Olivia Rodrigo founded and headlined the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival on August 29, 2026, at Great Park in Irvine, California, drawing approximately 45,000 attendees [1, 2, 3]. The all-women lineup featured Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Garbage, Santigold, The Breeders, Bikini Kill, Rachel Chinouriri, Stevie Nicks, Karen O, and others [1, 2]. Inspired by the 1990s Lilith Fair co-founded by Sarah McLachlan, the festival sought to foster solidarity among women artists and emphasize a communal, non-commercial ethos [1, 2].
Artists performed without payment to support the festival’s charitable mission. Rodrigo said, "The fact that they took the time out of their insanely busy schedules to come and do this festival for free is something I’m so grateful for. Because of that, and because of all of you who came to hang out today, I can stand on the stage and say we are donating $10m to 10 incredible charities. I really believe that giving women the tools to decide their own futures and live healthy lives free of violence and discrimination is the most effective tool we have at changing the world for the better" [2].
The festival raised an initial $10 million, which Melinda French Gates pledged to match during the event, doubling the total to $20 million. Gates attended the festival and praised the effort, stating, "Look at what you have done. Look at what you created! What I love about you is that you know that real power is not up here on stage, it's with everybody there, all of you. When women and girls come together to dream and to lead, we change the world" [2, 3]. Rodrigo expressed gratitude for French Gates' support: "She’s generous and brave and has done so much good in this world, and I’m totally floored because as well as being in attendance here tonight, she’s pledged to double every dollar that we made here today to a grand total of funds being donated to $20m. I’m so grateful!" [2].
The $20 million will be evenly divided among 10 beneficiary organizations focusing on women’s health, rights, and well-being. These include Baby2Baby, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Centre for Reproductive Rights, FreeFrom, Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Institute for Reproductive Health, National Women’s Law Centre, and Planned Parenthood [2, 3].
Olivia Rodrigo first announced the creation of Daisy Chain Fields in June 2026, positioning it as a contemporary response to Lilith Fair that places community and activism at its core [1, 3]. The festival’s success and the pledged matching funds culminate in a $20 million donation benefiting women-focused causes nationwide.
