Daisy Chain Fields: A Festival That Felt Like What the World Could Be

Daisy Chain Fields, a charity festival benefiting women-aligned organizations, curated by Olivia Rodrigo, took place yesterday, August 29, 2026, at the Great Park in Irvine, CA- and I was there.

The Vibe

Olivia (and whatever design team you collabed with), I love what you’ve done with the place! The Great Park was transformed into vibey festival grounds. Soft lighting adorned the trees. Shabby-chic couches were added to the bench seating areas.

The Mirco-Rave, a small room designed to look like a microwave that people could enter to rave to a random song for 60 seconds, complete with a countdown timer, was a nice touch. There were also a real-life carousel and an interactive Lego art installation.

The Bands

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see every band on the bill because I arrived later in the day (a blessing, considering the extreme heat that’s been plaguing SoCal for the past few weeks) and took a break from the nonstop bands to wait in seemingly mile-long lines for merch and food. But here’s who I did see.

Die Spitz

Raw and angsty, these young girls proved they have what it takes to lead the current generation of women in punk.

Bikini Kill

These punk rock ladies had a considerable impact on music, leading the Riot Grrrl movement. I hadn’t caught them live before, but I’m glad that changed yesterday.

Their set was fun and high-energy. Lead singer Kathleen Hanna took brief breaks between songs to share times in her life when she felt discriminated against as a woman, making women’s rights relatable, not preachy.

Mitski

Mitski created vibes that ran from moody to evocative to joyous and reassured us that she had enough love in her heart for everyone at the festival.

Garbage

Shirley Manson used her time on stage as much as a platform as a performance. Her dialogue explored women’s rights and the importance of coming together, the benefits of generations learning from each other, and thankfulness to the people who made their way over to the Marigold stage to see an OG band.

The band powered through their set despite technical difficulties. “This is so us,” Manson joked.

Chappell Roan

Roan delivered a seemingly flawless, energetic set, backed by an all-woman band. I think I did an especially impressive rendition of the Hot to Go dance!

Olivia Rodrigo

Before singing a note, Rodrigo thanked everyone who came out and let the audience know the fest raised $10 million, a number Melinda French Gates announced she would double to $20 million, spread across ten organizations. Then the singer launched into her sassy catalog of songs to an enthusiastic audience.

Her guest-star roster was impressive. First up was Sarah McLachlan, whom Rodrigo credits with inspiring Daisy Chain Fields by organizing Lilith Fair, which ran for three years in the late 90s.

They sang two of McLachlan’s songs, Building a Mystery and Angel. The latter was announced as a tribute to Dolly Parton, and after the song ended, Dolly’s picture appeared on the screen along with the message, “We will always love you, Dolly.”

Karen O, who was scheduled to appear alongside Olivia, had to bow out at the last minute, but Alanis Morissette took her place. She duetted with Rodrigo on the song, Ironic.

Rodrigo announced her last song and the lights went down, but everyone knew we were actually waiting for an encore performance with Stevie Nicks- and that’s exactly what we got. Nicks came out to perform Landslide with her long-time guitarist Waddy Wachtel.

Even though I’d heard the song thousands of times, it somehow took on a new meaning. I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Rodrigo also low-key announced that the fest would be an annual event, possibly confirming something speculated throughout the day, by saying, “See you next year.”

Also on the bill were Doechii, the Breeders, Eli, Not for Radio, Quiet Light, Rachel Chinouriri, Santigold, and Devon Again, who replaced KASTEYE.

The Takeaway

The bands and amenities made the evening special, but something bigger was behind it. The way I stood at the side of the mosh pit without fear that I would get injured or knocked over. How the 45,000 people in attendance filtered out of the park without pushing or yelling. The way guests let my barely 5’ tall friend slide in front of them when she said she couldn’t see.

It could have been that an audience that seemed like 75% female and 25% allies was a microcosm of how life could be if women ruled the world. But I think it was something deeper- an acknowledgment that the event was happening during a time when women need to lift each other up and be gentle with each other’s feelings.

And that’s what made Daisy Chain truly special.