The ChillOut Festival, Australia's premier regional LGBTQIA+ pride event, is returning in 2025 for another spectacular weekend of celebration, joy, and community in the heart of Daylesford
Held annually over the Labour Day long weekend in March, ChillOut has grown from its humble beginnings in 1997 to become the country’s largest and longest-running queer country pride festival.
As the biggest festival in the Hepburn Shire, ChillOut attracts over 30,000 visitors from across Australia and around the world. This year marks a special milestone as the festival celebrates 25 years of supporting and uniting the rural LGBTQIA+ community, local artists, and the broader regional population.
ChillOut Fest Program Launch and Fundraiser – Melbourne Edition
- When: Sunday 23 Feb, 1PM – 5PM
- Where: Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda
- Tickets: $20 – All proceeds go to ChillOut Festival!
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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For 2025, ChillOut promises to be a unique celebration, drawing inspiration from the magic of the circus – a place where joy, wonder, and inclusivity abound. “There are many ways to think about the word ‘circus,'” says Jacqui Walter, Committee Artist Programming for ChillOut Festival. “A place to come together to experience joy and wonder. A place where all are welcome and a refuge for anyone that feels different.”
In 2025, ChillOut is bringing a special venue to the event: the ChillOut Big Top, a circus-inspired setting that will make its debut in Victoria Park for the launch event on 6 March from 6-8pm.
A series of events will unfold under the Big Top, adding to the festive atmosphere that makes ChillOut stand out from other pride celebrations. “We are supported by the beautiful town of Daylesford in undertaking events throughout the long weekend to deliver connection and fun,” Walter adds. The vibrant, whimsical energy of the circus will infuse every aspect of the festival, ensuring that all attendees can feel the magic and inclusivity that the event is known for.
Daylesford, the “gay capital of regional Victoria,” will again serve as the backdrop to this extraordinary event. The town’s long history of progressive values and inclusive spirit makes it the perfect home for ChillOut, and it continues to play a key role in helping deliver a weekend filled with connection, celebration, and fun. With the full support of the local community, ChillOut Festival 2025 is set to be a truly unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.
“So come join the Rainbow Circus in 2025 in your best outfits and immerse yourself once again in the wonder of ChillOut Festival. We can’t wait to welcome you whether it’s your 1st time or your 20th,” says Walter.
So get your outfits planned and immerse yourself in the wonder and excitement that makes this festival one of the most beloved pride events in Australia. From circus-inspired performances to heartwarming moments of connection, this year promises to deliver all the joy, inclusivity, and pride you can imagine.
Mark your calendars for March 2025 and join thousands of festival-goers as we celebrate 25 years of ChillOut Festival.
