Live music. Local food and brews. A vibe that won’t quit. That’s what you can expect at this FREE Launch Party at the Armidale Showground. Running from 4.00pm–8.00pm, consider this one awesome appetiser to the main event… you should absolutely be there with bells on.

Don’t miss out on a killer line up including:

6.30PM Marvell

5.15PM Sam Buckley Band

4.30PM Goldheist

Food Trucks | 10 Bars | All Ages | Fire Pits | Under The Big Top

🚨Event entry is limited, first in best dressed.

Head over to Armidale’s Belgrave Cinema after the Launch Party to experience the original The Big Chill movie, on the big screen at 8.15pm.

Filmed in 1983 and nominated for three Academy Awards, don’t miss your chance to enjoy a nostalgic comedy-drama about a group of college friends who reconnect at the funeral of their friend, Alex.

The film is a vibrant celebration of friendship and life with a fabulous soundtrack and featuring an all-star cast including Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline and Meg Tilly.

Tickets are just $10 and available via The Belgrave Cinema.

Thats right, The Big Chill is an all-ages event. Little Chillers is a zone for the little ones that’s big on fun, keeping hands busy and hearts full with:

• Face painting
• Arts and crafts
• Interactive experiences
• Giant games
• Circus workshops 

Little Chillers Stage

• The Vegetable Plot
• Tiptoe Giants
• The Haploids
• Revelation Dance Group
• Silent Disco

This year the beloved Live and Local stage will be sitting pretty inside the Main Pavillion at the Armidale Showground. We are talking cozy vibes, comfy seats and damn good tunes. We know, we know, you’re on the edge of your seats, waiting with bated breath to know the names of this year’s Live & Local heroes. We are thrilled to announce the below line up:

The Cham Cham
Something About Midnight
Morgan Tucker
Oh Ma Soul
Jessie May
Blakk Dynasty
Side by Side Choir and the Good Notes

This is a last person standing, winner-takes-all, knockout event like no other; daring competitors will step up to the plate, ready to endure the fire and fight for the honour of being named THE BIG CHILL’s 2025 ultimate chilli-eating contest champion – ‘THE BIG CHILLI’. Presented by Crack Fox Hot Sauce.

• 2 heats – 1 final destruction round
• The top 2 competitors from each heat advance to the final showdown.
• The heat rounds will start off relatively mild, but it won’t stay that way for long. Prepare for an escalating battle as each round gets hotter and more intense!
• Expect everything from hot sauce, fresh pods and chilli-infused foods and drinks. Starting with humble Jalapeños, progressing to the fearsome Carolina Reapers, and possibly beyond

🏆 What’s up for grabs?

• 4 x FREE tickets to The Big Chill Festival 2026 for you and your mates
• $250 CASH prize
• A Crack Fox Hot Sauce hamper featuring all your favourite hot sauce products and limited-edition merch
• The title of ‘The Big Chilli 2025 Champion’ – and the trophy to prove it!

Feel like getting fresh? Then the Big Chilly Dip at the dreamy Dumaresq Dam is for you! Choose your own adventure with a Cold Water Plunge, Short Swim (50m), Across the Dam (400m) or for the brave hearted the Pro Swimmer Chilly Mile (1600m).

BYO swimming trunks, wetsuit, towel, hot water bottle, whatever you can find to keep warm alongside an upbeat, piping hot attitude. We’ll provide the beanies, B&E rolls and cheers of support from the sidelines. 

• Yoga warm-up 7:15-7:45
• Registration and briefing from 7:45am
• Chilly swim and plunge 8am
• Tickets available to purchase through website
• Experience the coolness with a Plunge, Short Chilly Swim or Big Chilly Mile
• Bacon and egg roll, beanie included in the price, hot coffee available to purchase
• Medical Support and Rescue Servies onsite
• Supported by High Country Swimming
• Must be over 16 years of age

Note: This event is not included in your Big Chill Festival pass — tickets must be purchased separately.