Northcote Rise Festival

Overview

After a lengthy 13-year break, the Northcote Rise Festival is back thanks to help from the Victorian Government. On Sunday, February 18, Northcote's High Street will close to traffic and be consumed by food stalls, local artists and over 300 entertainers.

Musical acts will be out in droves, taking over some of the small and large stages located all along the main street — from James Street to Separation Street. Expect to hear everything from indie pop and rhythm and blues to Latin rock and jazz as you wander through the festival.

Post-punk grunge group Moody Beaches, 90s-influenced psychedelic band Mature Themes and pop artist Jacqui Lumsden will be some of the artists to feature in the lineup.

There will also be plenty of events for kids, including an interactive storytime from the Spencer Street Drag Queen, magic shows, music, Lego workshops, face painting, a petting zoo, and a Garden Adventure where visitors can paint plant pots and plant seeds.

Food-wise, local restaurants and bars on this part of the strip will be open to the masses, plus stacks of street food stalls will pop up just for the day.

It will be a massive occasion for the community, highlighting how Melbourne's main streets can and should be used to support local businesses and artists.

Tinker

Top image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria.