Parent & Family Weekend FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, please contact UC Davis Parent Programs at parentprograms@ucdavis.edu.

Registration for Parent & Family Weekend has closed.

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Who should attend Parent & Family Weekend and why?
Historically, parents of freshmen are our biggest group of attendees. However, we would encourage all family members to consider joining the fun. By visiting campus annually (or more), having a personal recognition of the buildings where your student takes classes and the places that they eat and hang out, meeting their friends, spending time in the community—really feeling what it is like to be a UC Davis student – helps you to have the tools to understand and talk with your student about their experience. The weekend is a great way to meet the families of your student’s friends and to make new friends yourself. And if you still need convincing, you should attend because it’s a whole lot of fun!
Another fun time to visit UC Davis is for Picnic Day, the world’s largest student-run event! This year, Picnic Day will take place on April 18, 2026.
Why does Parent & Family Weekend start on Saturday?
This year, Friday is Halloween, and we recognize that many of our students’ families have younger siblings at home and family traditions around Halloween. In addition, there are many student-focused activities that evening. Therefore, we are starting Parent & Family Weekend on Saturday. You are still welcome to come to Davis on Friday, and there are some events and activities listed that you can participate in should you wish to come on Friday.
How should we dress for Parent & Family Weekend?
Parent & Family Weekend is a casual event. We recommend wearing blue & gold if you have it. The first weekend in November can be rainy or warm, so plan on bringing layers.

Registration Questions

Is there a cost to attend Parent & Family Weekend?
Yes, there is a per-person fee to attend. The prices are $30/pp for APFA members and $40/pp for Adult General Admission. UC Davis students and other family members 12 and over are $15. Children under 12 are free. Your fees include a giveaway item, access to discounts and events, breakfast and a tour of the UC Davis Coffee Center on Sunday.
Does my UC Davis student need a ticket for Parent & Family Weekend?
Yes. Each participant must be registered, including UC Davis students (and their non-UCD siblings).
For additional ticketed events, you will need to purchase tickets for them as well. For the football game, students can use their free student ticket, however, you will need to purchase a ticket for them to sit with you in a non-student section.
Why do you charge a registration fee?
We work very hard to keep the costs down as much as possible. The registration fee pays for the costs of renting venues for events, catering, parking, exclusive commemorative merchandise (t-shirt, water bottle, hat, etc), printing, web design, and more.
Does my student need to register?
Yes! Students are not automatically included in your registration, so please add them as a guest when you register.
How will I see what I registered for?
You should have received a confirmation email from parentprograms@ucdavis.edu when you registered. That email includes a confirmation number and a link to modify your registration. Click on the modify registration link and enter your email and confirmation number when prompted. You'll be able to review and update your registration.
What if I need to change or cancel my registration?
No problem. Once you register, you'll get a confirmation email from parentprograms@ucdavis.edu. If you need to modify or cancel your registration for any reason, please email us at parentprograms@ucdavis.edu. However, Parent & Family Weekend registration is non-refundable. Tickets for Athletic events or events at the Mondavi Center are also non-refundable.
Can I register on-site if I missed online registration?
Sorry, registration has closed. You are still welcome to attend events that don't require a pre-registration. Tickets to the football game can be purchased at the gate. Tickets to the Mondavi Center events can be purchased online or at the Box Office across from the Alumni Center.
How do I purchase tickets to the Parent & Family Weekend football game?
Tickets to the football game must be purchased separately. Use this link until October 31 to purchase tickets in the Parent and Family section. If you would like to sit with your student during the game, you will need to purchase a ticket for them (free tickets for students are only for seats in the student section).
Are clear bags required at the football game?
UC Davis does not have a clear bag policy; however, UC Davis football game day security involves thorough bag searches at entry points and enforcement of a stadium code of conduct to ensure a safe environment. Prohibited items, such as alcohol and amplified noisemakers, are not allowed, and all bags are subject to inspection. Guests must adhere to the code of conduct, and those exhibiting unacceptable behavior may be removed from the stadium.

Getting Here Questions

Parking Info
Permits are required to park on campus Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on weekends in areas posted with event permit requirements. Please review the campus map to view visitor lot locations and central core areas where vehicle access is restricted, and plan your trip accordingly.

Parking on campus is free on Saturday and Sundays with some exceptions.
After 4:30 pm on both Nov 1 and 2, the Gateway Structure, lot 1 or lot 2 requires a permit for the show at the Mondavi Center.
On Saturday, due to the football game, you will need to purchase a permit for the Pavilion Structure, Lot 41, 30, 57 or Health Sciences Drive. If you purchase a permit at any time on Saturday, you can use the same permit to park in any of the event areas.
Note - you can park in other areas of campus such as Lot 47 or 50 and walk to the Football game area for the Tailgate and Resource Fair if you want to avoid paying for parking near the stadium.

Parking permits can be purchased via AMP Park, from a mobile device by downloading the "Aggie Park" AMP app , or online. Registered students who are not living in campus housing have access to reduced affiliate rates through the app if they sign up with their UC Davis email address, and non-affiliates can use the app to purchase a daily permit at visitor rates or short-term parking in Limited Time Zone spaces. We recommend downloading the free AMP Park or Honk apps on your iPhone or Android prior to your arrival for the easiest parking experience. You can also visit Transportation Services’ website for information regarding rates and all available permit options, parking with a disabled placard or license plate, campus resident parking guidelines, event parking and more.
Where do I check in for Parent & Family Weekend?
Saturday check-in hours: 9 - 11 a.m. at the Walter A. Buehler Alumni Center
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. check in at the Tailgate on Hutchison Field
Sunday check in between 9 - 1 a.m. at the Coffee Center Event
You only need to check in once and one person in your party can check in for everyone.
When should we plan to arrive and depart?
Plan to check in anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Alumni Center. Families are encouraged to arrive Saturday morning so that they may more fully enjoy the activities we have scheduled. We also encourage families to stay for the Sunday morning activities so there’s time to get a feel for the campus.
We will be arriving late on Saturday, can I still check in?
Yes, you can still check in at the tailgate on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Can I bring my pet?
As per PPM 290-90, Animal Control on Campus, Dogs, except for police dogs and service animals, are not permitted in posted campus buildings and must be on a leash in all areas of campus, except during approved sponsored events or training classes. More information about service animals can be found here. For students and visitors, only Service Animals are permitted in areas where dogs are not otherwise allowed.

Attending Events and Sessions

Do I have to be registered for a session to attend?
Yes, events that required registration have reached capacity.