Six one-day events at UC Davis invite the public to celebrate diverse cultures from Friday, April 3, to Saturday, May 23. All are welcome, and most events are free to attend. The events are organized by students, staff at the university’s Cross Cultural Center and others.

This inaugural Big Time at UC Davis will highlight California Native communities and traditions with shake-head dancing, Native vendors and community resource booths. Big Time gatherings, a tradition among many California Native communities, serve as spaces for celebration, cultural expression and community resilience. Free. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the University Credit Union Center. Media contact: Mónica Aceves Robles, Cross Cultural Center, 530-754-3605, macevesrobles@ucdavis.edu. 

One of the longest-running, student-organized powwows in California, this 50th annual Powwow celebrates Native student leadership, community and cultural continuity. It includes dance competitions, intertribal dancing, drum groups, gourd dancers, Native craft and food vendors, community organizations and a gathering space for Native families, students, alumni and the public. Free. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the University Credit Union Center. Media contact: Mónica Aceves Robles, Cross Cultural Center, 530-754-3605, macevesrobles@ucdavis.edu. 

Danzantes del Alma, a student folklorico dance troupe established in 1977, will present its 47th annual show, Historias de mis Raíces (Spanish for Stories of My Roots). The troupe performs traditional dances of Mexico and contemporary dances of the Chicanx/Latinx experience at campus events and throughout Northern California. Tickets are $16.50 for children (under 18), $18 for UC Davis students and $28.50 for others. They are available through the Mondavi Center’s Events & Tickets website. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m. at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Media contact: Crystal Romero, Cross Cultural Center, 530-752-7032, crrromero@ucdavis.edu.

The Light Festival showcases the Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian communities. The outdoor event will feature student performances, cultural workshops, and food and craft vendors highlighting the traditions and creative practices connected to light festivals. Among the activities will be henna art. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the East Quad. Free. Media contacts: Mónica Aceves Robles, Cross Cultural Center, 530-754-3605, macevesrobles@ucdavis.edu; and Makhi Jones, Cross Cultural Center, 530-752-6620, mojjones@ucdavis.edu. 

Through its festivities and cultural activities, La Gran Tardeada strives to preserve the heritage of the Chicanx/Latinx community and transmit it to future generations. The day includes music and dance along with traditional food dishes and flavors. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. on the Quad. Media contact: Crystal Romero, Cross Cultural Center, 530-752-7032, crrromero@ucdavis.edu. 

The 55th annual Black Family Day brings together students, families, alumni and community members to enjoy Black culture, creativity and community. Live entertainment will include bands, DJs and vocal artists with students, student organizations, alumni and community performers taking the stage. The family-friendly event will include Black-owned food and craft vendors as well as water games, tug-of-war and basketball. Free. Noon to 8 p.m. on the Quad. Media contact: Makhi Jones, Cross Cultural Center, 530-752-6620, mojjones@ucdavis.edu.