The Daisy Chain Fields Festival took place Saturday in Irvine, California, drawing a crowd of 45,000 attendees to celebrate contemporary music with a strong emphasis on feminist spirit and female empowerment. The event, created by singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, featured performances by notable artists spanning genres and generations, including punk icons Bikini Kill, indie mainstays Garbage, and emerging talents like Devon Again and Doechii.
Tickets for the festival sold out within 30 minutes of release, reflecting high anticipation after Rodrigo announced the event in late June. The audience comprised a wide demographic, from teenage fans to parents, all gathered amid a sweltering 94-degree heat to experience the lineup that united music and activism.
A notable aspect of the festival was its philanthropic focus. Each musician performed without compensation, and the event raised $10 million for ten nonprofits dedicated to supporting girls and women. These organizations were introduced onstage before each act, highlighting the festival’s commitment to social causes. Olivia Rodrigo announced during her closing performance that the initial donations had been matched by philanthropist Melinda French Gates, effectively doubling the total to $20 million.
The day’s performances spanned a range of styles and energies. Die Spitz opened the event with a spirited set that included crowd-surfing antics by frontwoman Ellie Livingston, embodying the festival’s raw, energetic atmosphere. Devon Again joined as a last-minute replacement for the global girl group Katseye, delivering a high-energy blend of country and pop that established her presence on the festival stage.
Other artists brought unique contributions to the event. Santigold’s eclectic blend of indie and dance beats energized the crowd with hits like “Run the Road.” Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna infused her performance with political urgency, challenging the audience to confront misogyny and continue feminist activism. Mitski incorporated avant-garde Japanese dance elements during her set, while The Breeders emphasized their ’90s alt-rock legacy with classic songs from their “Last Splash” album.
Rap artist Doechii used her platform to celebrate Black women and queer communities through a vibrant set that included covers and references to iconic female artists. Garbage, led by Shirley Manson, evoked the enduring relevance of ’90s alt-rock in addressing contemporary themes of surveillance and societal pressure.
Emerging artist Chappell Roan delivered a hit-heavy performance, while Not For Radio brought a darker, rock-inflected chamber pop ambiance to the late afternoon. Throughout the festival, Olivia Rodrigo highlighted her admiration for female musicians, sharing duets with legendary figures like Stevie Nicks and Alanis Morissette, and joining Lilith Fair founder Sarah McLachlan onstage for emotional renditions of their songs.
Notably, the festival underscored the solidarity among women in music. Rodrigo’s all-female backing band received equal recognition, affirming the event’s ethos of empowerment and collective artistry. The festival also inspired conversations about sustainability, as many attendees utilized public transit options—evidenced by crowded Metrolink trains from Los Angeles to Orange County.
Overall, Daisy Chain Fields Festival delivered a robust celebration of music, gender equality, and social advocacy, positioning itself as a cultural moment that connects generations of female artists with a new wave of fans.