Ringside

A four-storied club that oozes seductiveness, mystery and encourages curiosity.
Quirky Ringside tempts guests to wander through old hallways, up precarious staircases and across peculiar balconies--only to stop and absorb the sights and sounds of the bar's adventurous setup. The first & second floor resembles an old jazz club, with seating nooks ringing a stage/dance floor with a bar and balcony. The third floor is reminiscent of an old speakeasy/burlesque house with a bar, tables & a small stage, perfect for intimate performances. Climb one more "Alice in Wonderland" staircase to a huge studio--half the space is a cozy sitting area flanked with bookshelves, sofas and a DJ spinning a mix of organic and electronic sounds; the other half houses a large bar. You may wonder how Ringside operates, with its tight passageways, sketchy bathrooms and uniquely distressed interior--but it's all part of the enticing charm of this mysterious venue.
The club attracts a mix of patrons, drawing from the scenesters, the lovers of alternative & underground music and the generally curious.
Nestled in the midst of the downtown Durham business district, parking is always tricky. You may be able to park on the street or in one of the nearby parking decks.
REVIEWS:
"IF YOU HAVE AND OPEN MIND AND DIVERSITY DOESN'T SCARE YOU , COME ON IN. BLACK, WHITE, GAY, STRAIGHT, YOUNG, OLD: RINGSIDE'S APPEAL ATTRACTS ALL TYPES TO DIVERSE MUSIC AND ECLETIC DECOR."--THE HERALD SUN
"RINGSIDE IS PART OF A LOCAL CULTURAL REVOLUTION. THE ATMOSPHERE OF A NEW ORLEANS SPEAKEASY WITH DECOR STRAIGHT OUT OF 'MURDER ON THE ORIENT SPACE, THE BAR IS COZY AND INTIMATE, FULL OF NOOKS AND CRANNIES THAT HIDE AN UNEXPECTED POOLTABLE OR PLACE TO GET AWAY...MANAGES TO FIT ALL SORTS OF ENTERTAINMENT INTO ONE SPACE" --THE INDEPENDENT WEEKLY
"THERE'S A WONDERFUL BIG CITY/OPIUM DEN FEEL TO THIS BAR THAT HAS SINCE COME TO APPEAL TO THE NEWLY CROWNED METROSEXUAL CROWD. A HATCHET FAVORITE!"--THE RALEIGH HATCHET
"A FUN HOUSE ON MAIN STREET! HERE, THE UNKNOWN IS DEMYSTIFIED AND STARTS TO RING FAMILIAR. THE PRECISE NATURE OF SEXUALITY IS AN AFTERTHOUGHT."--SUNDAY JOURNAL THE NEWS AND OBSERVER
"THE SPLASH OF GLAMOUR THE BULL CITY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR. INSIDE IT LOOKS LIKE AN OPIUM DEN: DIM LIGHTING, DARK WOOD AND SEVERAL SETS OF WINDING STAIRS LEADING TO HALLS THAT END IN MORE STAIRCASES, BARS AND DANCE FLOORS."--SPECTATOR WEEKLY
"WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS! REMINISCENT OF THE LAST TIME YOU SAW "THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW". EVERTHING'S BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN AT RINGSIDE."--MATTER MONTHLY
Open on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm until whenever!
Ringside is devoted to having live bands hailing from all over the triangle. So, come out and support live music!
Each weekend is dedicated to a theme, from Bollywood DJ’s to Goth Night to Lounge music to 80’s music and the ever popular F.A.M.E. event, so check out the calendar and we’ll see you there!
308 WEST MAIN ST
DURHAM NC 27701
919.680.2100

DIRECTIONS:
From I-40 W:
Take Durham Freeway (Hwy 147)
Take Chapel Hill St. Exit 13
Turn Left onto W. Chapel Hill St.
Turn Right onto W. Ramseur St./US 70 BR E
Turn Left onto S. Corcoran St.
Turn Left onto Main St.
Club is about one block on Right. Look for the Ringside Marquee.
From I-40 E:
Take Durham Freeway (Hwy 147)
Take Exit 12B toward Downtown
Stay straight to go onto Willard St.
Turn slight Right onto S Roxboro St.
Turn Left onto Main St.
Club is about one block on Right. Look for the Ringside Marquee.
Interested in booking your band or DJ'ing* with us, follow these steps:
BOOKING VIA EMAIL:
Please Include:
1. Link to a song & a website address, if applicable
2. Contact info (name, address, phone number, address, email)
3. Link to any favorable press you've gotten
4. Dates you are looking to play in the area (include more than one!)
CONTACT: Natalie at booking @ ringsideclub.com
BOOKING VIA SNAIL MAIL:
Please Include:
1. A demo of your latest release
2. Contact info (name, address, phone number, address, email)
3. A photo and any favorable press you've gotten
4. Dates you are looking to play in the area (include more than one!)
CONTACT:
Ringside
Attn: Booking
308 W. Main Street
Durham, NC 27701
* DJs please send a recent playlist & location of where you normally spin.