Discover the world of vinyl in Haarlem

From 2 to 4 October 2026, Haarlem will be entirely dedicated to vinyl. During the Haarlem Vinyl Festival, record collectors, music lovers, artists, labels, designers and professionals from the music industry come together. For three days, the focus is on records, music, art and the distinctive culture that has developed around vinyl.

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival is much more than a record fair. Visitors can listen to music, discover special LPs, explore exhibitions and take part in talks and listening sessions. This makes the festival interesting for experienced collectors as well as for people who are only just beginning to explore the world of vinyl.

Much more than buying records

Searching for new and second-hand records is naturally an important part of the festival. However, the event is not only about expanding a record collection. The programme also includes live performances, films, art, signing sessions, presentations and discussions about the production, design and history of vinyl.

Producers, artists, record labels, journalists and collectors share their knowledge and experience. This gives visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of the vinyl world. How is a record recorded and pressed? What makes a particular pressing special? And why does vinyl remain so popular despite the many digital alternatives?

It is precisely this combination of music, craftsmanship and personal encounters that gives the Haarlem Vinyl Festival its distinctive character.

An international festival with a relaxed atmosphere

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival attracts visitors and participants from the Netherlands and abroad. As a result, the event feels larger and more varied than a traditional local record fair. Music industry professionals and vinyl enthusiasts meet in an accessible and informal setting.

After all, vinyl is more than just a sound carrier. A record is listened to, collected, discussed, admired and carefully stored. The artwork, inner sleeve and story behind an album are also part of the experience. The festival pays attention to all these different aspects of vinyl culture.

Haarlem as a setting for vinyl culture

Haarlem is an excellent setting for an event that takes place at different locations throughout the city. The historic city centre invites visitors to walk around and discover a range of festival venues. A festival day might include a record fair, a lecture, an exhibition, a live performance and an unexpected conversation with another collector.

This format creates a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors do not have to spend the entire day inside one large exhibition hall, but can create their own route. Browsing, listening and discovering new things are all perfectly suited to the way many people experience vinyl.

New records deserve a proper place

There is a good chance that you will return from the Haarlem Vinyl Festival with more records than you originally planned to buy. A special reissue, a long-awaited classic or an unexpected find can be difficult to leave behind.

A growing record collection also requires suitable storage. Vinyl records are best stored vertically, with proper support and without being packed too tightly together. A sturdy record cabinet or vinyl shelving unit keeps LPs organised and helps protect both the records and their sleeves from warping and damage.

A favourite new purchase can, of course, first be given a prominent place. A record stand, wall display or “Now Playing” holder allows you to present the album you are currently listening to. Afterwards, the record can be safely returned to a record cabinet or shelving unit that provides sufficient space and support.

Vinyl is not a temporary trend

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival shows that vinyl is not simply about nostalgia. There is an active international culture surrounding records, bringing together music, technology, design and collecting. Both new albums and classic recordings continue to be released on vinyl, appealing to different generations of music lovers.

For new collectors, the festival offers an accessible introduction to this world. Experienced vinyl enthusiasts can discover new music, exchange knowledge and find special pressings. At the same time, the event is a useful reminder that a record collection should not only be expanded, but also carefully maintained and properly stored.

Three reasons to visit the Haarlem Vinyl Festival

• Meet record collectors, artists and professionals from the vinyl industry.
• Enjoy music, art, films, talks and listening sessions alongside a large record fair.
• Discover new ideas for listening to, collecting, displaying and storing vinyl records.

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival is therefore an inspiring weekend for anyone who enjoys playing records, discovering new music or expanding a vinyl collection.

Visit the official Haarlem Vinyl Festival website for the latest programme, participating venues and ticket information.