Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Raises $20M for Women’s Causes

Key points

• Daisy Chain Fields took place on August 29, 2026, at Great Park in Irvine, California, attracting 45,000 fans.
• The festival raised $10 million from ticket sales, which was matched by Melinda French Gates to reach $20 million.
• Proceeds were distributed equally among ten nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Baby2Baby.
• The lineup featured artists across generations, such as Sarah McLachlan, Bikini Kill, Garbage, and Chappell Roan, all performing for free.
• Rodrigo headlined and brought out special guests Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah McLachlan for collaborative performances.
• The event included a 'Daisy Chain Reaction' area for attendees to engage with nonprofit representatives and a 'Wish Tree' installation.

Background

Daisy Chain Fields is the latest in a series of all-women music festivals, following the 1990s Lilith Fair organized by Sarah McLachlan. Recent years have seen other women-led events, such as Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend and Joni Mitchell’s Joni Jams. The festival’s timing coincides with a period of significant political and social pushback against women's rights in the United States, particularly regarding reproductive healthcare. Rodrigo has cited the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade as a key inspiration for the event, linking it to her 2022 Glastonbury performance where she sang 'Fuck You' with Lily Allen. The festival also follows the 2025 documentary 'Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery,' which revisited the original event's impact and challenges.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasizes the personal connection between Rodrigo and McLachlan, highlighting the generational passing of the torch and the emotional significance of the collaboration. The outlet focuses on the festival as a direct response to sexism in the music industry and a celebration of women's progress. CNN provides a photo essay and quotes from attendees, focusing on the festival's charitable impact and the diverse backgrounds of the crowd, including Muslim women and fans from various states. The outlet highlights the political motivation behind the event, with attendees citing the need to support women's rights in the current political climate. The Guardian offers a critical review, praising the musical performances and conceptual approach but criticizing the logistical failures, particularly the lack of preparation for extreme heat and long lines for basic resources. The outlet notes the festival's alignment with protest movements and its role as a space for emotional release and community. Teen Vogue focuses on the fashion and style of the attendees and performers, highlighting the daisy-themed outfits and the impact of the festival on festival fashion trends. The outlet also notes the absence of KATSEE due to an injury, replaced by Devon Again.

Why it matters

Daisy Chain Fields represents a significant moment in the intersection of music, activism, and philanthropy. By raising $20 million for women's causes, the festival demonstrates the power of celebrity influence in driving social change. The event also highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in the United States and the importance of community and solidarity in the face of political and social challenges. The festival's success, despite logistical issues, suggests a strong demand for events that combine entertainment with social purpose. It also marks a new era for all-women festivals, following the legacy of Lilith Fair and other recent events, and sets a precedent for future charitable music events.

What to watch

Rodrigo has indicated that she plans to expand the Daisy Chain Fund in future years, potentially including annual charity songs. The festival's success may lead to additional events or tours, although no specific plans have been announced. The nonprofits that received the donations will continue their work, with the $20 million providing significant support for their programs. The logistical challenges faced at the festival may lead to improvements in future events, with organizers likely to address issues related to heat, water, food, and traffic. The festival's impact on women's rights and charitable giving may inspire other artists and organizations to create similar events.