May 12th-14th 2023

About the Whole Earth Festival

The Whole Earth Festival began in 1969 as a small art class project (“Art Happening”) on the UC Davis Quad. The students used art to teach visitors about the realms of activism, wellness, and environmental sustainability in an interactive and creative way. Following the United Nations’ recognition of Earth Day in 1970, the event was renamed to the Whole Earth Festival, fondly nicknamed as “WEF,” and has since evolved into a free student-run event, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually on Mother’s Day weekend.

A Family-Friendly & Zero Waste Event

The Whole Earth Festival is a family-friendly event. The Regents of the University of California, owners of the UC Davis campus, do not allow drug use on any of its UC campuses. Thank you for keeping our event drug-free. This includes but is not limited to alcohol, tobacco (in both smoke and vapor forms), stimulants, cannabis, hallucinogens, depressants, narcotics, and inhalants.

The Whole Earth Festival seeks to be a zero-waste event. We have volunteers actively sorting recyclables and compost from the bins. Please do your part to help out and dispose of your “waste” in appropriate bins.

When & Where

Mother’s Day Weekend: May 12-14, 2023

Friday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Located at the UC Davis Quad

We are planning for a fully in-person 2023 festival. Naturally, public health guidelines may change as the year progresses. Stay tuned for any updates and we hope to see you all this spring!

Join the Listserv

If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, sign up for our email list or visit wef.ucdavis.edu/volunteer!