This year marks a major milestone for one of Melbourne’s most beloved live music venues. The Northcote Social Club is turning 20, and they’re throwing a massive birthday party to celebrate two decades of unforgettable gigs, cold beers, and community spirit on High Street.
Since opening its doors, the NSC stage has witnessed career-defining moments for Australian artists like Courtney Barnett and Camp Cope, while also hosting surprise performances from international acts including Pixies and Lady Gaga.
But as Venue Manager Emily Ferris explains, it’s always been more than just a bandroom: “A friend once told me that walking into the NSC feels like a big warm hug — and that’s exactly the kind of place we’ve always strived to be.”
From June 30 through August, the venue presents “20 Gigs for 20 Years” — a stacked lineup featuring returning favourites and fresh faces. The celebration includes performances from Kingswood, Augie March, Nai Palm, Alice Ivy, and Jordie Lane, plus curated nights with Collective Artists, Poison City Records, PBS, and Northside Records.
Highlights include an all-ages matinee with Gut Health, Briggs’ new project Big Noter, and a massive closing party on August 29.
The NSC is inviting everyone who’s been part of its story — whether as musicians, punters, or bar regulars — to share their memories in a special “love letter to the pub” letterbox at the front bar. Contributors will go into a draw to win tickets, merch, and a $100 bar tab. Plus, every ticket buyer gets a chance to win the ultimate NSC Golden Ticket: 12 double passes to shows over the next year.
Tickets are on sale now at northcotesocialclub.com for what promises to be a fitting tribute to two decades of great music and even better times. As Ferris puts it: “I’m so excited to see familiar faces returning — artists and punters alike — to celebrate what this place has meant to so many of us over the years.”
20 gigs for 20 years lineup:
- Social Sanctuary with Owelu Dreamhouse, Cong Josie and The Hell Racers + more (June 30)
- Joey Lightbulb & Friends (July 4)
- Kingswood (July 6)
- Gut Health (All Ages Matinee, July 13)
- Collective Artists Label Party (July 18)
- Augie March (July 25)
- Deans of Soul (July 26)
- Darren Hanlon (July 27)
- Nai Palm (Aug 1)
- Big Noter (Aug 9)
- Alice Ivy (Aug 10)
- Jordie Lane (Matinee & Evening shows, Aug 16)
- Poison City Records Party feat. Flyying Colours, Chimers, Screensaver + more (Aug 17)
- Maple Glider (Aug 22)
- Jazzparty (Aug 23)
- PBS Party feat. Night Terrors, Claire Birchall, Vacuum + more (Aug 28)
- Closing Party with special guests (Aug 29)
Plus Northside Records Party, The Mess Hall, Cheersquad Records and Tapes Wednesdays Residency — dates TBC!
