ChillOut Returns 5 - 9 March 2026
ChillOut Festival Hosted Events 2026
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Grove Of Gratitude
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - 12PM
From little things, big things grow. Take a moment to plant a tree in a reflection of gratitude for those who have served our community and our fight for equality. Join us to plant a tree or native grass for those who we recognise have done wonderful things for our LGBTIQA+ communities.
TICKETS: Free
VENUE: Wombat Flat, Lake Daylesford -

FREE EVENT | Opening Night Launch Pad Countdown - ChillOut Festival 2026
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - 7PM
A fun and free community event to launch ChillOut Festival 2026 - Planet Love Hosted by fabulous ChillOut favourites Nate Byrne, Spankie Jackzon and Frock Hudson. With special guest Joe Ball, sing along with talented local primary school choirs and enjoy a taste of the joy and fabulous fun the ChillOut Festival brings to the area.
TICKETS: Free
VENUE: Victoria Park, Daylesford -

Shuttle Bus
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH - MONDAY 9TH MARCH 2026
Buy a shuttle bus pass for unlimited travel across the entire bus route, all weekend! Purchase your shuttle bus pass now online, or when you arrive in Daylesford from our Festival Hub. If you purchase online, you can collect your wristbands by presenting your ticket at the Festival Hub when you arrive in town.
ChillOut Shuttle Buses will run a continual loop from Jubilee Lake to Vic Park, through Daylesford to Hepburn Springs.
Look for the large bus stop signs on both sides of the road along the bus route.
Shuttle Operating Times:
Friday: 4pm - 1am
Saturday: 9am - 1am
Sunday: 9am - 1am
Please note: there will be at least 1 x fully accessible bus in operation at all times.
**No wristband, no travel.TICKETS: $20
VENUE: Chillout Festival Hub -

Friday Night Blast Off - Music & Mayhem
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 • 8PM - 1AM
Get set to blast off as we launch ChillOut 2026 from the ChillOut Big Top with Friday Night Blast Off - Music & Mayhem, a night of interstellar talent! The indescribable The Huxleys set the theme for our Planet Love weekend. Followed by TikTok sensation the angel voiced Jude York, our ChillOut discovery. You will dance, you will delight and maybe shed a tear. The incredible Reuben Kaye will deliver the mayhem in the inimitable way that has made his shows a hit across the country. Joanne will smash out the dance tunes to keep you pumping and finally RuPaul Drag race star Kita Mean on the heavenly decks. You may never come back to earth after this night!!
TICKETS: From $50
VENUE: ChillOut Big Top Victoria Park, Daylesford -

Youth Muster - Universe Of Diversity
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 11AM - 4PM
Youth Muster Univers Of Diveresity is a free event for youth, their allies, friends and families to come together is a safe and inclusive space. Returning to the picturesque garden setting of the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Sound Shell, Youth Muster Universe of Diversity will bring together emerging young talent, including Haze, Luca Di Petri, Mark Mcgregor, Callum Drage and Shout Youth LGBTQIA+ Choir. Hosted by Frock Hudson and Freddie Merkin, Youth Muster is also supported by the popular Ballarat Trans and Gender Diverse Clothes Swap, market stalls, info tents and food vendors
Rainbow Family Picnic In The Park will also be held, welcoming parents of newborn babies, toddlers and young children to enjoy a picnic and the company of other parents and young children. Concluding the day with a family friendly drag story time.
TICKETS: Free
VENUE: Hepburn Springs Reserve, Hepburn Springs -

Drag Storytime In The Park
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 3:30PM - 4:00PM
Following on from the Youth Muster - Universe Of Diveresity join us for an afternoon story time right here in the LGBTQIA+ capital of regional Victoria. A family friendly session of heartwarming stories and some surprise song and dance. Everyone is welcome is this safe space.
TICKETS: Free
VENUE: Hepburn Springs Reserve, Hepburn Springs -

Lakeside Beach Party
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - 4PM
This year we are moving out into nature! Enjoy the sunshine and the natural waters of Lake Daylesford in an afternoon of DJ tunes from Rosie Rae and Kita Mean and refreshments from a community sausage sizzle! Everyone welcome in this first for ChillOut, a Lakeside Beach Party!
TICKETS: Free
VENUE: Daylesford Lake, Daylesford -

Bush Dance
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 8PM - 1AM
ChillOut Festivals Bush Dance is one of the most popular events on the program. Think flannelette shirts and cowboy hats, big boots and belt buckles! The theme for the night is traditional bush dances and plenty of fun and laughter! The ever-enjoyable Cartwheels and the Double Dole String Band return and are sure to have you all doing the hoe-down well into the night! Set outdoors and under the glow of rainbow lit trees and festoon lights, ChillOut Festival Bush Dance is sure to be a memorable night for everyone. Join your host Nate Byrne and festival icons, Spankie Jackzon, Brenda Bressed and DJ's Rosie Rae and Sugar Plump Fairy.
*Please Note - This event is over 18+
TICKETS: From $50
VENUE: Victoria Park, Daylesford -

THICK 'N' JUICY
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 7:30PM - 1AM
We are the Official Dance Party for ChillOut Festival 2026
Get ready to experience THICK 'N' JUICY on a whole new level, under the huge purpose-built BIG TOP at Victoria Park.
🔥Local & International DJs
🔥Amazing Performers
🔥Delicious GoGo Dancers
🔥Incredible ProductionOur popular dance parties are home to a big family of beautiful friendly men and their LGBTQIA+ friends. Everyone is welcome!
We acknowledge that our events take place on First Nations land. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging.
*Please Note - This event is 18yo+
TICKETS: From $39
VENUE: ChillOut Big Top Victoria Park, Daylesford -

Street Parade
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 11AM - 12PM
The best way to start your Sunday during ChillOut Festival is to line beautiful Vincent Street and enjoy all the colour and vibrancy of the famous ChillOut Street Parade! Be sure to grab a prime location so you don't miss any of the fun! Bring your loved one, friends and family and your neighbours. Don't miss the iconic ChillOut Street Parade, with our community and festival stars the highlight. The Dykes on Bikes will be back to start the parade at 11am sharp!
TICKETS: Free
VENUE: Vincent Street, Daylesford -

Carnival Day
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - 6PM
The most popular outdoor picnic event in the picturesque Victoria Park is back! This all ages event is the flagship family friendly afternoon event at ChillOut and showcases a terrific lineup of festival favorites and some new faces. This year our Carnival Day is a little longer, allowing plenty of time to really relax in the beautiful surrounds of the space at Vic Park whilst enjoying a huge range of remarkable talent. Join our Hosts Nate Byrne, Spankie Jackzon, Frock Hudson, Freddie Merkin and fun filled entertainment from Electric Fields, Greg Gould, Kita Mean, Hannah Conda, Brenda Bressed, Rosie Rae, the return of The Lost Girls and Haze, Luca Di Petri, Mark McGregor.
TICKETS: $15
VENUE: Victoria Park, Daylesford -

POOF DOOF - Gaylien
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 7:30PM - 1AM
Mothership POOF DOOF is touching down for Gaylien - the 2026 ChillOut Official After Party!
We’re serving interstellar vibes with an international lineup including BIMINI from RuPaul's Drag Race UK (DJ Set), Absolute. (UK), Argonaut, Jimi The Kween, Elbain and a whole constellation of otherworldly creatures!
Expect a dirty deep-space dance floor that’ll keep your gravity way off-kilter. Beam me up babes!
Full Lineup:
ABSOLUTE (UK)
BIMINI (UK)
ARGONAUT
BETTIE ROSÈ
BATHSHEBA
ELBAIN
FEMBOT XYZ
JIMI THE KWEEN
JUSTIN TELIQURE
TILLY CAPULET*Please Note - This event is 18yo+
TICKETS: $50
VENUE: Victoria Park, Daylesford
ChillOut Festival Partner Events 2026
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Rainbow Exhibition
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - 4PM
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - 4PM
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - 4PM
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - 4PM
MONDAY 9TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - 4PMThe Convent, Daylesford has proudly supported the incredible Chillout Festival for many years! This year we are excited to present a Rainbow exhibition, featuring many talented artists. Each gallery space will be dedicated to one colour from the rainbow, representing diversity, community, creativity & so much more!
TICKETS: $10. Purchase At Venue
VENUE: The Convent Gallery, Daylesford -

Cardboard Orchestra - The Royal Hotel Cafe
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM - MONDAY 9TH MARCH 2026 5PM
The Cardboard Orchestra is a vibrant, whimsical art exhibition celebrating the powerful intersection of music, identity, and LGBTQIA+ culture. The exhibition is a collection of life-size cardboard replicas of musical instruments. Each one uniquely hand-painted to visually interpret a song or musician that holds personal significance to the artist Ruby Wyatt-Carter, or resonates strongly within the LGBTQIA+ community. Come into the Royal Hotel Café during opening hours and enjoy the whimsical exhibition.
TICKETS: Free Event
VENUE: The Royal Hotel Cafe, Daylesford -

Proper Cocks
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - LATE
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - LATE
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - LATE
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - LATE
MONDAY 9TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - LATE
Proper Cocks lands this ChillOut 2026 — a five-day chillout takeover at Back Bar 77. From Midday ’til late, we’re serving cheeky, sexually-themed classic cocktails crafted with serious skill, all set to non-stop disco vinyl. Fun, flirty, relaxed, and a little bit filthy — the perfect way to ride out the long weekend.
TICKETS: Free. Drinks At Bar Prices
VENUE: Back Bar, 77 Howe Street, Daylesford -

The Leather Soirée
THURSDAY 5TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - LATE
After its successful launch at ChillOut 2025 The Leather Soirée is back! With two outstanding DJ's, Debra Walters and M'RK on the decks, it promises to be a fun filled, inclusive event. A hint of leather is all that is required and this year we're encouraging you to add a touch of plaid to reflect our country vibe.
*Please Note - This event is 18yo+TICKETS: $20
VENUE: Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford -

Alice's Journeys Walking Tours
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 • 3:30PM - 5:30PM
Alice’s Journeys Walking Tours and the Old Macaroni Factory bring you ChillOut Queer Culture and History Walking Tour.
* Please note this event is for people over 16years and no dogs allowed.
MEETING LOCATION: Mineral Springs Hotel 124 Main Road, Hepburn Springs
ENDING LOCATION: Old Macaroni Factory, 64 Main Road, Hepburn Springs
CONTACT: 0455 519 111
TICKETS: $75 -

Big Gay Bang: The Welcome Party
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - LATE
Start where all great things begin: with a Big Bang. A full-venue opener packed with DJs, drag and astronomical energy.Your official festival lift-off.
TICKETS: From $25.50
VENUE: Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford -

Guru Dudu Silent Disco Walking Tours
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - 7PM
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - 7PMA magical world of play, love and laughter returns to ChillOut in 2026! It’s a private audioscape that we all share – except for those watching on. We all wear headphones (supplied) and are listening to the same playlist of uplifting dance music from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s, plus the fun commentary from the tour guide. It’s all about:
* Spontaneous ‘flash-mob’ dancing
* Interpretative dancing and singing around local landmarks
* Fun commentary and interventions to get you laughing
* Keeping fit
* Community connection
* Re-imagining our well-known streets of DaylesfordThe tours cater to all ages and demographics. The magic of our team is we create a conducive atmosphere for people to feel free to let down their inhibitions and move freely. Put on your dancing shoes and join us for our award winning silent disco experience. Grab your tickets now and get ready to groove ChillOut Festival away!
TICKETS: $25
VENUE: ChillOut Festival Hub -

Horse Riding @ Boomerang Ranch
SAT 7TH MARCH 2026 • 9AM, 10:30AM, 1PM
SUN 8TH MARCH 2026 • 9AM, 10:30AM, 1PM
MON 9TH MARCH 2026 • 9AM, 10:30AM, 1PMGet ready to saddle up and embark on a memorable adventure through scenic trails at Boomerang Horse Riding Ranch! Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner looking to discover the joys of horseback exploration, our 1-hour trail rides offer an unforgettable experience suitable for all levels.
Rides suitable for beginners to experienced
TICKETS: $70
VENUE: Boomerang Horse Riding Ranch, Daylesford -

ChillOut Tennis Championships
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 9AM - 6PM
The ChillOut Tennis Championships celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026. VicTennis plays host to the always popular event with players competing across five grades in singles and doubles. Spectators are always welcome to take in the show with an incredibly social atmosphere on and off the court. For more information and to register for the tournament visit www.victennis.com
TICKETS: From $60
VENUE: Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club, Daylesford -

Melbourne Frontrunners Social Run & Walk
SATURDAY 8TH MARCH 2025 • 9AM - 10PM
Join Melbourne Frontrunners, an inclusive LGBTIQ+ running/walking group, for a non-competitive and social event around the Lake. Choose between one full loop (2.79km) or double the fun with 2 laps (5.58km). All abilities, walkers, and furry friends are warmly welcomed.
TICKETS: Donation to ChillOut
VENUE: Lake Daylesford, Daylesford -

Yoga with YogaYew
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Yoga in a truly unique art gallery will be an amazing way to start the day. Come and start the day off with a stretch, laugh, breathwork with a bit of mindfulness surrounded by beautiful artwork . Maybe it will be a morning recharge or just a way to kick the day off right. Whatever the class is for you we will make it fun and a great way to get nice and limba for whatever you have planned for the rest of the day. Mats and everything are provided just bring your beautiful self! No experience is necessary; the class will cater for beginners to advanced yogis.
TICKETS: From $20
VENUE: Radius Art, Hepburn Springs -

ChillOut Community Bush Walk 2026
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 10AM
Join The Nomads for our annual morning ChillOut walk. Select from:
• Grade 3: Medium 4.5 km walk to Jackson's Lookout Tower, with some short, steep sections or
• Grade 4: Hard 8 km walk with some steep off-track hills.
Both walks offer mineral spring tasting, pause for refreshments, and return to the start point. Bring water, hat, sunscreen and sensible shoes.
MEETING LOCATION: Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs (car park at the end)
CONTACT: 0421 730 686
TICKETS: $10 (Free for Nomads Members) -

Harness By Horness
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 11AM - 12:30PM
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 1PM - 2:30PMHarness by Horness presents an intimate day-to-night experience of leather, fashion, and queer celebration. Book here for an exclusive harness-making workshop using quality hardware and premium leather, where participants create their own custom harness and can strut it in the fashion parade if they dare.
TICKETS: $525
VENUE: Radius Art, Hepburn Springs -

Suds & Studs
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 2PM - 6PM
The queerest pit-stop in the universe. A sudsy, cheeky daytime takeover of the drive-thru with plenty of foam, drinks, and a live DJ keeping the vibes wet and wild. No car? No worries. Join the crowd, grab a drink, and enjoy the big gay car wash party.
Ticket incl. drink on arrival for entries before 3pm.
TICKETS: From $25.50
VENUE: Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford -

Life Drawing @ Radius Art
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 3PM - 4:30pM
Come join our in-house Radius artist Maya, for a fabulous afternoon of life drawing. Gourmet nibbles, complementary bubbles, and quality art supplies all included in this extravagant experience. This class is for anyone at any point in their art journey. Everyone is welcome - even if you have never picked up a paint brush or charcoal before!
Everything is included, simply show up.
About Maya:
Maya is a local artist who loves painting (and drawing) all sorts of whimsical things. With a love of all things extravagant and a passion for reconnecting people with their innate creativity she is excited to be facilitating this year’s ChillOut Life Drawing.TICKETS: $80
VENUE: Radius Art, Hepburn Springs -

Earthbound
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - 9PM
Earthbound Exhibition gathers four distinctive series orbiting a single gravitational pull to celebrate love of self and our planet through art and connectedness. This is your invitation to join us and enjoy our beautiful space. Our resident DJ will be spinning the tunes whilst you enjoy themed cocktails and canapés. Dress to impress at this exclusive event! Ticket price includes cocktails and canapés.
TICKETS: $75
VENUE: Stony Creek Gallery, Stony Creek Road Daylesford -

Bloody Mary, Quite Contrary
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 12PM - LATE
Bloody Mary, Quite Contrary… Why is my hangover So scary?
Kickstart your Sunday recovery at the Daylesford Hotel with Bloody Marys by the glass or jug. Parade ends at 12 pm, pub opens at 12 pm, what a coincidence? Walk-ins only.
TICKETS: Walk-Ins Only
VENUE: Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford -

Lavandaze
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 1PM - 10PM
Situated on the most picturesque landscape in the whole of the Daylesford-Hepburn region. The Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm and its exquisite gardens provide a beautiful aromatic esthetic for you to graze and laze in the sunshine. Delicious food truck vendors will provide a variety of tastes covering all dietary desires complemented with pop up cocktail bars that have a fantastic range of beverages also covering a range of non alcohol delights. Lifting you up and beyond the extraordinary with the tunes from a legendary DJ line up and the secret guest vocal performances to boost your earthly experience
TICKETS: From $50
VENUE: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, Shepherds Flat -

Dolly Disco Bingo
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 3PM - 5PM
Dolly’s Disco Bingo goes cosmic for ChillOut!
Your favourite Disco Bingo night with an extra layer of intergalactic sparkle. Say goodbye to traditional bingo numbers and hello to iconic tunes from every era, as you dance, sing, and play your way through an unforgettable afternoon. Dolly leads the dancing, singing and chaos.
TICKETS: $40 Incl Drink On Arrival
VENUE: Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford -

GayGlow Disco
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 5PM - LATE
Daylesford Hotel’s resident Sunday Dayglow Disco DJ turned ‘GayGlow’ for one weekend only. A chilled beer-garden disco with DJ Mr Smith, good food and cocktails. A slow-burn, glowing space to relax before the night takes off.
TICKETS: Free Event
VENUE: Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford -

ChillOut Friendly Soccer Match
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH 2026 • 6PM - 7PM
Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer club take on Melbourne Rovers Soccer Club in a friendly soccer match. Following Carnival Day, join in the fun from the sidelines and cheer for your favourite team in a fun filled community sprots event!
TICKETS: Free Event
VENUE: Victoria Park, Daylesford -

Gin & Groove With Daylesford Spirit
SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2026 • 11AM - 1PM
Join us at Daylesford Spirit’s Cellar Door on March 7th 2026 for Gin & Groove during the Chill Out Festival. From 11am to 1am, immerse yourself in a day full of music, laughter, festive fun, and expertly crafted gin and cocktails. Enjoy live music, a DJ spinning your favourite tunes, and a dazzling drag show, all set in our relaxed and welcoming cellar door atmosphere. Whether you are coming with friends, making new ones, or simply looking for a day of indulgence and good cheer, there is something for everyone. Kick back, enjoy the music and performances, and let Daylesford Spirit be your destination for a fun and spirited celebration.
Click the link for more information.
TICKETS: $30
VENUE: Daylesford Spirit Distillery Cellar Door, 45 Vincent Street, Daylesford
About Us
Celebrating Queer Country Pride
ChillOut is so much more than a Festival. We are an organisation that has been supporting and bringing together the rural LGBTIQ community, artists and the broader community for 29 years.
The 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 the Hepburn Shire.
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 the LGBTIQ community across Australia – and the world.
Give today
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Give today ⁎
ChillOut Daylesford Inc., the organisation behind ChillOut Festival is a registered charity, run by a committee of 8 passionate locals.
It is the support of our partners and through contributions by individuals which enables us to put on this magical festival each year, and in turn helps us to fund our initiatives such as Raising Rainbows.
CHILLOUT DAYLESFORD INC is a registered charity and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). ABN 77 254 362 737. *All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.