By Maggie Luy
Paper decor fluttered overhead as baby doll dresses and flower crowns filled the crowd. Women-owned vendors lined the walkways as festivalgoers moved through the sunlight, surrounded by bursts of color and music.
That vibrant atmosphere captured the spirit of Daisy Chain Fields as Olivia Rodrigo hosted the festival on Aug. 29 at Great Park in Irvine, bringing an estimated 45,000 attendees together for a day of music, history and community.
Great Park took on a new look for the festival with the park’s timeline transformed into the Daisy Lane Activation, showcasing pivotal moments in women’s history. The Great Park balloon was also redesigned with a daisy and the festival’s logo on each side, extending their visual theme. At the Great Park Gallery, “Grrrl Germs: Punk feminism goes viral, 1991–2026” further connects the festival’s focus on women and music beyond the stages.
The festival’s lineup included artists ranging from Quiet Light to Chappell Roan, with all performers donating their time. Devon Again joined the lineup in place of KATSEYE after member Megan suffered an ankle injury, while Rodrigo shared the stage with three special guests throughout the night. Sarah McLachlan, for “Building a Mystery” and “Angel,” Alanis Morissette, who stepped in for Karen O, to perform “Ironic,” and Stevie Nicks for “Landslide,” which closed out the night.
Daisy Chain Fields is a music festival centered on celebrating women in music while connecting audiences with issues affecting women and girls. Beyond its performances, the festival incorporates educational opportunities, community resources and partnerships with organizations addressing those issues. Proceeds from the festival helped fund their work beyond Great Park.
That mission was reflected through the festival’s Daisy Chain Reaction Volunteer Drive, which generated more than 1,000 volunteer hours through L.A. Works. Volunteers who participated also had the opportunity to enter to win two festival tickets. The festival raised $10 million for related organizations, which philanthropist Melinda French Gates matched to reach a total of $20 million.
As the night came to an end, Rodrigo signed off with, “see you next year,” hinting at a possible return of Daisy Chain Fields to Great Park.
Until then, the organizations involved will continue advancing their efforts through outreach and advocacy. More information about the organizations and ways to support their work is available through the Daisy Chain Fields nonprofit partners page.
