Some years ago, when I had an exposed brick fireplace wall, I found that felt would stick to brick, sort of like velcro.

3M makes Command hooks that I used successfully on painted cinderblock walls. They are cleanly removable when they are no longer needed.

Yes, I love command hooks but they won't work on the uneven red brick. I will try felt though. If that works, then life is great. Thanks.

what about either tacking a curtain into the ceiling or putting hooks into the ceiling and draping a curtain from there?

You mentioned a curtain rod, are you trying to put up a curtain? Or are you trying to put a decorative piece on the wall? They make hangers for brick walls, that grab the top and bottom of a brick and do not damage the wall.

Here is a link that might be useful: brick clip

I second the brick clip idea. There are different styles too. I got some at the local big box hardware store and loved them.

Oh wow, thanks a bunch. Between that and felt idea, I will have options and something is sure to work.