Get ready to kick up your heels because ChillOut Festival, Australia’s premier regional LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural festival, is back in 2024!

From Thursday, March 7 to Monday, March 11, 2024, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs 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. “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally set foot in Daylesford for ChillOut 2024!” she said. “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 favourites 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 the Friday night. Poof Doof is returning once again to host the official ChillOut after party! (Sunday night).

Featuring over 50 events, ChillOut Festival is Australia’s premier and longest-running regional queer festival, attracting nearly 30,000 visitors who fill the accommodations and restaurants in the region.

Mary-Anne Thomas MP (Macedon) said 2024’s ChillOut would be 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,” she said. “ChillOut Festival is where country pride meets great music, performances, and non-stop fun.“

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “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.”

Festival Programming Committee Member, Jacqui Walter said now was the time to secure tickets to the events, which sell out quickly. “We’re preparing some great entertainment including visual arts, live music, comedy, cabaret, parties, sports, social events, and public forums, there’s something for everyone.

“The festival showcases a range of LGBTQIA+ artists and performers, both ticketed and free. It’s queer and definitely here in 2024. Snap up your tickets and get ready for a spectacular line-up of performers and program highlights that will blow your mind!”

ChillOut Festival 2024 Program Highlights:

 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).  We are sure Courtney will be popping in to have a boogie with you all.

  • Date: Friday, March 8
  • Time: 8 pm – 1 am (Saturday)
  • Where: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460
  • Cost: $45 concession, $50 full.

Bush Dance – It’s time to dust off your cowboy boots and slip on your best flannie 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 Dancefloor til 1am. Yee haawwww!

  • Date: Saturday, March 9
  • Time: 8 pm – 1 am (Sunday)
  • 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.

  • Date: Saturday, March 9
  • Time: 8 pm – 1am (Sunday)
  • Where: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460
  • Cost: $40 concession, $45 full.

 ChillOut Street Parade – Don’t miss the iconic ChillOut Street Parade, with our community and festival stars on display.

  • Date: Sunday, March 10
  • Time: 10am – 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. 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 Courney Act

  • Date: Sunday, March 10
  • 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 international line-up of queer DJ and Drag icons for a spectacular ‘Denim & Diamonds’ themed event.

  • Date: Sunday, March 10
  • Time: 7 pm – 1 am (Monday)
  • Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Daylesford, VIC 3460
  • Cost: $45 full.

For more details, visit chilloutfestival.com.au.