Olivia Rodrigo’s debut festival, Daisy Chain Fields, garnered acclaim for its lineup exclusively featuring women and its mission to support reproductive rights and combat gender-based violence. While many vendors shared positive feedback, the event faced criticism this week from two vendors who claimed they faced subpar working conditions and delayed payments.
Both vendors have since confirmed that they have been compensated in full. Mary Chacon, the owner of Ugly Oats Kitchen, one of the vendors, mentioned in a recent Instagram update that executives from Daisy Chain Fields had addressed their concerns with kindness and sincerity.
The festival, held at Great Park in Irvine, California, attracted hordes of fans who enjoyed performances by artists such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Bikini Kill, and Olivia Rodrigo herself. All performers volunteered their time, with the festival proceeds benefiting 10 organizations supporting women’s rights, including Planned Parenthood and the National Institute for Reproductive Health.
Initially raising $10 million, the festival’s funds were doubled through a matching donation by Melinda French Gates, totaling $20 million. Over 50 food and drink vendors participated in the festival, with many expressing their satisfaction with the event in the days following.
Despite the overall positive reception, two vendors raised concerns about their experience. Chacon detailed issues with their point of contact, DLS Events, including inadequate information sharing and delayed payments. She has since confirmed that payment has been received, and praised Daisy Chain Fields for their efforts to address vendor concerns.
Another vendor, Por Suerte, also reported payment delays but later updated that they had been compensated, noting the responsiveness of the festival organizers to feedback.
While Olivia Rodrigo has not publicly commented on the vendors’ issues, the event has been commended for its focus on women’s and reproductive rights. Despite challenges like a heatwave and traffic congestion, the festival’s success has led city officials to express interest in hosting it again next year.
Rodrigo has been an advocate for reproductive rights, criticizing abortion bans as “pro-control.” She has previously supported women-focused charities and continues her advocacy during her ongoing Unraveled tour. Reflecting on the festival, Rodrigo described it as a career highlight, emphasizing the collective sense of hope and care for others that it inspired.