Tens of thousands of music enthusiasts gathered at Great Park in Irvine, California, during the weekend to enjoy live performances by their favorite artists. The event, called Daisy Chain Fields, aimed to raise funds for women’s health, reproductive rights, and combatting gender-based violence, making it a groundbreaking charitable festival. Organized by pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, Daisy Chain Fields drew inspiration from the all-female lineup of the pioneering Lilith Fair event from the 1990s.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of both emerging and established stars, including queer pop artist Chappell Roan, rapper Doechii, and legendary punk and rock bands like Bikini Kill and Garbage. Ahead of the festival kick-off, Rodrigo revealed that they had successfully raised $10 million for the event’s ten non-profit partners, such as Planned Parenthood and the National Institute for Reproductive Health. This amount was later matched by Melinda French Gates, resulting in a total of $20 million raised for the cause.
Rodrigo had initially announced the festival in June, emphasizing that all net proceeds from the performances would go towards charities supporting women and girls. The event featured memorable collaborations, with Rodrigo performing “Landslide” alongside Stevie Nicks and being joined on stage by Canadian icons like Alanis Morissette and Sarah McLachlan.
The name “Daisy Chain” symbolized unity and strength, reflecting the concept of individual components coming together to form an unbreakable whole. Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges to reproductive rights in the U.S., the festival served as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Amidst efforts to restrict reproductive rights, including recent policy changes by the Trump administration, artists and activists at Daisy Chain Fields stood up for women’s rights and equality.
In addition to the music performances, attendees could engage with various art installations at the festival, such as a LEGO mural and exhibits highlighting the Riot Grrrl movement. The event fostered a sense of community and activism, with festival-goers participating in activities like tying wishes to a tree and leaving messages of support and advocacy on giant chalkboards provided by the Guerrilla Girls.
Described as a “very wholesome vibe” by attendees, Daisy Chain Fields was hailed as the “best festival ever” by many, despite the scorching temperatures. The festival’s philanthropic village, the Daisy Chain Reaction, provided a platform for non-profits to educate and engage with the audience, promoting solidarity and mutual support.
The festival’s success resonated with its non-profit partners, who expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity. The event served as a testament to the resilience and unity of the community in the face of ongoing challenges to women’s rights and gender equality, sending a powerful message of strength and determination.