This October, the Hunter will come alive with three fabulous weeks of celebration, connection, and community as Newcastle Pride hits its sixth spectacular year.
The festival has grown from a grassroots gathering, into one of New South Wales’ leading LGBTQIA+ events. More than 12,000 people were in attendance at the 2024 event – proving that Newcastle Pride continues to be a powerful platform for visibility and inclusion.
This year’s theme, ‘Our Pride! Our Truth!’, invites all to celebrate authenticity, resilience, and diverse stories. Whether that’s through bold self-expression, or quiet courage, the theme champions the idea that truth is strength, and we shine brighter together.
“Newcastle Pride Festival is about more than just celebration it’s about visibility, solidarity, and making space for every voice in our community,” President Lee-Anne McDougall says.
In 2025, audiences can look forward, of course, to the colourful Newcastle Pride Parade, the iconic Fair Day, and a high-energy POOF DOOF + DYKE DOOF afterparty, and a programme of inclusive, all-ages events. There’ll be everything from drag shows, art exhibitions, and creative workshops. . . Live music, storytelling, and cultural showcases.
You can head along to Drag Music Bingo hosted by Kandii Rhinestone and DJ Queerio. . . Attend the Hockey Pride Rounds at the Hockey Centre, watch some short queer films at Event Cinemas for Short ’N’ Curlies. . . Or even attend an Erotic Pottery Workshop with Wonder Mama.
Tickets are on sale now.
Newcastle Pride is on from 3-26 October.
Newcastle Pride 2025 Programme
3 October
Festival Launch “The Leather Lounge” – Cheeky, Sexy, Fun, Queer Cabaret at Flamingos Live
4 October
Drag Storytime hosted by Sticky Waffles and Kids Rainbow Disco at Bernie’s Bar
5 October
Drag Music Bingo hosted by Kandii Rhinestone and DJ Queerio at Carrington Bowling Club
10 October
Short ‘n’ Curlies – short queer films screening at Event Cinema, Kotara
11 October
Festival Pride Parade Honeysuckle to Nobbys Beach “Pride Monochrome” Bernie’s Pride Night at Bernie’s Bar
12 October
Erotic Pottery Workshop with Wonder Mama at Carrington Bowling Club
13-17 October
The University of Newcastle “Pride Week”
17 October
Pair up for Pride night at Pulse Climbing Comedy “I Can Tell” by Chris McAllister at Bernie’s Bar
18 October
“Express Yourself” Pride Youth Formal at Bernie’s Bar
19 October
“Lattes & Laughs” Expresso Yourself coffee meet up at Slingtown Expresso
23 October
Exploring Identity Mixed media & Collage with Emma Clifton at the Base
24 October
Hockey Pride Rounds at Newcastle International Hockey Centre, Broadmeadow
25 October
Newcastle Pride Fair Day at Gregson Park, Hamilton
Poof Doof + Dyke Doof after party at Hamilton Station Hotel
26 October
Out & Running, Pride Queer Run Club at Glenrock Reserve
