UC Davis Celebrates Diverse Cultures with Public Events

Six one-day events at the university invite the public to experience cultural traditions, performances, and community from April to May.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:42pm

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UC Davis is hosting a series of six one-day public events from April 3 to May 23 that celebrate diverse cultures and communities. The events include the Big Time festival highlighting California Native traditions, the 50th annual Powwow celebrating Native student leadership, the 47th annual Danzantes del Alma folklorico dance performance, the Light Festival showcasing Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian cultures, La Gran Tardeada preserving Chicanx/Latinx heritage, and the 55th annual Black Family Day celebrating Black culture and community.

Why it matters

These events provide an opportunity for the UC Davis community and the broader public to engage with and learn about the rich cultural diversity represented on campus. By hosting these celebrations, the university is fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting student leadership, and preserving important cultural traditions.

The details

The events will feature a variety of cultural performances, vendors, workshops, and activities. The Big Time will have shake-head dancing, Native vendors, and community resource booths. The Powwow will include dance competitions, drum groups, and Native craft and food vendors. Danzantes del Alma will present traditional Mexican dances and contemporary Chicanx/Latinx performances. The Light Festival will showcase student performances, cultural workshops, and food and craft vendors. La Gran Tardeada will have music, dance, and traditional food. Black Family Day will feature live entertainment, Black-owned vendors, and family-friendly activities.

  • The events will take place from Friday, April 3 to Saturday, May 23.
  • The Big Time is on Friday, April 3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • The Powwow is on Saturday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Danzantes del Alma is on Saturday, April 25 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the show starting at 6 p.m.
  • The Light Festival is on Saturday, May 2 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • La Gran Tardeada is on Saturday, May 16 from noon to 6 p.m.
  • Black Family Day is on Saturday, May 23 from noon to 8 p.m.

The players

Mónica Aceves Robles

Staff member at the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center.

Crystal Romero

Staff member at the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center.

Makhi Jones

Staff member at the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center.

Danzantes del Alma

A student folklorico dance troupe established in 1977 that performs traditional Mexican dances and contemporary Chicanx/Latinx dances.

UC Davis Cross Cultural Center

The university department organizing many of the cultural events.

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What they’re saying

“These events provide an opportunity for the UC Davis community and the broader public to engage with and learn about the rich cultural diversity represented on campus.”

— Mónica Aceves Robles, Staff member, UC Davis Cross Cultural Center

“By hosting these celebrations, the university is fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting student leadership, and preserving important cultural traditions.”

— Crystal Romero, Staff member, UC Davis Cross Cultural Center

What’s next

The public is invited to attend any of the free cultural events at UC Davis from April 3 to May 23. More information and event details can be found on the university's website.

The takeaway

UC Davis is demonstrating its commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion by hosting a series of vibrant cultural events that bring the campus and local community together to experience the rich traditions and creative expressions of underrepresented groups.