The Pinhook is an LGBTQ-friendly bar and venue for music and creative events, located in the heart of downtown Durham. The venue holds 250 people at capacity, and has hosted bands such as Sylvan Esso, The Mountain Goats, Hiss Golden Messenger and more.
The Pinhook is a notorious safe space for LGBTQ-identifying individuals, people of color and other marginalized groups in the Durham area. Their bathrooms are gender neutral and they pride themselves on inclusivity.
Every month the venue hosts drag shows by local drag queens, karaoke, trivia nights, dance parties and performances by local and traveling bands.
The Pinhook was founded in 2008 by Kym Register and two other individuals. They had a vision of opening a space that would be open to host events based on the needs of the community. Register is now the sole owner. They also play in the band Loamlands.
In 2015, The Pinhook used a crowdfunding website to raise over $40,000 to keep their doors open. An original owner in charge of accounting had miscalculated funds, and The Pinhook had years of unpaid sales tax to pay back. Through crowdfunding, ticket sales and offline donations they were able to pay back the taxes and keep their doors open.
Inside the venue there is a photo booth, an ATM and a patio out back. Pie Pushers Pizza Restaurant is located above The Pinhook, and is a convenient location to grab a bite before or after a show. Parking is available on W. Main St. and in nearby parking lots.
Facts about operation:
- Address: 117 W. Main St., Durham, N.C. 27701
- Phone number: 984-244-7243
- Email (general): [email protected]
- Email (booking): [email protected]
