A slew of Australia's biggest music outfits will join a Grammy Award-nominated international artist and an Emmy Award-nominated singer-songwriter headlining Night At The Barracks' 2026 line-up in Sydney.
Once again to be located at Manly's beautiful North Head Sanctuary, the open-air, live music series returns this spring for its fifth season across four weekends (September-October dates).
Aloe Blacc will return to Sydney for the first time in seven years, the 'I Need A Dollar' and 'The Man' hitmaker bringing his Wake Me Up tour down under, honouring his 2013 collaboration with the late Avicii.
No stranger to Australian shores, having lived here for large portions of his life, Ben Folds returns for Night At The Barracks having just toured nationally in February-March.
The Sydney concert continues that same tour – Ben Folds & A Piano – with Ben performing hits from both his solo and Ben Folds Five catalogue.
Read our review of Ben's Brisbane concert, where we declared 'no one in the audience went home disappointed'.
The Aussie contingent is led by ARIA Award-winning bands The Temper Trap, Boy & Bear, The Cruel Sea (with Magic Dirt who have collected nine ARIA Awards noms), and JET.
The Cruel Sea will perform an exclusive celebration of the 30th anniversary of their #1, double-platinum album 'Three Legged Dog'.
"Hey Sydney! We're playing a Night At The Barracks 🏰," posted Boy & Bear. "It feels like just yesterday we were standing together on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House. That night was an absolute career highlight for us, and the energy you brought still gives us goosebumps when we look back at the photos.
"Since that unforgettable night, we've been itching to get back and play a proper hometown show for you all. We've been looking for the right venue and the perfect excuse to bring the live show back to where it all started. Well, the wait is finally over!"
Meanwhile, everyone's favourite Aussie rocker Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/ The Angels) will present his award-winning new show Long Way To The Top (which won Best Music Award at 2026 Adelaide Fringe) performing songs by AC/DC, INXS, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Powderfinger and many more.
The dance heads will venture to the dance floor when Sneaky Sound System (three-time AIR Awards winners) featuring Connie Mitchell and DJ Angus McDonald hit the stage with guests The Potbelleez.
Aussie electronic OGs PNAU (who have collected ARIA Awards gongs 17 years apart) and are now based in Los Angeles also bring their live show to Night At The Barracks.
"Aaah Sydney, we got you 💗," posted Sneaky Sound System. "Very excited to announce we'll be part of the iconic Night At The Barracks series at the also iconic, and also very beautiful, surrounds of North Head in Manly."
After a successful, sold-out national tour last year, Katie Noonan (widely regarded as one of our country's most versatile and prolific artists) also brings her acclaimed live show Jeff Buckley's Grace to Night At The Barracks.
Read our review of the Sydney concert, which we said was 'transformative, soul-wrenching and just as impactful as the original album'.
"SO, SO pumped to be bringing my Jeff Buckley Grace concert to Night At The Barracks with my beautiful, badass band 🙏🏻," posted Katie.
"My legend wing man Jesse Flavell produces this programme with the awesome Second Sunday team and I am thrilled to be a part of it this year!"
The successful concert series will also be returning to Brisbane in September for Night At The Parkland following its triumphant launch at Roma Street Parkland in 2025, with more news set to follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
"Now in its fifth year, Night At The Barracks continues to elevate its offering, reinforcing its place as a premium destination for live music," Event Promoter, Second Sunday Co-founder Cameron Coghlan says.
Adds Brendan Maher, Second Sunday Co-founder: "We are proud to continue to bring stellar line-ups to our series year after year. It is always so rewarding to see people having the times of their lives in our beautiful and unique venue."
Manly's North Head Sanctuary is a hidden wonderland, with audiences invited to journey into this enchanting location steeped in historical significance and natural beauty.
"There's something truly special about seeing world-class acts perform in such a unique, intimate and historic setting – it's an experience not to be missed," Northern Beaches Mayor, Sue Heins says.
Tickets on sale from 9am AEST on 20 May.
Night At The Barracks 2026 Line-up
Fri 11 Sep - Boy & Bear
Sat 12 Sep - Aloe Blacc
Sun 13 Sep - Long Way To The Top starring Dave Gleeson
Fri 18 Sep - The Temper Trap
Sat 19 Sep - Sneaky Sound System & The Potbelleez
Fri 25 Sep - PNAU
Sat 26 Sep - Ben Folds
Sun 27 Sep - Katie Noonan: Jeff Buckley's Grace
Fri 2 Oct - The Cruel Sea & Magic Dirt
Sat 3 Oct - Jet
