Trade Your Mardi Gras Hangover For Country Glam At ChillOut Festival
When: March 5 – 9, 2026
Where: Daylesford, Victoria
Website: ChillOut Festival
If you’ve ever fancied a little country glam mixed with a serious splash of queer culture, Daylesford is calling your name this March.
ChillOut Festival is not your standard city party. It is Australia’s largest and longest-running regional LGBTQIA+ festival. Nestled in the spa capital of Victoria, Daylesford sits about 100km from Melbourne. It is the perfect spot for city slickers to unwind after the hectic pace of the summer season. You get nature, wine, spas, and as the locals say, maybe even a roll in the hay.
The festival started back in 1997 with humble roots. It began as a small community picnic with sack races and gumboot tossing. Today, it pulls in around 30,000 visitors over the Labour Day long weekend. Yet, it has never lost that down-to-earth, “Queer Country” charm.
This event matters because it offers a safe and affirming space in a regional context. For LGBTQIA+ folks living outside the big smoke, isolation can be a real challenge. ChillOut creates visibility and connection right where it is needed most. It operates as a registered charity and supports local initiatives like Raising Rainbows, which tackles homophobia in regional schools.
The 2026 edition kicks off on Thursday, March 5, and runs through Monday, March 9. The vibe is distinct. You won’t find the intense crush of a massive city parade here. Instead, you get a community-focused atmosphere where you can actually chat with people.
One of the big highlights returning for 2026 is the Big Top tent in Victoria Park. It was a hit last year, so organisers are bringing it back to host major parties from Friday through Sunday.
Saturday, March 7, brings the Pool Party at Daylesford Olympic Pool. It is always a favourite for those wanting to cool off and socialise in the sun.
Then comes the main event on Sunday, March 8. The Street Parade starts at 10 am and marches down Vincent Street. It is colourful, local, and full of heart. Immediately after, the Carnival takes over Victoria Park from 11 am to 5 pm. You can expect the famous Dog Show and the Tug of Love, which are just as fun as they sound.
There is also the Bush Dance, a staple that leans into the country theme. It is a chance to kick up your heels in a way you rarely can at a nightclub.
Accommodation books out fast, so if you are planning to head down, you should sort that out immediately.
For full details and upcoming events, visit https://chilloutfestival.au/.
