Olivia Rodrigo has launched her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Festival at the Great Park in Irvine, California, drawing thousands of fans for a day celebrating women in music, art, and community. According to The Associated Press, the event was designed to unite a women-led lineup behind issues of women’s health, legal rights, and workplace protections.
Olivia Rodrigo Launches Inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Festival in Irvine
The festival’s atmosphere channeled 1990s boho and festival fashion, with attendees sporting knit cardigans, flowy dresses, flower crowns, and daisy-themed outfits despite a high temperature of 95 degrees with 48% humidity. Festivalgoers also explored interactive on-site spaces, including a Lego Artist’s Garden where Lego Master Builder Emily Swiger added tiles built by fans to an original Mystery Mural artwork created exclusively for the festival by artist Ilse Valfré. Other attractions included a MicroRave popup, a Fata Morgana art installation featuring flattened penny souvenirs created by artist Kelly Wall, and a dollhouse-inspired Taco Bell Live Más Café.
Melinda French Gates Doubles Donation to Reach $20 Million Total
Ahead of her headlining set on Saturday night, Olivia Rodrigo announced that the festival had raised $10 million for nonprofit partners through ticket sales, waived artist fees, and sponsorships. Philanthropist Melinda French Gates then made a surprise appearance during the event to pledge that she would double every dollar made, bringing the grand total of funds donated to $20 million through her Pivotal Ventures.
Rodrigo expressed gratitude to the participating musicians who took part in the festival for free, stating that the funds will be split equally among 10 beneficiary organizations. The total proceeds support a diverse group of nonprofits working on reproductive rights, maternal health, domestic violence, and mental health.
Beneficiary Organizations Supported by the Festival
The funds raised by Daisy Chain Fields and matched by Melinda French Gates are distributed equally among ten designated organizations:
- Baby2Baby
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance
- Center for Reproductive Rights
- FreeFrom
- Jhpiego
- Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health
- National Domestic Workers Alliance
- National Institute for Reproductive Health
- National Women’s Law Center
- Planned Parenthood
In addition to raising funds, the festival featured a philanthropy village
where nonprofit partners engaged directly with fans. Attendees could collect pins at booths while learning about health services from Planned Parenthood’s local partners or honoring caregivers through the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
Intergenerational Lineup and ’90s Feminist Influences
Daisy Chain Fields drew direct inspiration from Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, a touring festival that ran from 1997 to 1999. McLachlan served as a special guest at the Irvine event alongside other prominent performers and icons.
The lineup featured performances by Chappell Roan, Mitski, Doechii, Bikini Kill, the Breeders, Garbage, Eli, Quiet Light, Rachel Chinouriri, Devon Again, Not For Radio, and Die Spitz. Special guests included Stevie Nicks, Karen O, and McLachlan. Katseye was originally announced for the lineup but withdrew on Thursday due to an injury sustained by member Megan.
