ChillOut Festival Returns Down Under in March!
Get ready to kick up your heels because ChillOut Festival, Australia’s premier regional LGBTQ+ arts and cultural festival, is back next month! From Thursday, March 7 to Monday, March 11, 2024, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs (in Victoria) will once again turn into a rainbow wonderland for the “Boots & Bling” themed weekend.
Courtney Act will headline the festival with multiple performances and appearances across the weekend. The popular drag artist said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally set foot in Daylesford for ChillOut 2024! After hearing countless fabulous stories about this gem of a town and its vibrant community, I’m ready to sprinkle a little Courtney Act sparkle on the festivities.”
Festival favorites such as the fabulously camp Bush Dance (Saturday night) and Street Parade (Sunday) will return, along with new events such as 100% Dance, which will get the party started at Daylesford Town Hall on Friday night, March 8. Poof Doof will also return to host the official ChillOut after-party on Sunday night, March 10!
Featuring over 50 events, ChillOut Festival is Australia’s longest-running regional queer festival, attracting nearly 30,000 visitors. Mary-Anne Thomas MP (Macedon) said 2024’s ChillOut is a fantastic event that benefits locals and visitors alike.
“Daylesford is well known as the queer capital of regional Australia, and every year the local community embraces the transformation into a vibrant celebration of diversity for four unforgettable days. ChillOut Festival is where country pride meets great music, performances, and non-stop fun,” said Thomas.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos added, “The Victorian Government is a proud supporter of ChillOut Festival – a fantastic regional event that celebrates the diversity of every individual in attendance. ChillOut Festival brings people together from all over the country, which fosters a sense of inclusion while also providing a boost to local businesses and jobs.”
Every year, ChillOut Festival consists of high-energy performances and engaging activities – ticketed and free – that include live music, visual arts, comedy, cabaret, parties, sports, social events, and public forums. Tickets are on sale!
ChillOut Festival 2024 Program Highlights:
Friday, March 8
100% Dance
A huge dance event to kick off ChillOut 2024 in style. Don’t stop ‘til you drop with featured acts Shauna Jensen (Syd) singing 100% bangers, DJ Du Jour and dancers with Headline act 100% Kylie Tribute Show (be still our beating hearts: “Padam Padam”). Courtney will be popping in to have a boogie with you all.
Time: 8 pm – 1 am
Where: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $45 concession, $50 full.
Saturday, March 9
Bush Dance
It’s time to dust off your cowboy boots and slip on your best flannel for some riotous two-stepping and line-dancing fun at our iconic ChillOut event, Bush Dance. Hosted by the sexiest weatherman in the Business, Nat Byrne and drag superstar Courtney Act.
The night promises non-stop country dancing with the Devil Goat String band back to deliver country fun with dance caller Bruce. Close out the night with our DJs keeping you on the dance floor until 1 am. Yee haw!
Time: 8 pm – 1 am
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $45 concession, $50 full.
Funk Soul Sista
Celebrate all things femme at this saloon lounge and dance event. An incredible line-up of acts awaits. Hosted by Denise Hanlon and featuring icons Bluehouse and funk soul sensation Bek Jensen. Dance into the wee hours with DJ Eddie.
Time: 8 pm – 1 am (Sunday)
Where: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $40 concession, $45 full.
Sunday, March 10
ChillOut Street Parade
Don’t miss the iconic ChillOut Street Parade, with our community and festival stars on display.
Time: 10 am – 11 am
Where: Vincent St, Daylesford
Cost: Free
Carnival
A day of community, laughter, singing, and joy hosted by Nate Byrne, Courtney Act, and Narelda Jacobs. The line-up includes Rogue Traders Duo featuring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Kween Kong, Katie Underwood, Sexy Galexy, Shauna Jensen, The Lost Girls, Bek Jensen duo, DJ Du Jour, Dolly Diamond, and more with and a closing performance by Courtney Act
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $30 concession, $35 full. Children under 16 are free.
Poof Doof
Poof Doof is returning to host the official ChillOut After-Party! This hugely popular event will sell out as the Poof Doof crew bring the famous Horse Meat Disco to town with an international line-up of queer DJs and Drag icons for a spectacular ‘Denim & Diamonds’ themed event.
Time: 7 pm – 1 am (Monday)
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
Cost: $45 full.
Get your chance to experience the magic of ChillOut Festival 2024. For more details, a full roster of events, and to purchase tickets, visit chilloutfestival.com.au. Don’t forget to check out our queer travel guide for Daylesford, too!
