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. Whole Earth Festival has historically occurred at the UC Davis Quad.