In recent years, feminine expression has been very prominent in the music industry. Artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA and Chappell Roan have all topped the charts with their hits, headlining festivals and going on tours. But what happens when you invite multiple chart-topping female musicians to perform at the same charity festival? History is made.
On August 29, 2026, Olivia Rodrigo held a completely women-led music festival at Daisy Chain Fields with exclusively female performers. This festival was a celebration of women in music that fostered a sense of community and respect for female musicians. Rodrigo created Daisy Chain Festival with the intent to raise money and awareness for women-focused charity organizations and spotlight feminism in a time when it is needed most.
There has not been an all female music festival since the Lilith Fair Festival in 1997. Lilith Fair was created in order to fight sexist music industry norms and create a safe space for women in music. It went on for three years, plus a revival in 2010. Performers at Lilith Fair included Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Lauryn Hill, Liz Phair and many more.
Performers at Daisy Chain Fields included artists representing an expansive range of genres. Chappell Roan dazzled the stage with queer glam and pop ballads, while Die Spitz carried the energy with classic punk and alternative metal elements. Other artists included Rodrigo herself, Bikini Kill, Mitski, Doechii and The Breeders.
“I’ve followed Olivia for a long time, since 2019, and seeing her get together with so many big artists [that] everyone can relate to, and accomplish all of this [was crazy],” commented Grace Lee ‘29. “[There were] all different types of genres. It was kind of crazy.”
In addition to musical performances, Daisy Chain also included art installations created by women, one of the most popular being Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree, allowing the festival-goers to write down and tie a wish to a tree. Another popular installation was Astria Suparak’s Grrl Germs: Punk feminism goes viral, 1991-2026, exploring the Riot Grrl feminist movement through archival zines and music.
Despite the extreme heat warning on the day of the festival, the mood at the festival remained upbeat. It was a full day of women from all over the world coming together to support and connect with female artists, while raising almost $20 million in donations for female-focused charities, something that has never been done before.
“This festival with its all-women line up, and the reason behind it, made it 100% monumental,” said Andi Reyes ‘29.
Daisy Chain united women at a time where female representation in festivals is declining and women’s equality in the music industry is in crisis. According to Book More Women, a nonprofit organization that tracks gender inequality seen in music festivals, in 2025, only 22% of artists performing at festivals were female.
Rodrigo encouraged political activism at the festival. Many artists made political comments during their sets, with Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill opining during her set that the current administration is unjust towards women.
Similarly, an art installation by the Guerilla Girls invited attendees to write personal political grievances on chalkboards. Many wrote messages advocating for women’s rights and the abolishment of ICE. Rodrigo herself debuted a new feminist song, Serena Joy, during her headlining set. The title references an infamous character from the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale who creates an oppressive society for women and then later suffers the consequences of it. The song criticizes those who support or ignore oppressive systems, believing that their privilege will protect them from the consequences of their actions.
Although the festival was a one-day event, the hope and community that Daisy Chain fostered continue to resonate with the women and girls who attended and charities that the program funded.
“The impact that Olivia had because of Daisy Chain is huge,” proclaims Reyes. “There is no doubt in my mind that other music festivals will soon follow behind her footsteps.”
