Northcote Rise

There's something about a live gig on a cold winter's night that just hits different.

Northcote Rise has long been a home for live music — and this season, the strip is alive with it. Catch a big ticket show at Northcote Theatre or Northcote Social Club, or find something a little more intimate at 303 the Bar, The Wesley Anne or Piano On High.

Whatever you're after, it's all right here on High Street.

Local bands deserve local crowds and local venues need you. The energy in the room, the discovery of an artist you've never heard before or a favourite you've seen plenty of times — you only get that by showing up.

So this winter, buy the ticket. Support the music. Support the Venue.







Tag someone you'd drag out into the cold for a good gig

📣 Expressions of Interest are now open!

The Northcote Business Association is calling on artists to be part of Northcote Portraits — a new permanent public art and storytelling initiative celebrating the rich First Nations and multicultural stories that shape the Northcote Rise precinct today.

Northcote Portraits will deliver up to 20 small to medium-sized, vibrant street artworks across the precinct, each paired with storytelling that honours the people, cultures, histories and lived experiences that shape who we are. Through creativity and connection, the project aims to strengthen community pride, reflect local identity and transform our public spaces.

Funded through the Victorian State Government's Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program with support from Darebin Council, the project is being led by the Northcote Business Association alongside local artist .

There are currently 14 sites open for application, with a further 4–5 to come over the next week.

Want to be involved? Head to the link in bio for everything you need to know about the project, the selection criteria and how to apply.

Warm up where it matters — shop local this winter.

When the temperature drops, so does foot traffic — and for small business owners on High Street, that's felt immediately. The same rent, the same wages, the same overheads — with fewer customers coming through the door.

Every coffee, meal, purchase or booking you make on Northcote Rise this winter keeps a local business viable, a local wage paid and a neighbourhood worth coming back to.

The strip needs you. Now more than ever.

Winter has well and truly arrived on High Street — and Northcote Rise has never felt more inviting.

The strip is full of reasons to get out of the house right now. Warm up over a long lunch, find something special to wear, discover a new favourite local haunt or simply take a slow walk past the shopfronts as the cool air settles in.

This is the season that reminds you why neighbourhood matters — and why everything you need is right here on High Street.

Come for the warmth. Stay for the community.

For more than 20 years, Alchemy Fashion Sewing School & Alchemy Boutique at 258 High Street Northcote has been quietly nurturing creativity, helping people of all ages learn the art of sewing and garment making.

Owner Sandra first opened in 2003, originally creating and selling her own handmade clothing before the sewing school naturally evolved from growing demand.

With a background in teaching, fashion design and working for RMIT in their fashion short course department teaching sewing — and a family history in tailoring — Sandra has built a welcoming space where beginners through to advanced sewers can learn real, practical skills in a supportive environment.

The classes focus on techniques and craftsmanship, teaching everything from zips, darts and buttonholes through to pattern making, fitting and garment construction. Students work at their own pace on their own projects, whether that’s pyjamas, dresses, jackets or completely custom-made pieces.

Sandra says many students arrive with little or no experience, while others return to sewing later in life to reconnect with a creative skill they once loved.

Classes run in 6 week blocks, with bookings available online or by calling 0414 402 914. If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own clothes, this might just be the sign to book your first class.

Northcote locals and visitors alike have found Wazzup Falafel to be a favourite for authentic Jordanian-Palestinian cuisine, bringing the rich flavours and traditions of the Middle East to the heart of Northcote Rise.

Founded by chef and co-owner Ahmad Al Alaea, began as a food truck before finding its permanent home on High Street. Inspired by a desire to recreate the falafel he grew up with in Jordan, Ahmad has built a loyal following around fresh, flavour-packed plant-based dishes made with care and authenticity.

Everything is made in-house, from the pita baked fresh each morning to the hummus, tahini and condiments. At the centre of the menu is Wazzup's signature falafel, crafted using chickpeas, fresh parsley and a unique 21-spice blend that keeps customers coming back for more.

Known for its warm hospitality, quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Wazzup Falafel offers a genuine taste of the Middle East and a welcoming dining experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of Northcote.

📍 343 High Street, Northcote

There’s something special about Northcote Rise 💛

From live music and local art to incredible food, wellness services, unique retail stores and the people behind them, High Street is full of creativity, connection and community spirit.

Whether you’re here for your morning coffee, a night at the theatre or a wander through the local shops, there’s always something to discover on Northcote Rise.