Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Raises $20M for Women’s Causes
Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural all-women festival, Daisy Chain Fields, drew 45,000 attendees to Irvine, California, raising $10 million in ticket sales. Philanthropist Melinda French Gates matched the amount, doubling the total to $20 million for ten nonprofits supporting women and girls. The event featured a multi-generational lineup, including Sarah McLachlan, Chappell Roan, and Doechii, all performing without fees. Rodrigo framed the event as a spiritual successor to the 1990s Lilith Fair, emphasizing community and reproductive rights. While the music and charitable impact were praised, the event faced logistical challenges, including extreme heat, long lines for water and food, and chaotic traffic exits. The festival included an educational component, 'Daisy Chain Reaction,' where attendees could learn about the beneficiary organizations.
