Burlington Record Fair: A Must-Visit for Music Lovers and Vinyl Collectors

The Burlington Record Fair, a beloved annual event for music lovers and vinyl collectors, returned this year to Burlington City Hall’s Contois Auditorium, marking its first edition since the closure of the iconic Nectar’s venue last July. The 10th annual fair, held on May 17, 2026, brought together 20 vendors from across the region, offering thousands of vinyl records, collectibles, and rare releases. The event, which drew crowds searching for everything from classic albums to hard-to-find titles, was a bittersweet milestone for organizers, who had previously relied on Nectar’s as their primary venue. “We love doing it at Nectar’s. The vibe there was awesome,” said Evan LeCompte, the fair’s organizer. “But it’s also exciting to try out a new space.” The move to Contois Auditorium came after Nectar’s, a long-standing music venue in Burlington, permanently closed in July 2025. The fair’s organizers had enjoyed a successful partnership with the venue for nearly a decade, but the closure prompted them to explore alternative locations. Despite the change, the event retained its popularity, with attendees eager to explore the latest vinyl offerings and connect with local vendors. The Burlington Record Fair is an annual tradition, typically held once a year, and remains a key gathering for the city’s music community. Organizers have not yet announced plans for next year’s venue, but the fair’s continued success suggests that it will remain a staple of Burlington’s cultural calendar. For now, the event’s transition to City Hall has proven a smooth one, with LeCompte expressing optimism about the future. “It’s like time to try out a new space and a new floor and everything,” he noted, adding that the fair’s organizers are looking forward to building on this year’s momentum. The fair’s shift also reflects broader trends in Vermont’s music and arts scene, where venues and community spaces often adapt to changing circumstances. As the Burlington Record Fair continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of vinyl culture and the creativity of local organizers.