ChillOut Festival 2026

ChillOut Festival 2026

ChillOut, Australia’s number one Queer Country Pride festival, ­is held in the gay capital of regional Victoria – Daylesford! From humble beginnings, ChillOut has grown to become the biggest and longest-running Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia, and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire.

• Visiting for Chillout? Labor Day Long weekend is one of the busiest times in Australia, marking the highlight of the Summer season . Book your hotel or apartment early to ensure you have a place to stay.

When is Chillout Daylesford?

• Next Edition: Thursday 5th March 2026 – Monday 9th March 2026.
• ChillOut began as an annual festival of the Springs Connection, a local gay and lesbian business group in Daylesford.
• The first festival was staged in 1997 and each year the festival is held over the Victorian Labour Day long weekend in March.

Daylesford Chillout Festival Program

• Across give days in early March, the festival transforms the Central Highlands of Victoria into “Queer Country”.
• There’s a carnival, a champagne bar, even a parade through the town. There are plenty of cowboy hats and flannelette shirts. Unlike your average bush dance, however, in Daylesford the cowboys will be spinning one another around the dancefloor.
• Events culminate in a final weekend of parties.
• Note, the event hosted its major parties in a big-top style tent in 2025 as a result of some venues being under repair. The massive tent proved such a success, it is set to return for the 2026 edition and will play host to events from Friday through to Sunday. Located in Victoria Park.
• Stay in the heart of Daylesford and enjoy easy access to all the parties and parade at the Albert Guest House, rated “Fabulous” by guests. The hotel has beautiful self contained apartment suites as well as 5 boutique heritage style rooms.

Chillout Festival Parade

• Sunday 8th March 2026 – The parade is held on the final Sunday of the event. it starts at 10 am and makes its way down Vincent Street. The parade ends at 11 am.
• Grab your spot early at the Daylesford Brewing Co for the best view of the parade with espresso martinis flowing and brunch on offer. The perfect way to start the day, before settling in for a lazy Sunday or jumping on the bus to the carnival.

Carnival

• Sunday 8th March 2026 – Victoria Park, Daylesford, from 11 am to 5 pm – Set up a picnic for a day of community, laughter, singing and joy.
• As well as the annual hilarity of Best In Show Dog Show and the Tug of Love.
• Take the shuttle bus from the centre of Daylesford.

Pool Party

• Saturday 7th March 2026 – From 11 am to 5 pm – Daylesford Olympic Pool is transformed into the biggest pool party this side of Melbourne. Entertainment and activities throughout the day.
• Stay just a 3 minute ride from the pool at the Daylesford Art Motel, offering 5 star luxury accommodation with spacious rooms and a “Fabulous” experience.

Thick and Juicy

• Typically Saturday – Awaiting confirmation – Thick and Juicy Chill Out BBQ –  a massive dance party at the new Chill Out Circus Tent in Victoria Park with hundreds of friendly people on ChillOut Saturday. From 8 pm to 3 am.
• Typically Sunday – Awaiting confirmation – Sunday 9th March 2024 – Poof Doof Drag Jamboree – The official ChillOut after party! The theme changes each year and the event features a line-up of Australian queer DJ legends and drag icons.

Gay Daylesford

While events in the capital cities might be a lot bigger, ChillOut retains a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to let your hair down, and has found a special place in the hearts of gay men and lesbians across Australia – and the world

• Daylesford is a charming town. The roads are wide and lined with trees; a grand post office, topped with a turret, stands at one end of the main street; a turn of the century pub with a wide balcony shading the footpath below, at the other.
• The town of 2500, at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, is one of the increasing number of regional towns and outer suburbs LGBTI Australians are calling home. It is just over a one-hour drive from Melbourne.

Where to stay during Chillout Daylesford

• Central Daylesford: Ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of shops, cafes, galleries, and the iconic Convent Gallery. Central Daylesford offers a range of accommodations from boutique hotels to luxurious bed and breakfast options.
• Hepburn Springs: Just a few minutes drive from the center of Daylesford, Hepburn Springs is another excellent area for accommodations, especially for spa and wellness enthusiasts. This area is known for its mineral springs and spa treatments, with a range of accommodations from historic guesthouses to luxury spa resorts.

The following hotels are close to Central Daylesford:

Hotel Frangos,   Central Springs Inn,   The Royal Hotel,    Pendower House B&B.