Manly’s North Head Sanctuary will once again come alive with live music this September and October, with the popular Night at The Barracks concert series returning for a fifth season under the stars.
The programme of Sydney performances commences on Friday 11 September, rolling out across four weekends before concluding on Saturday 3 October.
Event Promoter Second Sunday Co-founder Cameron Coghlan said, himself a Beaches local, said he was thrilled to return for a fifth year. “Night at The Barracks continues to elevate its offering, reinforcing its place as a premium destination for live music.”
The open-air concert series will this year feature two acclaimed international artists in both Aloe Blacc (left) and Ben Folds (right).
Blacc’s show on opening weekend, Saturday 12 September, forms part of the Grammy nominated American singer-songwriter and producer’s Wake Me Up tour and will be the first time he has performed in Sydney in seven years.
Powerhouse pianist and Emmy nominated singer-songwriter and composer Ben Folds is scheduled for Saturday 26 September as part of his Ben Folds & A Piano tour, performing hits from both his extensive solo and Ben Folds Five catalogue.
The line-up will once again feature performances from Australia’s finest artists including ARIA award-winning bands The Temper Trap, indie-folk band Boy & Bear, The Cruel Sea with Magic Dirt, and JET.
The Cruel Sea will be performing an exclusive celebration of the 30th anniversary of their #1, double-platinum album Three Legged Dog.
Aussie rocker Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/ The Angels) is premiering his award-winning new show Long Way to The Top on Sunday 13 September with songs by AC/DC, INXS Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Powderfinger and many more, brought to you by Triple M.
Platinum selling electro-pop, dance act Sneaky Sound System featuring the incredible Connie Mitchell and DJ Angus McDonald are confirmed for the second weekend with guests The Potbelleez on Saturday 19 September, with LA based, ARIA award-winning Australian electro pop pioneers PNAU bringing their live show to Manly on Friday 25 September.
Lauded as one of Australia’s most successful dance acts globally with 4 billion streams to their name, the trio will be performing all their hits plus tracks from their new album “AHHCade” out in late July. Both Sneaky Sound System and PNAU shows will be unseated for dancing room only.
Katie Noonan is performing her critically acclaimed live show, Jeff Buckley’s Grace, on Sunday 27 September. This follows a sell-out national tour of over 25 performances celebrating the influential album.
In addition to these headliners, an exceptional list of support acts has been confirmed including Lastlings, Charlie Collins, Wilsn, Alice Ivy, Lindsey Kraft, Georgia Fields, Birren and more.
Along with Toyota returning as Presenting Partner, The Night at The Barracks team is delighted to confirm that ENGIE, Felons, Tempus Two, Ampersand, Shaw and Partners and Northern Beaches Council are major partners in this year’s event.
Northern Beaches Mayor, Sue Heins said the concerts were not to be missed. “There is something truly special about seeing world-class acts perform in such a unique, intimate and historic setting.”
As with the previous series, organisers are continuing with existing sustainable initiatives this year such as reusable aluminium cups, merchandise made from 100% recycled materials, to waste management and powering the site from 100% renewable energy with a goal to minimise their carbon footprint across all areas of planning and execution.
Ticket holders are encouraged to use public transport with 100% electric buses being introduced for all event shuttle transport in 2026. There will once again also be bike racks on site to encourage visitors to cycle to the event.
