Roll up, roll up! One of Australia’s premier regional LGBTIQ+ pride events, ChillOut Festival, is returning to Daylesford and surrounds over the Labour Day weekend from 6 – 10 March 2025, with the theme, Rainbow Circus Spectacular!
From humble beginnings in 1997, ChillOut Festival has grown to become one of Australia’s largest and longest running queer country pride festivals – attracting more than thirty-thousand-plus visitors to the region across the festival weekend.
The festival kicks off on Thursday 6 March with a free community event under the ChillOut Big Top at Victoria Park. Hosted by ChillOut favourites Frock Hudson and Spankie Jackzon, sing along with talented local primary school choirs and expect some special circus surprises.
Festival favourites such as the fabulously camp Bush Dance (Saturday night) and Street Parade and Carnival (Sunday) will return, along with new events such as Rainbow Spectacular! – which will get the party started under the Big Top in Victoria Park on the Friday night. Poof Doof is returning once again to host the official ChillOut after party! (Sunday night).
Throughout the weekend, experience the diversity and talent of the LGBTIQ+ community with events encompassing cabaret, comedy, dance, music and visual arts. Sample some of the region’s finest food and wine offerings.
The iconic Yard Party is back at the Daylesford Hotel. Groove into the magical world of Guru Dudu Silent Disco Walking Tours. Take a Ride with TINA! on the Daylesford Railway. Take advantage of the ChillOut Shuttle Buses to get around all weekend!
Highlights of the 2025 ChillOut Festival include:
Rainbow Spectacular!
ChillOut Big Top – Victoria Park: Friday 7 March – 8.00pm
Under the Big Top, Rainbow Spectacular will headline the incomparable Marcia Hines performing a Disco Inferno set. The show will also feature performances by Emily-Jane Conidi (The Voice Australia), Spankie Jackzon (RuPauls Drag Race Down Under), and illusionist Cath Jamieson. DJ Rosie Rae will spin the decks to close out the night. Free event!
Youth Muster in the Park!
Victoria Park: Saturday 8 March – 11.00am
Hosted by Nate Byrne and Frock Hudson, this free event is a safe space for young people, their allies, friends and families to support and celebrate each other as they enjoy live entertainment, panel discussions, a clothes swap and more! A rainbow family picnic will also be held for new and expecting parents of babies, toddlers and young children.
Big Top Burlesque
ChillOut Big Top – Victoria Park: Saturday 8 March – 2.00pm
A little bit cheeky, a little bit naughty but a whole lot of fun! Be amazed as Ziegfeld Boy brings a show full of feathers and sequins, risqué lyrics and songs to ChillOut Festival 2025. Featuring guest performances from Brenda Bressed and Milo Hartil – who are set to join in the fun!
Drag Storytime in the Park
Victoria Park: Saturday 8 March – 3.00pm
Reading is good for you – it’s FUN-damental! Join Nate Byrne, proud guest on ABC’s Play School earlier this year, Frock Hudson and Gabriella La Bucci for afternoon story time right here in the LGBTQIA+ capital of regional Victoria. A family friendly session where everyone is welcome.
3 Ring Comedy Circus
ChillOut Big Top – Victoria Park: Saturday 8 March – 5.00pm
Step into the World of a comedy show like no other, where the absurd meets the hilarious. Your host Kyran Nicholson will introduce comedy superstars, Rhys Nicholson, Geraldine Hickey and Joel Creasey to the stage.
Thick ‘N’ Juicy
ChillOut Big Top – Victoria Park: Saturday 8 March – 7.30pm
The Official Dance Party for ChillOut Festival 2025 – get ready to experience THICK ‘N’ JUICY on a whole new level, under the huge purpose-built BIG TOP at Victoria Park.
Bush Dance
Victoria Park: Saturday 8 March – 8.00pm
Slip on your best flannie and cowboy boots for two stepping and line dancing with your MCs Farmer Dave, Kyran Nicholson and Freddie Merkin and special guest performer Brenda Bressed. Live toe tapping, thigh slapping tunes from the Double Dole String Band and Slip Slide Band and then bangers from DJ Rosie Rai.
ChillOut Street Parade
Vincent St, Daylesford: Sunday 9 March – 11.00am
Grab a prime position on Vincent street and enjoy all the colour and vibrancy of the iconic ChillOut Street Parade featuring members of the local community and festival stars on display.
Carnival
Victoria Park: Sunday 9 March – 12.00pm
This flagship family friendly event showcases a range of stalls and food vendors and a terrific line-up of festival favourites and new faces including Rogue Traders, Joanne, Jawbreakers, Bec Sandridge, Farmer Dave, Freddie Merkin, Dean Arcuri, Spankie Jackzon, Nate Byrne, Emily-Jane Conidi, and DJ Du Jour. Bring your fur babies for the PetStock Dog Show heats at 1.30pm, and kids of all ages can enjoy Cath Jamison’s magic show at 3.00pm!
Lavandaze
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, Shepherds Flat: Sunday 9 March – 1.00pm
The next chapter of the Lavandaze story book takes us to its magical place where a bubbling energy aerates from the trees to float around with to a soundtrack of aural extravagance! A fabulous offering of hospitality will accompany us on a journey from day to night with a transformation of a beautiful historical property by light into a wonderland of technicolour to enhance an evening of excitement and adventure.
Sundaylicious
ChillOut Big Top – Victoria Park: Sunday 9 March – 5.00pm
Sundaylicious is back at ChillOut Festival! Join us in the iconic Big Top for an epic evening of vibrant beats, incredible vibes, and pure celebration. Don’t miss this fabulous LGBTQIA+ party at Australia’s biggest queer country festival. Let’s dance, connect, and create magical memories together!
Poof Doof – Clown Town
Victoria Park: Sunday 9 March – 7.00pm
Poof Doof are bringing their twisted sideshow of super freaky queens and DJ jesters to Daylesford to turn up the Official Carnival After Party! Line-up includes: The Illustrious Blacks (USA), Hot and Bothered (UK), Jamie CD (USA), Max Drag Queen from Drag Race Downunder, Argonaut, Bettie Rosé, Clickbait, Daytona, Fembot XYZ, Jason Conti, Jesse Boyd, Justin Teliqure, Rosie Rai and Ruby Slippers.
The 2025 ChillOut Festival runs Thursday 6 March to Monday 10 March. For more information and full program, visit: www.chilloutfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Rainbow Circus Spectacular – courtesy of ChillOut Festival