RED BARN
(1958 - 1988)
STORY
Opening as an antique store in 1958, the Red Barn went through a number of different iterations during its 30-year history. In the 1960s, the property was a coffeehouse and bar that served Las Vegas' college students and construction workers during the day, but during the "pink hours" of the evening, secretly served an LGBTQ+ clientele. By the 1970s, the Red Barn was among Las Vegas' very first openly LGBTQ+ bars.
The Red Barn offered drag shows, such as their infamous "RB Follies," as well as one of Las Vegas' earliest LGBTQ+ magazines, "The RB Bag," an independent publication that covered both issues and gossip.
The Red Barn closed down in 1988, with the building burning down several months later. Owner Bert Hood speculates that the fire was started by squatters in the vacant building.
The Red Barn signage likely dates to the late 1960s or early 1970s.
KEY NARRATION
Sign Facts
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The Red Barn originally opens in 1958 as an antique store.
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The sign dates to the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Guest Education
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The Red Barn becomes a bar in the 1960s.
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Straight college student clients during the day.
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By night its a gay bar.
Additional Details
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By the 1970s, the Red Barn is one of Vegas' first openly gay bars.
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Hosts the "RB Follies" drag show.
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Has a LGBTQ+ magazine, "The RB Rag."
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Closes in 1988 and burns to the ground several months later.
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