Night at the Barracks is back with a star-studded line-up
Music lovers will be impressed by the line-up of local and international artists performing in Manly for the Night at the Barracks concert series. Now in it’s fifth year, the concerts will take place at North Head from 11 September to 3 October.
Sydney Indie-folk band Boy & Bear are kicking off this year’s concert series on 11 September. Boy & Bear formed in 2009 and their debut album Moonfire (2013) won five ARIA Awards. Albums Harlequin Dream and Limit of Love both hit number one on the ARIA charts. Their recent album Tripping over Time was launched in December 2025 to over 5,500 fans on the Opera House Steps and went to number one on the Australian Album Charts. It’s a nod to how life has changed for Boy & Bear over the last 17 years.
“I think a lot of it is just about getting older and moving into different chapters of your life,” says Dave Hosking (vocals/guitar), who grew up on the North Shore. “Life has changed a lot compared to 17 years ago.”
“On some level you stop comparing yourself to others, and it’s a slightly slower but maybe more consistent pace. But the record also touches on a sense of yearning for that freedom and exuberance of your youth. So, I guess the themes dance around that, and also looking at relationships as you get older and how they’re very different to relationships in your twenties.”
As well as their loyal Australian fans, Boy & Bear has an ever-growing international fan base, though they do love playing on home ground. It’s their first time playing the Barracks.
“What I love about outdoor gigs is, you’re playing into a big PA (system). It’s a big sound, which can feel really exciting,” says Dave. “And I think the crowds are maybe a little bit more energetic and a little bit looser.”
The audience can look forward to hearing tracks from the new album as well as fan favourites such as Southern Sun, Feeding Line and Walk the Wire.
“It’s been fun because these last few tours that we’ve done since the new record came out, we’ve chosen a bunch of different back catalogue songs to play that we just haven’t played in years,” says Killian Gavin (guitar/vocals) who grew up in Warriewood. “Which is kind of nice for us because it keeps us on our toes a bit and you get to spend a bit of time learning how to play those songs again. And it’s different then for the audience; if they’ve been to a show before, they get to see something slightly different.”
International artists performing at North Head this year include Aloe Blacc and Ben Folds. Blacc’s show on 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.
Sydney Indie-folk band Boy & Bear
Emmy nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds is scheduled for 26 September as part of his Ben Folds & A Piano tour, performing hits from his solo and Ben Folds Five catalogue.
Other Australian artists include The Temper Trap, The Cruel Sea with Magic Dirt, and JET. Aussie rocker Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/The Angels) is premiering his award-winning new show Long Way to The Top with songs by AC/DC, INXS, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil and more. Katie Noonan will perform her critically acclaimed live show, Jeff Buckley’s Grace, on Sunday 27 September.
Electro-pop Sneaky Sound System will perform with guests The Potbelleez, and electro pop pioneers PNAU are also on the program. Sneaky Sound System and PNAU shows will be unseated with dancing room only.
This year’s support acts include Lastlings, Charlie Collins, Alice Ivy, Lindsey Kraft, Birren and more.
“This year’s lineup has gone above and beyond, bringing some of the most iconic Australian artists to Manly,” said Manly MP James Griffin.
Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said it is ‘truly special to see world class acts in such a unique setting.’”
NIGHT AT THE BARRACKS
North Head, Manly
11 September to 3 October
