By Emily Panameno
On August 29, more than 45,000 people gathered to experience the first ever “Daisy Chain Fields,”a music festival founded and headlined by Olivia Rodrigo.
Unlike other well known music festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza, Daisy Chain Fields represented more than just performances with our favorite female artists. It was created with the purpose of uniting women together through music, community, and advocacy.
The festival was inspired by the iconic 1990s Lilith Fair founded by Sarah McLachlan which was created as a direct response to the institutional sexism in the music industry during the 1990s.
Being considered the “Sister Festival,” Rodrigo sought to bring people together, build that same sense of community the Lilith Fair once created, and bring a space where people could enjoy live music while also learning and supporting women-focused non profit organizations.
The all-female lineup included performances from Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Not For Radio, and many more. These artists brought their own unique style to each stage and allowed for others to celebrate the voices and accomplishments of women all around the world.
There were also several surprise appearances such as Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, and Stevie Nicks joining Rodrigo on the stage, performing songs such as “Ironic,” “Landslide,” “Serena Joy,” and “Angel,” which also served as a tribute to the late Dolly Parton. These performances created beautiful memories that connected different generations of fans and musicians attending the festival.
The festival also featured ten female-focused non profit organizations such as Baby2Baby, Center for Reproductive Rights, Freeform, and National Women’s Law Center. Throughout the festival, fans could find these non-profit organizations in the “Daisy Chain Reaction” building, containing interactive activities, art installations, and general information about these organizations. This event raised $20 million for these nonprofits, helping support their efforts to provide resources for women and girls across the globe.
“I’m super proud that 100% of the proceeds of Daisy Chain go to charity,” Olivia Rodrigo said in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I got to meet the head of these incredible organizations. I got to go to most of their offices too, and meet the lobbyists, volunteers, and lawyers who are doing such incredible work.”
By the end of the festival, Daisy Chain Fields became more than a musical performance, it became a transformative and empowering experience and an exhibition of proud femininity.
Rodrigo confirmed a 2027 Daisy Chains Festival featuring more amazing artists and organizations, keeping her message alive.
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