Olivia Rodrigo’s first-ever festival, Daisy Chain Fields, received acclaim for its lineup featuring all-women artists and its focus on supporting reproductive rights and combating gender-based violence. While some vendors expressed positive feedback, the festival faced criticism this week from two vendors who claimed they experienced unfavorable working conditions and delayed payments.
Both vendors have since confirmed that they have been fully compensated. Mary Chacon, the owner of Ugly Oats Kitchen, one of the vendors, mentioned in an Instagram update on Wednesday that two executives from Daisy Chain Fields contacted her to discuss their experience. Chacon described them as kind, apologetic, and genuinely committed to resolving the issues.
The festival, held for a single day at Great Park in Irvine, California, attracted a large crowd of fans who gathered to watch performances by artists such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Bikini Kill, and Olivia Rodrigo herself. All performers volunteered their time, and the proceeds from the event were donated to ten organizations supporting women’s rights, including Planned Parenthood, National Women’s Law Center, Black Mamas Matter, and the National Institute for Reproductive Health.
Initially raising $10 million, the festival’s funds were later matched by Melinda French Gates, bringing the total amount to $20 million. Over 50 food and drink vendors participated in the event, with many expressing their satisfaction in the days following the festival.
One vendor, Ugly Oats Kitchen, praised the event for its historic feminist nature and the support it provided to women- and minority-owned businesses. Despite this positive feedback, two vendors came forward on Tuesday to share their less-than-ideal experiences. Chacon noted in an Instagram post that the festival’s point of contact, DLS Events, had provided incomplete information about setup, omitted details about a staff food area, and warned of potential fines for food shortages. She also mentioned delays in receiving payment.
Chacon later confirmed that the payment had been processed and acknowledged the efforts of Daisy Chain Fields executives in advocating for her with DLS Events. She stated that they are working to make improvements for vendors in the future.
Efforts to obtain comments from Olivia Rodrigo’s team, C3 Presents (the event producer), and the two companies managing vendors, DLS Events and Jetty Event Productions, are ongoing. Another vendor, Por Suerte, who also reported payment issues, praised the organizers for being receptive to feedback and ensuring timely payments.
Despite challenges like a heat wave and heavy traffic, the festival has been deemed a success, with city officials expressing readiness to host it again next year. Olivia Rodrigo’s advocacy for reproductive rights has been consistent, with her previous collaborations with women-focused charities and donations from ticket sales during her GUTS tour. Rodrigo has not publicly addressed the recent vendor complaints.
The event, which focused on women’s and reproductive rights, stands out as the first of its kind among charity music festivals. Rodrigo described the festival as a significant milestone in her career, emphasizing the collective hope it brought and the shared concern for people’s well-being.
