After two decades at the top of Melbourne’s live music scene, Northcote Social Club is celebrating their big 2-0 with a packed roster of musical artists in their 20 Gigs for 20 Years lineup.
Running from 30 June to 29 August 2025, at 301 High Street, the well-loved party place is bringing onto the stage a huge array of old favourites and emerging talents across the Victorian cultural landscape.
Keeping the ship on course is venue manager Emily Ferris, who has been at the helm since the very beginning. It’s fair to say she is bristling with excitement ahead of the all-out birthday bash.
“Two decades is a huge milestone for us,” she says. “Northcote and the broader Melbourne community have been very kind to us, in an industry that can be tough at times. The community that surrounds a pub just doesn’t spring up overnight, and nor does the look and feel of a place. These things often develop together slowly over time and begin to tell a story.”
20 Gigs for 20 Years
- When: June 30 – August 29, 2025
- Where: Northcote Social Club, High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
The lineup
- Owelu Dreamhouse, Cong Josie and The Hell Racers (June 30)
- Joey Lightbulb & Friends (July 4)
- Kingswood (July 6)
- Gut Health (All Ages Matinee, July 13)
- Collective Artists Label Party (July 18)
- Peter Combe (July 20)
- Augie March (July 25)
- Deans of Soul (July 26)
- Darren Hanlon (July 27)
- Nai Palm (August 1)
- Big Noter (August 9)
- Alice Ivy (August 10)
- Jordie Lane (Matinee & Evening shows, August 16)
- Poison City Records Party featuring Flyying Colours, Chimers, Screensaver + more (August 17)
- Maple Glider (August 22)
- Jazzparty (August 23)
- PBS Party featuring Night Terrors, Claire Birchall, Vacuum + more (August 28)
- Closing Party with special guests (August 29)
- Plus Northside Records Party, Cheersquad Records and Tapes Wednesdays Residency (dates TBC)
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
View this post on Instagram
One of the most satisfying aspects of her two-decade tenure at the famed venue has been her role in adding to the story, not only within the local community but Melbourne’s legacy for live music and entertainment as a whole. Not to mention that she’s been able to impart a little bit of her personality into the club along the way.
In return, she says, “the pub has certainly imparted some of its own personality onto me, too.”
Her journey across 20 years of NSC began when her partner at the time was hired as the venue’s first in-house sound engineer. It wasn’t long before she was pestering the powers that be for a job of her own, though management was hesitant due to her relationship.
Emily eventually wore them down, as she recalls today, proving her worth after she filled-in as a door attendant and a gifted bartender. It was the first of numerous other posts on the way to the top job, working in the venue’s now dissolved box office, the kitchen, the bar, then as a duty manager and finally on to become venue manager.
“It’s always been an inspiring environment. I’ve always been surrounded by a lot of wonderful and awe-inspiring people throughout my time here,” she shares proudly. “The thrill of seeing bands play live has stuck, even though I’ve seen thousands of shows.”
As for the big birthday celebrations, Emily promises that punters can expect a huge range of shows – even extending beyond the original brief. They had planned for a catchy ’20 shows for 20 years’ lineup, but then so many friends of the business raised their hands that they had to reach outside their initial performance proposals.
View this post on Instagram
“We’ll be announcing a few more shows soon, so keep your eye out for updates,” she explains. “We’re thrilled to welcome back Augie March, the very first band to play at the NSC, which makes their return really special. We also have the debut of Brigg’s new project, Big Noter, hitting our stage for the first time – I can’t wait for that!”
Other notable artists include Jordie Lane, who will be playing two shows; and Gut Health will be making an appearance for an all-ages event. Beyond that, audiences should keep their ears up for Poison City and PBS, who have both such incredible showcases for the 20th anniversary celebrations.
Emily is confident that attendees will have plenty to enjoy, as well as much more to look forward to in the years ahead. “Northcote Social Club is a trusted offering for bands and punters alike,” she asserts. “Intimate and down-to-earth, consistently true to its roots. For 20 years it has remained a solid fixture in the music scene, naturally building a wonderful community both locally and across the country. It also remains in the heart of many international acts who’ve graced the stage.”
With two decades of roof-raising shows and a pedigree for impeccable customer service, the Northcote Social Club is having a well-earned glass raised for a very special birthday. Be sure not to miss out on the fun, and make some new musical discoveries along the way.
Northcote Social Club’s 20th birthday celebration, 20 Gigs for 20 Years, begins Monday 30 June 2025. Tickets for each event can be ordered from the gig guide on their website.
