Night at the Barracks: The Ultimate Guide to Live Music Under the Stars
Night at the Barracks – it’s a name that inspires us to get our groove on with the promise of live music under the stars.
But it’s also a little bit of a misnomer, in a very good way.
After all, it’s not just one night; it’s many. Ten in fact, spanning a musical range that could rival Queen, from dance and electronic to rock, soul and power pop.
Think of it like a regular music festival only broken up into sound-bite-sized pieces and minus tent city and muddy fields.
Kicking off on Friday 11 September and with a curtain call on Saturday 3 October, Night at the Barracks will feature acts including Aloe Blacc, Jet and The Temper Trap, as well as evenings dedicated to Jeff Buckley and good ol’ Aussie rock.
Simply pick an act, pick a genre or pick a night, then head up the hill from Manly Village to the historic Barracks Precinct at North Head Sanctuary.
While we never like to stereotype anyone, below we’ve put together some itineraries based on your preferred genre so you can really make the most of your time in Manly and your Night at the Barracks.
Take those old records off the shelf
If you’re of a certain age, the mere mention of good ol’ Aussie pub rock will get your head banging and your ears ringing. So prepare for a sweat-soaked celebration of Aussie rock history with Long Way to the Top, Sunday 13 September, featuring songs from artists such as AC/DC, INXS, Cold Chisel, Australian Crawl and Screaming Jets.
So when you head to Manly for the night – or nights – here are some suggestions to extend the fun and get into the pub vibe.
Pre-show: Go in search of some rare vinyl at Desire Books and Records.
Stay: Nothing says Manly history like Hotel Steyne overlooking the beach. Choose from a range of 4-star bed-and-breakfast options.
Eat and drink: Add to the pub-crawl vibe and tick off another Manly institution – The Ivanhoe Hotel – for classic pub grub like burgers, pizza and schnitty.
Post-show: While so many pubs moved away from the live music scene, the newly opened The Gopher keeps the tradition running with live music Friday through Sunday.
Enjoy a performance full of grace
The single biggest musical influence on the career of Australian singer/songwriter Katie Noonan, of bands George and Elixir, is Jeff Buckley’s album Grace.
So it’s only fitting that Katie would bring this amazing album to the stage on Sunday 27 September.
So gather up your friends who were there with you when Jeff Buckley gave us all goosebumps with his beautiful ‘Hallelujah’ in 1994 and prepare to be transported back there.
Pre-show: Ease into your evening with a wander through the laneways and nearby village streets of Manly. Discover lovely independent boutiques, cosy coffee shops and water-view restaurants.
Stay: Indulge in the camaraderie of being in a group and book a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment with spectacular views at Manly Paradise Beachfront Motel and Apartments.
Eat and drink: Head to Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club, situated on the water at Manly Cove. The brasserie and two stylish bars will answer all your food and drink requirements. Grab a table on the deck and watch the boats go by.
Post-show: Finish the evening with an easy stroll through The Corso and enjoy a gelato night cap at Messina or Anita Gelato.
Dance the night away
The Barracks will morph into dance party central when Sneaky Sound System (Saturday 19 September) and PNAU (Friday 25 September) take to the stage.
Pre-show: Get your legs warmed up for the night ahead atop a hire bike from Manly Bikes, riding Manly beachfront with the wind in your hair.
Stay: Save your money for the party and check in to Manly Bunkhouse for budget accommodation only footsteps to Manly Beach. Each room has its own shower, toilet and kitchenette. There is also a large common room, a commercial kitchen and an outdoor courtyard with BBQ facilities.
Eat and drink: If you crave great ocean views with your dinner, book an early sitting at Little Alice Yum Cha, located on Manly beachfront in Peppers Manly Beach hotel. Enjoy beautiful dumplings and buns, as well as a separate fresh seafood menu, with a serve of ocean breeze.
Post-show: Slide into the warm, rustic interior of Donny’s Bar for a one-for-the-road bevvy and maybe a bit more music.
Have a home-grown long weekend
Celebrate all things Australian when you come to Manly for one of our home-grown performers, from Boy & Bear (Friday 11 September) and The Temper Trap (Friday 18 September) to The Cruel Sea (Friday 2 October) and Jet (Saturday 3 October). While you’re here, why not celebrate even more of what this country has to offer and explore our lovely beaches and our interesting past.
Pre-show: Appreciate the joy of nature and arrive early for a surf, swim or snorkel. Pack you own gear or rent a board from Manly Surfboards or snorkelling equipment from Dive Centre Manly.
Stay: Just down the road from The Barracks within Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station played a vital role protecting Australia from diseases like bubonic plague and smallpox for over 100 years. It now offers heritage accommodation ranging from rooms and suites to cottages for larger groups.
Eat and drink: Q Station’s Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar offers a VIP Dine & Show Experience that includes a two-course early dinner or late lunch, as well as shuttle transport to and from your show and Platinum reserved seating.
Post-show: Sit out on your verandah with a vino in hand and vibe with the ghosts – yes I did say ghosts. Didn’t I mention that Q Station is one of the most haunted sites in Sydney? Boo!
Aloe is the man
Mark Saturday 12 September in your calendar for US singer, songwriter and rapper Aloe Blacc, known for his singles ‘I Need a Dollar’ and ‘The Man’, as well as his guest performance on Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’.
Pre-show: Before the gates open for the main show, head up to Fairfax Walk, perched above the cliffs at North Head Sanctuary, and enjoy the dramatic and stunning views.
Stay: Perfectly positioned overlooking Manly Beach, Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish rooms and suites featuring spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms.
Eat and drink: Follow in the famous musical footsteps of Beyonce and Jay-Z and reserve a table at Hugo’s on Manly Wharf and watch the ferries come and go. The food is fab and drinks divine.
Post-show: One of the coolest places to be is underground at The Cumberland, an exclusive 1920s speakeasy bar hidden behind a fridge door in the laneways of Manly. But be sure to book as it fills up fast.
Try an alternative
If you were a fan of Triple J and Rage in the 90s, you’ll know all about Ben Folds Five, a favourite in the alternative music scene.
Now he’s coming to Manly on Saturday 26 September to perform hits from the band as well as his solo work. He promises piano-driven anthems blended with sharp storytelling and more than three decades of genre-defining music.
Pre-show: Manly Scenic Walkway is the perfect start for a night of music in the great outdoors. Catch the 144 bus to The Spit and walk back to Manly Wharf, enjoying stunning clifftop views and gorgeous little tidal beaches. Or for something a little easier, take on a small portion of the walk between Manly Wharf and Fairlight. The walking is relaxed and the views are sublime.
Stay: Manly Pacific offers beautiful boutique accommodation with front-row seats to famous Manly Beach.
Eat and drink: Simply amble downstairs from your room and into Cibaria Manly on the ground floor of the hotel. This beautiful eatery takes as its inspiration an Italian piazza. The food is divine and the service impeccable.
Post-show: Enjoy a nightcap in the comfort of 55 North, also located downstairs from your accommodation. It’s the perfect place to end your night before wandering upstairs to a comfy bed.