Daisy Chain Fields: The Highlights

In late August 2026, Irvine played host to the debut Daisy Chain Fields festival, a groundbreaking event spearheaded by Olivia Rodrigo that celebrates female empowerment through music and philanthropy. Drawing a crowd of over 45,000 attendees, the festival carried forward the spirit of the 1990s Lilith Fair, originally established by Sarah McLachlan, embracing a mission to uplift women in the music industry and beyond.

Olivia Rodrigo’s vision for Daisy Chain Fields was realized through a carefully curated lineup that blended emerging talents and established legends. Featured performers included Chappell Roan, Bikini Kill, Doechii, Garbage, Mitski, Rachel Chinouriri, and Santigold, among others. Notably, Olivia personally reached out to each artist, underscoring her commitment to a collaborative and intentional event.

The festival was marked by historic onstage moments, most significantly Olivia’s collaboration with Stevie Nicks. Their rendition of “Landslide” merged generational talents, offering a poignant moment of musical synergy. This performance sparked speculation about a potential new collaboration between Rodrigo and Nicks for the anticipated "Practical Magic 2" soundtrack, continuing a legacy that dates back to Stevie’s 1998 soundtrack work alongside Sheryl Crow.

Adding to the festival’s symbolic weight, Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette joined Olivia on stage, bridging the past and present of women’s music movements. McLachlan performed iconic songs such as "Angel" and "Building A Mystery," the former serving as a tribute to Dolly Parton. Alanis Morissette’s duet with Olivia on "Ironic" celebrated a shared artistic lineage and affirmed Olivia’s rising status in the singer-songwriter realm.

Philanthropy was central to the festival’s ethos. During her headline set, Olivia announced a $10 million donation to a collective of ten nonprofits dedicated to women’s and girls’ issues worldwide, including organizations like Baby2Baby, the National Women’s Law Center, and Planned Parenthood. This commitment was further amplified when Melinda French Gates joined Olivia onstage to double the donation, culminating in a $20 million contribution.

The festival grounds featured educational and interactive elements designed to engage attendees beyond performances. Booths representing each charity offered information and resources, while a “wish tree” invited festival-goers to share hopes for the future of girlhood. Celebrity presence extended to Drew Barrymore, who conducted an exclusive interview with Olivia, highlighting the event’s cultural resonance.

Among the standout performances leading up to Olivia’s set was Doechii, who captivated the audience with a striking all-pink body paint appearance. After a quiet period in 2026 following a breakthrough year in 2025, Doechii’s return to the stage was a statement of artistic resilience and authenticity. Backstage camaraderie was also notable, particularly between Doechii and Chappell Roan, whose mutual admiration was well documented on social media.

Chappell Roan’s performance was complemented by a visually arresting look inspired by the 1997 film The Fifth Element. Styled to reflect the festival’s 1990s aesthetic revival, her ensemble and sleek hairstyle paid homage to the era’s distinctive fashion, aligning with the event’s nostalgic yet forward-thinking atmosphere.

Crucially, all artists waived their performance fees, ensuring that resources were maximally directed to charitable causes. This collective generosity emphasized the festival’s foundations in solidarity and meaningful impact.

As Daisy Chain Fields concluded its inaugural edition, Olivia Rodrigo positioned herself not only as a leading figure in contemporary music but also as an influential advocate for women’s empowerment. With plans already announced to return in 2027, the festival is poised to become a lasting platform for artistic collaboration and social change, reaffirming and expanding the legacy initiated by Lilith Fair decades earlier.