The inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival, headlined by Olivia Rodrigo and featuring an all-female lineup, drew approximately 45,000 concertgoers to Irvine's Great Park on Saturday. While the on-stage performances received positive reviews, the event's conclusion was marred by widespread reports of traffic gridlock and disorganization, leaving many attendees frustrated.
Attendees described significant challenges in exiting the venue and accessing transportation. Common complaints included a lack of clear signage directing festival-goers to rideshare pickup locations, which were reportedly located two miles from the main exit. Some attendees alleged that key access roads were closed, further hindering access to designated pickup areas and exacerbating the congestion.
"Leaving was an absolute sh-t show," one attendee wrote on Reddit, detailing claims of being "stuck for hours" and observing people walking miles in search of rides. Social media platforms were flooded with similar accounts, with one Instagram post rating the festival's parking and exit experience "0/10" despite a "10/10" score for the event itself. Some attendees reported walking up to five miles to reach their vehicles or find alternative transportation.
The chaotic exit occurred despite organizers implementing transportation plans, including limited on-site parking that required advance purchase and sold-out quickly. Paid shuttle services were also offered from satellite locations at UC Irvine and the OCVIBE area. The Irvine Police Department had stated a "strong police presence" would be in the area to manage traffic and parking.
However, numerous attendees felt these plans faltered once the festival concluded. Reports of zero rideshare options were common, forcing many to walk long distances. Parents attempting to pick up younger attendees also faced difficulties due to road closures that obstructed access to designated pickup zones.
Some counterarguments suggested that traffic issues are an expected byproduct of large-scale events. One social media user commented that "If that’s your only complaint, sounds like a success to me," adding that "Festivals rarely get it perfect on the first go."
The festival's lineup included Stevie Nicks, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Bikini Kill, Sarah McLachlan, The Breeders, and a surprise appearance by Alanis Morissette. The event's net proceeds were designated for women's charities, including Baby2Baby, Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Irvine's Great Park, a 1,300-acre site, is undergoing significant development with the aim of becoming a major entertainment and tourism hub in Southern California.