ChillOut began as an annual festival of the Springs Connection, a local gay and lesbian business group in Daylesford. The first festival was staged in 1997 and each year the festival has been hosted over the Victoria Labour Day long-weekend in March.

In 2009 ChillOut celebrated its twelfth anniversary. Since its inception ChillOut has grown to become the largest gay and lesbian festival in regional Australia and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire. Within gay, lesbian and related communities only the city-based festivals attract larger visitor numbers.
ChillOut has always been a community-based organisation supported by the efforts of volunteers and in-kind and financial support from businesses. Over its twelve year history, ChillOut has raised more than $100,000 for local charities, worthy causes and groups. Without question this support has helped enhance ChillOut’s value within our local community.

ChillOut is dedicated to celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer pride within the unique setting of regional Victoria. It’s all part of the celebration of diversity, with friends and family, combined with our love for this beautiful part of Victoria - that is ChillOut. Come and enjoy!