EAST DURHAM
LET’S CELEBRATE!
Honoring History. Creating Memories
Built in 1905, the two-story structure that Garland Hall calls home was the center of the original business/church district of East Durham.
Our loft housed various different businesses and organizations throughout it’s 118 year existence. Once home to Durham Cotton Manufacturing Co offices, the Salvation Army, and lastly its namesake, Garland Woodcraft, our loft and building has been the heart and soul of the community of East Durham.
At Garland Hall, we proudly open our doors to gatherings of all kinds—personal milestones, cultural traditions, creative events, and community-driven projects. This is your space to honor life’s most meaningful moments.
Cultural Celebrations
Diwali, Eid, Juneteenth, Passover, Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and more
Personal Milestones
Birthday Parties Baby & Bridal Showers Quinceañeras Rehearsal Dinners Celebrations of Life Proms School Socials & Dances
Community & Business Gatherings
Corporate Retreats Business Dinners Church Services
Community Service Projects
Creative & Cultural Events
Art Shows Pop-Up Markets Holiday Parties
In 2023, Garland Hall began an exciting new chapter with the introduction of a dedicated event space created for the entire Durham community. Working hand-in-hand with neighboring spaces like Congress Bar and Proximity Brewing, this initiative set out to uplift East Durham and foster a welcoming environment for all. This space isn’t limited—it’s open to everyone in the surrounding Durham area to gather, connect, and celebrate.
Present day 2025, that vision has taken root and continues to blossom. The area surrounding Garland Hall now thrives with fresh collaborations, energetic local programming, and shared cultural experiences, transforming it into a dynamic and inclusive community hub.
Rooted in the heart of East Durham, this modern, industrial-chic space was designed to give our community a place to honor life’s big moments in style and comfort. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a family reunion, or a community-driven project, Garland Hall is here to make it happen.
It’s not just a venue—it’s a place where stories are shared, milestones are marked, and neighbors come together. East Durham and surrounding neighborhoods, this is your space. Come celebrate what matters.
Our space can accommodate seated events up to 100 people and standing events up to 175 people

Rental Inclusions
Tables and chairs
Banquet and cocktail tables
Abundant natural light
Market Lights
Sink & refrigerator
***Please Note that we do not have an elevator. Stairs are the only entrance and exit to our venue space. All vendors and guests must use stairs to access the venue***
FAQs
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Tours are conducted by appointment only. You can schedule a self-guided tour here.
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Garland Hall is available to accommodate all types of special events. We are the perfect space for birthday parties, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, business lunches/dinners, holiday parties, and so much more! We look forward to hearing how we can help you create your perfect event in our space.
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Yes! We would love to host your wedding at Garland Hall. We are offering wedding packages at competitive prices to meet your needs.
Please note that Garland Hall is not a traditional wedding venue and does not offer the same amenities as other wedding venues in the area. Because of that, we are able to keep our rental rates low to allow our clients the opportunity to not break their budget.
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Garland Hall can accommodate up to 100 people for a seated event and up to 175 people for standing events.
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Garland Hall allows clients to bring in their own caterer for their event. We highly recommend our preferred catering partner, Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. All caterers must be fully licensed with the state health department and have liability insurance. Clients may also bring prepared food platters to be served at their event. Homemade food is not permitted at Garland Hall.
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All events must have a licensed bar tender. We encourage our clients to partner with one of our preferred vendors Melanated Wine & Spirits , Congress Social Bar, or Proximity Brewing.
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Yes. There is a gravel parking lot to the left of the venue, street parking on Salem Street, & 2 parking lots on Salem Street that are available on an event-by-event basis.
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Unfortunately, the venue is not wheelchair accessible as we are located on the 2nd floor and only have staircase access.
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To book your event at Garland Hall, we require a 50% deposit and a signed contract. We cannot hold your date without the deposit and signed contract.
For More Information about the Garland Hall
including rental rates please complete the below form