The Whole Earth Festival began in 1969 when an art class taught by Jose Arguelles held an “Art Happening” on the UC Davis campus. The students used art to teach visitors about activism, wellness, and the environment in an interactive and creative way. Following the United Nations’ declaration of “Earth Day” in 1970, the second “Art Happening” was renamed “Whole Earth.” Embracing the values of acceptance, expression, sustainability, community, and inclusivity, the festival continues today as a student-run, free three-day event attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually on Mother’s Day weekend.