It's a stunning, accessible event that runs over the long weekend in March, and it's all inclusive of all ages with the entire community behind it.

Plenty of free and ticketed events, there’s something for everyone. ChillOut Festival is a chance to have a country weekend or road trip for the day and experience a stunning, inclusive regional community.

Check out all the info on the 2023 event here.

We caught up with Festival Director Emma Ireland for more info about just what's in store for 2023.

Where did the desire for an event like ChillOut come from?
From a group of LGBT+ community members setting up a social picnic to welcome newcomers and connect, over 25 years ago. The event has grown into the largest regional pride event in Victoria.

And what do you think is the main drawcard that keeps audiences returning every time?
Its unique country style and exquisite bushland backdrop make it special, as well as its integrity about creating an entire safe space for everyone to be who they are.

Talk a bit about the 2023 offering.
In Daylesford this March, we have 55 inclusive events over 5 days including the famous bush dance, street parade, and carnival day. Don’t miss national treasure Kate Miller-Heidke, as well as 'Drag Race' superstars Karen from Finance and Art Simone, Miss First Nation 2021 Cerulean, cabaret queens Dolly Diamond and Tash York, Greg Gould, live music from Dean Arcuri, Tuck Shop Ladies, This Way North, Marz, Jude Perl, and more.

How are you hoping attendees respond to ChillOut in 2023?
The way they always do -– with smiles and warmth and connection, new friends, experiences, costumes, laughter and joy (and loads of hugs).

Frock Hudson, Emma Ireland, Victoria Commissioner For LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando

When it comes time to prepare the festival, what are the main things you’re considering/taking into account?
A WHOLE lot of love. I want our festival to be inclusive and accessible, for all ages. It’s about health and wellbeing as much as the costumes and dancing. I invite everyone to our town, other regional pride groups and community to be part of it all! I look at a balance of acts from multicultural backgrounds with an emphasis on First Peoples and disability advocates. I look at the types of events and make sure we have everyone covered, from sports to crafts to comedy and rainbow hair braids. Affordability to access events and accommodation is another key thing. When we’re planning the festival, we’re thinking about what community love and need. We get incredible feedback each year which always comes into consideration too. I have plan A, B and C ready for whatever the day presents us during festival, including a team of dedicated committee members and incredible event coordinators to run our 17 main events over five days.

As Festival Director, what’s the most challenging part about putting ChillOut together?
Having to stop booking acts and artists! I want everyone to be part of ChillOut’s line-up but the programme has to be finalised eventually, and then I start looking at acts for the following year. . . That and choosing outfits for each day and night! Seriously though, relying on volunteers to come back and sign up is challenging as we completely rely on them to run our festival. We provide camping, transport, free merch, and tickets as a thank you, so that they will return each year. I am so very grateful for our volunteers, as I am to our community for supporting this festival year after year with such joy. It really is a whole town that brings you into its arms each time.

On the other side of that, what’s the most rewarding?
Seeing everyone’s beautiful smiling faces at all the events, the children, families, elders, newcomers, shop owners, local teachers. . . It’s a long weekend of endless joy. Being hugged and thanked so many times, nothing compares. My mum and I had a little cry at the street parade last year as soon as the local primary school students and ‘pride brigayde’ from the high school marched. It’s such a triumph to see youth be so supported in feeling safe and being allies of our LGBTIQA+ community.

Summarise ChillOut 2023 in three words.
Pride, connection, country.

ChillOut Festival takes place in Daylesford Victoria from 9-13 March.