Festival co-founder Lee-Anne McDougall said the festival would deliver a "sense of belonging and visibility" for Newcastle's LGBTIQ community within an "amazing community atmosphere".

"Newcastle Pride celebrates love and diversity within the community," Ms McDougall said.

"We are fully inclusive, we collaborate with others, and our vision is to empower all LGBTIQ people to find their voice and be proud."

The festival dates are August 20-26.

A program highlight looks set to be the Pride Fair, held at Foreshore Park, by Hunt and Gather Market.

"The joy, love and happiness at Fair Day last year was overwhelming. I took a minute to look around all I saw was a sea of smiles, laughing and celebration," Ms McDougall said.

This year's Pride Fair will be held on August 24, between 11am and 4pm. It's a free family day open to the general public.

City Hall will be the location of this year's launch, with the Twisted Cabaret and jazz by Ash Ferret.

On the Saturday night the Festival will take over both bars at the Cambridge Hotel to host two dance parties.

The front bar will host Back to Pipers, an 80's disco and nod to the former Hunter Street nightclub Pipers.

The back bar will host the Heaven'n'Hell dance party with DJ Kate Monroe, DJ Victoria Anthony and DJ Mason Andrews, dancers and shows.

Ms McDougall said this year they were really trying to reach out to the younger LGBTIQ community.

Another program highlight will include Serving in Silence, an art exhibition which explores LGBTIQ participation in military service, to be held at Newcastle Library on August 22, 5.30-7pm.

See more at: newcastlepride.com.au