While the capital cities have Mardi Gras and Midsumma, out in regional Victoria, Daylesford has ChillOut. The festival is Australia's premier and longest running regional LGBTQIA+ pride festival, taking place on the March long weekend every year.
This year the theme is 'Boots and Bling', and we can picture all the glittery cowboy-esque cozzies. The festival will host more than 50 fabulous events, with drag queen darling Courtney Act headlining. Highlights of the five-day celebration include the iconic pride street parade, multiple massive dance parties complete with drag queen stars and DJs, a pool party and a community carnival.
The ChillOut festival has been going for more than two decades thanks to the work of its parent organisation, also called ChillOut. The festival aims to reduce homophobia in regional schools and groups as well as instil a sense of pride throughout the community regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to Daylesford for the celebrations, so if you're keen to join the party, check out the full program and book tickets here.
