Hillsborough’s Noir at the Bar Returns to Yonder with Star-Studded Lineup of Literary Talent

Just a short drive from Chapel Hill, one of the Triangle’s most unique literary traditions is back.

On Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 PM, Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Fine Wine (114 W King Street, Hillsborough) will host its quarterly installment of Noir at the Bar, a live literary reading that brings together bestselling authors, emerging voices, and lovers of stories, language, and community.

Founded in 2019, Noir at the Bar has become a cornerstone of Hillsborough’s thriving arts scene—and a compelling reason for Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents to explore the vibrant cultural offerings just up the road. This free event regularly draws packed crowds and has hosted talent from across the country, all reading original or published work in quick-hit, electrifying performances.

This October’s lineup includes:

Jill McCorkle
Daniel Wallace
Polly Stewart
Eryk Pruitt
Mike McCrary (visiting from Austin, TX)
Jamie Mason
Sarah Smith
Morgan Sullivan

Each author will perform an 8-minute selection—some excerpted from upcoming books, others written exclusively for the event. The atmosphere is informal, irreverent, and filled with the kind of literary energy that once lived in smoky Greenwich Village bars or Southern front porches.

“We started this series because we already have plenty of sports bars,” says Yonder co-owner and crime novelist Eryk Pruitt. “But bars have long been so important to the literary experience. We wanted a space where the writer, the drinker, and the reader could all come together. That’s what Noir at the Bar is about.”

The evening will be emceed by local actress Tracey Reynolds, and Yonder bartenders Jackie Smolinski and Paige McNeal will craft noir-themed cocktails to pair with the night’s performances.

“There’s just nothing like it,” says McCrary, who returns to the event for the first time since 2023. “It’s a packed house, the crowd is into it, and the bar staff is top notch. I’d fly in from anywhere to do it again—and I did.”

Yonder, a nightlife venue in the heart of Hillsborough’s historic district, has become a vital part of the Triangle’s cultural landscape, offering a space where live music, literature, art, and community intersect. Noir at the Bar is one of many ways it showcases regional and national talent while staying rooted in its local identity.

Admission is free, but early arrival is strongly encouraged. Seating is first come, and standing room often fills quickly.

EVENT DETAILS:
📍 Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Fine Wine
🗓 Wednesday, October 16, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM (doors open early)
💵 Free Admission
🔗 www.yonderbarnc.com | @yonderbarnc

For further info or high-resolution photos, contact:
Eryk Pruitt at yonderbarnc@gmail.com

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Hillsborough’s Noir at the Bar Returns to Yonder with Star-Studded Lineup of Literary Talent – Oct. 16

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