As we continue to ride the wave of gender equality and women empowerment in 2025, the legacy of the Lykke Li’s Inaugural YOLA DÍA Festival resonates now more than ever. Held at the LA Historic State Park back in August 2019, this trailblazing event was the first women’s festival in L.A. in two decades. It was not just a celebration of music but a powerful statement for women’s representation in the industry. More than just a festival, Yola Día was a movement, a beacon of hope for women struggling for fair treatment in festival bills and headlining spots.
The YOLA DÍA Festival was a unique occurrence in modern festival culture, instead of slowly integrating more women, this festival deliberately focused its mission on women. Renowned activist Dolores Huerta set the tone of the day with her stirring speech.
;size_mode=5″ width=”837″ height=”559″ />
YOLA DÍA Festival: A Celebration of Women in Music
The rest of the day was filled with performances by female handpicked by Lykke Li herself, including Lia Ices, CupcakKe, Empress Of, Kelsey Lu, Megan Thee Stallion, Courtney Love &; The Chateau Band, SOPHIE, Cat Power. The festival ended on a high note with Lykke Li leading a dance party on stage.
Beyond the music, the festival also showcased an all-women team of bartenders and restaurateurs. Prominent guests at the festival included Karen O., Spike Jonze, King Princess, Brandon Boyd, Rostam, Kelly Osbourne, Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, among others. A dollar from every ticket sold was donated to The Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness. The YOLA DÍA Festival was a testament to the power of women’s unionism, and its spirit continues to resonate today.
#WomenInMusic #YOLADIAFestival #WomenEmpowerment #MusicFestivals #GenderEquality
