even realizing it!
1. Attend the Whole Earth Festival
The Whole Earth Festival is one of UC Davis’ most iconic traditions, bringing the Quad to life with music, art and community. What started in 1969 as “Art Happening,” led by Jose Arguelles and his art class, has grown into a vibrant three day, zero waste festival celebrating creativity and connection. Expect live performances, hands on experiences and unique finds from arts and crafts vendors all weekend long. Join the celebration May 8-10 and be part of the energy that makes WEF unforgettable.
2. Stroll Through the Arboretum
Stroll through the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden and take in one of the most scenic spots on campus. This three and a half mile stretch offers the perfect setting for a walk, bike ride or jog on a classic Davis day. Explore 100 acres filled with thousands of plant varieties, a peaceful waterway and plenty of wildlife along the way. Plan ahead with the Bloom Calendar to catch what’s in peak color this spring!
3. Visit the Dairy Cows
Around 105 cows call the Dairy Teaching and Research Facility home along Dairy Road, making it a moo-velous (and fragrant) stop on campus. While the dairy is visible to the public and especially familiar to students in the Tercero area, be sure to keep a respectful distance and admire the herd from afar. Swing by to soak in the farm vibes, snap a few photos and wish them an udderly great day!
4. Spend a Sunny Day on the Quad
Originally designed as the central feature of the University Farm, the Quad began as a tree lined avenue with annual crop production. It has since grown to twice its original size and now serves as a lively campus hub for study groups, picnics, frisbee, naps and events ranging from festivals to concerts. When the weather is right, settle in for an afternoon on the Quad and enjoy the sunshine, spring blooms and easygoing campus energy.
5. Volunteer on Behalf of UC Davis
There are endless opportunities to get involved and give back across campus. Strengthen your resume while supporting the community by finding a volunteer role that fits your interests. Help the Arboretum with tree planting events, support the California Raptor Center in caring for birds, assist the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory with greenhouse work, or volunteer with the Food Pantry to help students access essential resources.
6. Visit and Cool Off at the Rec Pool
The perfect spot to beat the heat on a sunny day with friends is right on campus! Known as the largest freeform swimming pool on the West Coast, the Rec Pool offers something for everyone, from lap lanes and diving boards to an island, spacious sunbathing areas and a shallow wading pool. Whether you want to relax, swim laps or try something new, the pool also features open swim hours along with individual and group swim lessons.
7. Donate Food to the UC Davis Student Pantry
If you are getting ready to move out of Davis for the summer and have shelf stable food or essentials you don't want to pack up or take home, consider sharing them to support fellow Aggies. The Pantry accepts unopened, undented items such as canned meats, fish and soups, ready to eat meals, canned vegetables and tomato products, healthy snacks, toiletries and hygiene products, cooking utensils, gluten free foods, peanut butter and jam in plastic containers, iron rich cereal, 100 percent fruit juice in small bottles, canned fruit in juice, enriched rice or pasta, boxed macaroni and cheese and baby formula. Every contribution helps strengthen campus support for students in need.
8. Celebrate Aggie Pride Friday and Wear UC Davis Apparel
There are only five Fridays left of spring quarter and four of them fall in May. That makes it the perfect time to show your UC Davis spirit by wearing Aggie Blue. Many Aggies also say they feel more confident when they are dressed in Aggie Blue, making it an easy choice as finals week approaches.
9. Stroll Down the Centennial Walk
This 450 foot path between the East and West Quads is a scenic path through UC Davis history. Once a dirt trail connecting early campus buildings near today’s Memorial Union and Shields Library, it was later paved and lined with trees as the Quad developed. Officially dedicated in 2008, it now offers a peaceful route through the heart of campus and a reminder of how far UC Davis has come.
10. Join or Attend a CAAA, SAA or APFA Event
These groups are part of UC Davis Alumni and Affiliate Relations and help students, alumni, parents and the broader community stay connected through events, resources and networking opportunities. This May, join the UC Davis Alumni Wine Showcase 2026 for students 21 and older on May 16, cheer on the Aggies at UC Davis Night at the River Cats on May 21 or enjoy the 5A Jazz & Wine Social 2026 during Black Family Day celebrations on May 23. Meet people, build a network and show your Aggie Pride!
You might have already completed a few Aggie Traditions this quarter, such as visiting the Manetti Shrem Museum (#9), finding all 5 eggheads on campus (#20), enjoying UC Davis olive oil (#21), taking a picture with Gunrock (#27) or visiting the Meat Lab (#41). As you work through these and other Aggie Traditions, be sure to track the dates you complete each one to earn credit and qualify for your Traditions Medal at graduation. Don’t forget to check out the full list of Aggie Traditions—including #48, Create Your Own Tradition!