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INDUSTRY REPORT # 70
OC’s NEXT BIG HIT!
August 12th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez & Clara Amaris Becker
For decades, Southern California has been a destination place for people worldwide. For Orange County, Disney, and OC sports teams – such as the Ducks and Angels, along with NCAA basketball tourneys – have brought people here for more than fun in the sun.
Equally, the OC’s vibrant music scene has been a big part of its colorful entertainment legacy. Places like Irvine Meadows, House of Blues, Honda Center, Five Point Amphitheatre have delivered unforgettable moments. Now, Great Park Live [GPL] is ready to take center stage as part of the new entertainment hub that is about to explode.
Earlier this week we had the opportunity to chat with Cory Hilderbrand, Deputy Director of Community & Library Services at the City of Irvine, and Melissa Haley, Director of Communications & Engagement also at the City of Irvine. Both have been instrumental in bringing the vision of the Daisy Chain Fields to reality. It is clear that the entire city team put a lot of blood and sweat into it to not only make this event happen, but to create an atmosphere at this facility that is nothing short of top notch.
In putting this story together, we had to go back in time and address what led us to where we are today. The legacy of Irvine Meadows and Five Point Amp had great successes; but it also provided lots of learning experiences. As a result, delivering a venue that put consumer experience at the top of the list while being a good neighbor to the locals turned out to be equally important. I was impressed how each of these city executives were on the same page when describing the journey to where the venue is today. Lots of preparation, listening, learning, and evolving were and continue to be important to the City of Irvine.
GPL is laid over a sprawling 500 acres with unbelievable community and music venue amenities. The layout allows for multiple stages and an open floor format that can be converted to open and festival seating. Most impressive, the festival floor plan can be adjusted to accommodate up to 45,000 crazed concertgoers.
The care they put into GPL is evident. I asked how important it was to them to keep the OC feel top the venue while taking into consideration what concertgoers want and keeping the look appealing to the locals. Hilderbrand was honest and sincere – he said, “I think it was very important. I think that’s one of the things that we hear probably the most that compliments that we get of that facility is that it still feels like a park-like setting. It’s not. An industrial type of amphitheater. Irvine Meadows was great, but it all the seats and it felt like an amphitheater where Great Park Live really has that open air feel and the natural grass, the views of the balloon, which is obviously an iconic feature of Great Park.”
With a new venue in place, the first mega event coming to GPL is Daisy Chain Fields on August 29th, and tickets blew out like wildfire once they went up. The festival comes to us from the heart and soul of Olivia Rodrigo. She too went through a journey that inspired this sonic vision. Truth be told, a vision is one thing, making it reality is another. I asked Hilderbrand what it was like to work with Rodrigo’s team. He said, “They have been absolutely fantastic to work with.”
August 29th, 2026
I asked if it was fair to compare this festival to the ‘96 super-fest, Lilith Fair. Given today’s hyperbolic political environment, it is difficult at best to promote any topic that doesn’t draw the ire of somebody. So far that hasn’t been an issue. It was expressed that all people’s rights to express themselves is always recognized and respected. This event will respect all, and security will be provided to ensure that all parties attending will enjoy a non-confrontational festival. For that,
I applaud their effort to keep the peace no matter what. For those with inquiring minds, there will be plenty of security inside the venue and outside of it. That said, the festival will provide a platform for charities and organizations that provide services to women – including reproductive rights. In the Philanthropy Village there will be booths that will provide education, dialogue and community engagement for women. Proceeds from the show will go towards these charities – which translates to the ticket you purchased matters.
As for the show itself, there are some definite heavy hitters. The aforementioned Olivia Rodrigo will be showcasing her larger-than-life musical spectacular.
Artists that are “IT” right now, including Chappell Roan, Doechii, KATSEYE, and Santigold.
Also on the bill will be Shirley Manson and her uber-alt rocker mates known as Garbage.
Another female fronted band will include the legend Kim Deal and her mates The Breeders.
Concertgoers will also experience the sights and sounds of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ lead crooner, Karen O, the legendary Fleetwood Mac vocalist, Stevie Nicks, and if that’s not enough, Lilith Fair founder, Sarah McLachlan will also take the stage.
Other bands to look out for include punk rockers, Bikini Kill. There’s the electrifying sound of Die Spitz, and Mitski will definitely bring the boom.
There are a number of other bands playing that will entertain you from beginning to end. For those attending, here are the set times:
A few things a concertgoer may notice immediately is the aesthetic look of the venue and how it is uniquely Orange County. The look, feel and vibe it gives is like no other venue you have ever been to.
Because the City of Irvine has considered every angle to make it the best experience possible, they have worked out details with OC Vibe and UC Irvine to provide additional parking and shuttle services. Here’s a link if you want to take advantage of the offsite services.
PARKING | SHUTTLE
As for what to expect, a full day of great music, lots of information that women can take in to help them navigate life in 2026. I asked Hilderbrand and Haley if this is just the inaugural event with more to come down the road. They said they will see how this one plays out, but they also seemed very optimistic that this one will not only be a festival to remember, but a festival that matters beyond the music. Women standing up for things that matter to them, just like their Lilith Fair sisters did.
The music landscape for Orange County looks very bright. With the launch of OC Vibe, other established venues, and GPL taking off, the OC will definitely be an entertainment juggernaut we can all benefit from.
For those not familiar with the area, here is the site map:
Bottom line, Great Park Live is a class act from top to bottom – Daisy Chain Fields will showcase what the world of music in Irvine will look like for years to come
TO FOLLOW
TO FOLLOW
SID 260812 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
