ChillOut Festival 2025: An LGBTQI+ Catskills Style Getaway
Image: supplied by ChillOut
ChillOut Festival聽 2025 will return to Daylesford for a remarkable and extremely queer Labour Day Weekend. Celebrating its 28th year, ChillOut has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most cherished 鈥� and the longest-running 鈥� queer country pride festivals in regional Australia.
, ChillOut will transform Daylesford into a carnival wonderland with 2025鈥檚 theme: Rainbow Circus Spectacular.
鈥漈his year’s theme is inspired by the spectacle and tears we shed whenever we watched The Greatest Showman,鈥� reveals ChillOut鈥檚 President Matt Clarke. 鈥淯nder the circus big top, expect sideshow alley vibes, popcorn machines, fair games and more鈥� minus clowns for the phobia-prone,鈥� he adds.
The festival promises a carnival-esque atmosphere where everyone can let their freak flag fly and escape fast-paced city life for a little while.
At its heart, ChillOut celebrates inclusivity and connection, run entirely by passionate volunteers.
ChillOut: The Queer Catskills
The festival offers a chance to embrace the magic of pride in the countryside like no other 鈥� a queer getaway inviting city dwellers seeking a digital detox to take a literal breath of fresh air and for locals to recharge.
With breathtaking mountain trails, warm country hospitality, sporting events and more, ChillOut feels like a queer Catskills retreat.
A taste of ChillOut Festival 2025’s Rainbow Spectacular…
ChillOut events offer something for everyone under the open sky. Kick off the weekend with a communal opening night under the circus tent, featuring a choir performance.
Followed by the highly-anticipated Rainbow Spectacular follows, showcasing The Voice鈥檚 powerhouse vocalist Emily-Jane Conidi, , mind-blowing illusions and a grooving Disco Inferno headlined by the legendary Marcia Hines. Plus, a sultry burlesque show guaranteed to 鈥済et you hot under the big top,鈥� promises Clarke.
More poignant events include the free Youth Muster, a welcoming space for queer youth, featuring performances from the local high school pride groups. Alongside this, there鈥檚 also the Grove of Gratitude 鈥� a tree-planting ceremony honouring LGBTQIA+ activists who paved the way 鈥� which gets a bit emotional, says Clarke.
ChillOut prioritises accessibility for all with wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses, local transport options and collaborations with local businesses to ensure every attendee feels welcome.
Partnerships with support groups for older LGBTQIA+ folks add to ChillOut鈥檚 commitment to creating a safe, supportive, affordable and happy environment for all ages and abilities.
Prepare to make life-long memories. Whether you鈥檙e looking for dazzling performances, a refreshing countryside escape or meaningful connection, ChillOut Festival 2025 is a must-see celebration of queer pride in the country.
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