Record fairs are one of the best parts of the vinyl collecting hobby, and Australia has a solid circuit of regular events that range from small community hall affairs to massive multi-hall extravaganzas. If you’ve never been to one, you’re missing out. If you’re a regular, maybe I can still offer a few tips.

The Major Events

Melbourne Record & CD Fair

Held several times a year at the Camberwell Civic Centre and other venues, this is the biggest regular record fair in Victoria. Dozens of dealers, thousands of records, and a crowd that ranges from serious collectors to curious newcomers. The early bird sessions (usually an hour before general admission) require an extra entry fee but give you first pick of the stock.

Sydney Record Fair

Usually held at the Marrickville Town Hall or similar venues. Sydney’s fair scene has grown significantly in the past few years, reflecting the city’s strengthening vinyl culture. Good mix of dealers with strong representation of Australian releases.

Brisbane Record Fair

The Old Museum Building hosts Brisbane’s main events. Smaller than Melbourne and Sydney but with a devoted community and some excellent dealers who specialise in genres you won’t find well-represented at larger fairs.

Smaller Events

Keep an eye out for suburban record fairs, charity record sales, and pop-up events. Community centres, RSL clubs, and scout halls regularly host smaller fairs that can yield incredible finds at much lower prices than the major events. These fly under the radar, so follow local record collecting groups on Facebook and Instagram to catch the announcements.

Preparation Tips

Bring Cash

Many dealers at fairs are cash-only. Even those with card readers may have connectivity issues in crowded venues. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need. ATMs near fair venues are notorious for running out early.

Know What You’re Looking For

Have a want list, even if it’s just a mental one. With thousands of records to flip through, having specific targets keeps you focused and efficient. Use the Discogs wantlist feature on your phone for quick reference.

That said, don’t be so focused that you miss unexpected treasures. The best finds at record fairs are usually things you weren’t looking for.

Dress for Comfort

You’ll be standing, bending over boxes, and moving through crowds for hours. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a bag or backpack for carrying purchases (some fairs provide bags, many don’t). Dress in layers — community halls are either freezing or sweltering, rarely comfortable.

Arrive Early

The best stock goes fast. If there’s an early bird session, pay the premium — the extra $5-10 is worth it for first access to the tables. If there’s no early bird, be in the queue well before the doors open.

Bring Your Own Bags

A sturdy record-sized bag or a backpack with dividers protects your purchases as you continue browsing. Records bought at a fair are vulnerable to damage from being carried around all day.

Browsing Strategy

Scan the Room First

Before diving into any particular table, do a quick lap of the entire fair. Note which dealers have the stock you’re most interested in, assess the pricing levels, and identify the tables with the longest queues (they’re usually the ones with the best stock or lowest prices).

Check Conditions Carefully

Fair lighting is often poor, and it’s easy to miss flaws. Hold records up to the best light you can find. Check for warps by holding the record at eye level and looking across the surface. Check sleeves for ring wear, splits, and water damage. If a record is priced as NM, verify that claim yourself.

Negotiate Respectfully

Most dealers at fairs expect some negotiation, particularly on records over $20 and on bulk purchases. A polite “Would you take $X for these three?” is perfectly acceptable. Being aggressive or rude is not.

The best time to negotiate is toward the end of the fair, when dealers would rather sell at a small discount than pack the stock back up. But the trade-off is that the best records will be gone by then.

Don’t Rush Past the Cheap Boxes

The $2-5 bins at record fairs are where genuine discoveries happen. Plenty of people walk straight past them heading for the higher-end stock, but I’ve found Australian pressings worth $50+ in bargain bins because the dealer didn’t recognise them.

Selling at Record Fairs

If you’re thinking about becoming a dealer at a fair, a few things to know:

Table fees range from $50-200 depending on the event and table size. For a first-timer, a half table at a smaller fair is a good way to test the waters.

Pricing should be realistic. Check Discogs sold prices for your better items and price accordingly. Overprice your stock and you’ll pack it all back up at the end of the day.

Presentation matters. Clean records, clearly priced stock, organised sections, and a friendly demeanour make a significant difference.

Patience. Selling at a fair is a long day. Bring food, water, something to read during quiet periods, and the resilience to handle being offered $5 for a $40 record.

The Community Aspect

Beyond the buying and selling, record fairs are community events. They’re where you meet other collectors, discover new dealers, swap stories about finds and misses, and feel connected to a shared passion.

I set up a table at fairs a few times a year, partly to sell overstock from the shop and partly because I genuinely enjoy the atmosphere. There’s something about a room full of people who love music, flipping through crates together, that no online marketplace can replicate.

See you at the next one.