Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The WFMU Record Fair returns for its three-day event from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.
This fair features over 200 tables of vinyl records, CDs, clothing, books, zines, and art.
WFMU Record Fair takes place in New York, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The WFMU Record Fair runs from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event features over 200 tables of vinyl records, CDs, clothing, books, zines, and art.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by WFMU, a renowned independent radio station known for its eclectic programming.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include collectors, music enthusiasts, and independent dealers looking for unique finds.
- 5Entry: Early admission available on Friday, November 6, from noon to 3 PM; regular hours from 3 PM to 8 PM.
Why visit
Visitors can explore a vast selection of vinyl records and music-related merchandise, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy live performances and special programming throughout the fair. Dates and Venue: The WFMU Record Fair runs from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Buyer Authority: Attendees include collectors, music enthusiasts, and independent dealers looking for unique finds.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to a dedicated audience of music lovers, the opportunity to showcase their collections, and the chance to network with other dealers and collectors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include collectors, music enthusiasts, and independent dealers looking for unique finds.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Vinyl collectors and crate diggers hunting rare pressings across soul, funk, jazz, blues, gospel, punk, garage, psych, hip-hop and disco, from dollar-bin fillers to high-grade originals.
Independent record store buyers and online sellers restocking inventory for the autumn and holiday selling season.
DJs, radio programmers and selectors from college, community and online stations browsing promos, imports and 45s.
Reissue label scouts, licensing staff and A&R looking for test pressings, acetates, deadwax details and rights holders.
WFMU listeners and station supporters attending the fair as a fundraiser event, often arriving with want lists and trade boxes.
Casual music fans and first-time fair-goers browsing by genre and price rather than by pressing or matrix number.
Hi-fi and turntable owners shopping for cartridges, styli, sleeves, cleaning supplies and second-hand equipment.
Music writers, photographers and scene documentarians covering New York's independent music retail calendar.
Students, families and weekend visitors using the fair as a Chelsea culture outing alongside the High Line and nearby galleries.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Independent used-record dealers and full-time crate diggers from the New York metro area and the wider US east coast.
Niche specialist dealers in 45s, doo-wop, Northern Soul, gospel, blues, Latin, Brazilian, African, psych and prog.
Reissue and archival labels presenting restored pressings, box sets and licensed compilations.
New-release independent labels and small pressing plants selling direct to collectors and stores.
Audiophile and equipment vendors with turntables, phono cartridges, styli, tonearms, speakers and record cleaning gear.
Vinyl storage and accessory suppliers offering sleeves, inner bags, crates, dividers and carrying cases.
Music books, fanzine, poster and memorabilia sellers covering punk, hip-hop, jazz and rock ephemera.
Cassette, CD and 8-track dealers serving non-vinyl collectors who also attend record fairs.
Radio, magazine and non-profit stalls, including WFMU's own merchandise, membership and fundraising tables.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Used and vintage vinyl LPs across rock, soul, funk, jazz, blues, gospel, punk, hardcore, psych, prog, folk, country, hip-hop, disco, reggae, Latin and world.
7-inch 45s and EPs, including rare regional pressings, promos, demos and picture sleeves.
78 rpm shellac records and pre-war blues, jazz and country sides.
New releases and first pressings from independent labels.
Reissues, remasters, box sets and audiophile pressings, including 180g, half-speed and mono editions.
CDs, cassettes, 8-track cartridges and mini-discs.
Test pressings, acetates and one-off lathe cuts.
Turntables, phono cartridges, styli, tonearms, preamps and second-hand hi-fi components.
Record care and storage: inner and outer sleeves, anti-static brushes, cleaning fluids, crates and dividers.
Music books, fanzines, magazines, gig posters, flyers, handbills and tour memorabilia.
Band and label merchandise, T-shirts, patches and enamel pins.
DJ accessories: slipmats, needles, headphones, 45 adapters and record bags.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Metropolitan Pavilion
New York, United States
Facilities
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Metropolitan Pavilion in New York typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Metropolitan Pavilion for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
New York, United States
Why it matters
Attending WFMU Record Fair on 2026-11-06 to 2026-11-08 in New York lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Queens gateway with the widest international and transcontinental choice. AirTrain connects to Jamaica for the LIRR to Penn Station or to Howard Beach for the A train. Taxi and rideshare times depend heavily on traffic through Queens and Midtown; confirm live conditions and fares before travel.
to venue
Road: roughly 45-75 min outside peak traffic. Rail: AirTrain plus LIRR or subway, roughly 60-90 min door to door.
by car
LaGuardia Airport
No rail link. The Q70 SBS bus runs to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway hub for the E, F, M, R and 7 lines, and the M60 SBS reaches Harlem for the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Domestic carriers dominate here; confirm current bus routes and traffic before travel.
Closest of the three airports to Chelsea
to venue
Road: roughly 25-45 min. Bus plus subway: roughly 50-70 min.
by car
Newark Liberty International Airport
New Jersey gateway used by United and many European carriers. AirTrain links to the NJ Transit station for trains to New York Penn Station, and the 62 bus plus PATH is a cheaper alternative. Confirm tunnel traffic and train timetables on the day.
to venue
Road: roughly 35-60 min depending on tunnels. Rail: AirTrain plus NJ Transit to Penn Station, roughly 50-70 min door to door.
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn)USD 110–180 / night
Lower-cost base connected by the L, F, A/C and 2/3 lines; allow 25–45 min door to door and confirm subway service before travel.
Mid-range
Flatiron and Union SquareUSD 200–320 / night
Strong transit access via N/Q/R/W and 4/5/6 at Union Square and F/M at 14th Street–6th Avenue; 15–25 min walk to the venue.
Premium
Chelsea (West 18th to West 30th Streets, Manhattan)USD 350–600 / night
Closest lodging cluster to Metropolitan Pavilion, 5–25 min on foot; confirm exact walking route and rates before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
subway
Estimated costUSD 2.90 per ride
Best for1 train to 18th Street station (7th Avenue)
Two blocks from Metropolitan Pavilion; default from Penn Station, Times Square and Upper West Side. Weekend service changes common on the 1 line—confirm day-of status before travel.
subway
Estimated costUSD 2.90 per ride
Best forF or M train to 14th Street-6th Avenue
About four blocks from the venue; useful from Brooklyn and Queens. The M runs a different route on weekends—check the map before travel.
subway
Estimated costUSD 2.90 per ride
Best forA, C or E train to 14th Street-8th Avenue
Best from Penn Station and the west side; walk east along 14th Street then north to 18th Street. Confirm service before travel.
subway
Estimated costUSD 2.90 per ride
Best forL train to 6th Avenue, or N/Q/R/W to 14th Street-Union Square
10–20 minute walk to the venue; suits Brooklyn arrivals via L or Astoria/Queens via N/W. Check weekend service before travel.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 45–100
Best forJFK to Metropolitan Pavilion
Allow 45–75 minutes depending on traffic through Queens and Midtown. Rideshare pickup zones at JFK add walking time; confirm live conditions and fares before travel.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 45–100
Best forLaGuardia to Metropolitan Pavilion
Usually 25–45 minutes via Grand Central Parkway and Queens-Midtown Tunnel or RFK Triborough Bridge; both traffic-sensitive. Confirm before travel.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Metropolitan Pavilion
Road: roughly 45-75 min outside peak traffic. Rail: AirTrain plus LIRR or subway, roughly 60-90 min door to door.; Queens gateway with the widest international and transcontinental choice. AirTrain connects to Jamaica for the LIRR to Penn Station or to Howard Beach for the A trai
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Metropolitan Pavilion
Road: roughly 25-45 min. Bus plus subway: roughly 50-70 min.; No rail link. The Q70 SBS bus runs to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway hub for the E, F, M, R and 7 lines, and the M60 SBS reaches Harlem for the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Domestic carriers dominate here; confirm cu
Weather
November in New York City is late autumn: expect cool days, colder evenings and a real chance of rain across the 6-8 November 2026 fair window. Halls at Metropolitan Pavilion are heated, but queueing outside and walking between Chelsea and the subway can be chilly, so pack layers and a compact umbrella. Confirm the short-range forecast in the final week, as temperature swings are normal in early November.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage across Manhattan is generally strong on all major US networks, so international visitors should arrange roaming or an eSIM data plan before arrival; prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are also sold at airport and Midtown stores. US power runs at 120V with Type A and Type B plugs, so most European visitors need a plug adapter and should check whether their devices accept 120V. Venue Wi-Fi at event halls is often shared and slow when the floor is busy, so download tickets, maps and payment apps in advance and bring a charged power bank, since power outlets on the fair floor are usually reserved for dealers.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Fair floor culture
Serious collectors arrive at the opening hour, work the room quickly and then circle back. Ask before pulling whole sections out of a dealer's crate, and restack records in the same order so other buyers can browse.
Cash and cards
Dealers generally accept cards and mobile payments, but cash remains common for small purchases and bundle deals. Tipping is not expected at record tables, though rounding up on a large purchase is appreciated.
Tipping in the city
Tipping is standard in New York: 15-20 percent at restaurants and bars, a few dollars per bag for hotel staff, and a tip on taxi or rideshare fares.
Queues and space
Aisles at Metropolitan Pavilion fill quickly in the first two hours of each day. Step aside to inspect a record at the table edge, and carry purchases in a tote rather than stacking them on the floor.
Bag and entry checks
Expect bag checks or a bag policy at large Manhattan venues. Leave suitcases and large luggage at your hotel and bring only what you need for the day, plus a way to carry records.
Around the venue
The venue sits in Chelsea between 6th and 7th Avenues, close to the High Line, Chelsea Market and numerous galleries and cafes for a break between browsing sessions.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: JFK
Fly into JFK for the widest international and transcontinental nonstop choice, LGA for domestic shuttle convenience and the shortest taxi ride to Chelsea, and EWR for United and many European services plus straightforward NJ Transit connections to Penn Station. Book roughly 6-10 weeks ahead for early November travel, since autumn demand in New York builds steadily. Allow at least three hours between landing and any fixed plan, because airport-to-Chelsea transfers can double in rush hour. If you are travelling with records, check airline baggage weight and size rules in advance and consider shipping heavy purchases separately. Compare fares across all three airports before booking, and confirm visa or ESTA status well before departure.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn) · Chelsea (West 18th to West 30th Streets, Manhattan) · Flatiron and Union Square
budget
USD 110-180/night
mid range
USD 200-320/night
premium
USD 350-600/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Road: roughly 45-75 min outside peak traffic. Rail: AirTrain plus LIRR or subway, roughly 60-90 min door to door.; LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Road: roughly 25-45 min. Bus plus subway: roughly 50-70 min.; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Road: roughly 35-60 min depending on tunnels. Rail: AirTrain plus NJ Transit to Penn Station, roughly 50-70 min door to door.. Allow road or rail time to Metropolitan Pavilion; on-site parkin
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Metropolitan Pavilion: Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn): Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn); Flatiron and Union Square: Flatiron and Union Square; Chelsea (West 18th to West 30th Streets, Manhattan): Chelsea (West 18th to West 30th Streets, Manhattan).
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate throughout Manhattan, and yellow cabs can be hailed along 6th and 7th Avenues near the venue. Expect surge pricing around the fair's opening and closing hours and after evening live sets. Pickup points are usually on the nearest avenue rather than on 18th Street itself, so walk a block or two before requesting a ride and keep an eye on one-way street directions. JFK journeys from Manhattan are covered by a published yellow-cab flat fare plus tolls and tip, while rideshare quotes from JFK, LGA and EWR vary widely with demand. Confirm the live quote in the app before you accept. For groups carrying heavy record bags, splitting a ride is often easier than managing multiple subway transfers.
Public transit: The New York City subway is the fastest way to reach Metropolitan Pavilion. 1 train: 18th Street station on 7th Avenue, about two blocks from the venue. F and M trains: 14th Street-6th Avenue, about three to four blocks away. A, C and E trains: 14th Street-8th Avenue, a short walk east along 14th Street. L train: 6th Avenue, then a 10-15 minute walk north to 18th Street. N, Q, R and W trains: 14th Street-Union Square, about 15 minutes on foot or one short ride on the L or 1. Buses: the M7 and M20 serve the 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue and Broadway corridors through Chelsea; confirm current stop locations and service changes. Fares: pay with a contactless card or phone through OMNY, or buy a MetroCard; a single subway or bus ride is approximately USD 2.90, so confirm the current fare. Weekend maintenance frequently changes routes, so check MTA service status on the day.
Parking: Metropolitan Pavilion occupies a dense Chelsea block where dedicated on-site parking for large events is limited. Commercial garages operate on surrounding streets in the West 18th to West 23rd Street area, and rates typically rise for event days and evening hours. Confirm garage availability, height clearance and any event parking arrangement with the organiser before driving in, and allow extra time for queues around the opening hour. Some visitors park in Midtown or Penn Station area garages and take the 1 train to 18th Street instead, which avoids circling the block at peak arrivals.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026 (late autumn in New York City)
Temperature: Typical daytime highs around 10-14 C (50-57 F) with overnight lows around 4-8 C (39-46 F). Cold snaps and mild spells both occur in early November; confirm the forecast in the final week before travelling.
Seasonality: November is a moderately wet month in New York, with rain or showers on several days and noticeably shorter daylight after the clocks change on 1 November. Bring a compact umbrella and a water-resistant outer layer rather than relying on a single sunny forecast, and plan indoor stops between the venue, hotels and subway stations.
Packing: Pack layers: a warm mid-layer, a water-resistant outer shell and comfortable walking shoes for long hours on concrete floors. Bring a reusable tote or record bag for purchases, plus a padded inner sleeve for anything valuable. Small bills are useful alongside a card, and a portable phone charger keeps ticket, map and payment apps alive across a full day at the fair. A scarf and light gloves help for early morning queues and late evening walks back to the subway or hotel.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at WFMU Record Fair usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2WFMU Record Fair registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$220.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$370.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether WFMU Record Fair fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- LP
- Long-playing 12-inch vinyl record, normally played at 33 1/3 rpm with roughly 20-25 minutes per side. The standard album format on dealer tables.
- 45 / 7-inch single
- Small vinyl disc playing at 45 rpm, usually one track per side. The core format for soul, doo-wop, garage and Northern Soul collecting.
- 78
- Shellac disc played at 78 rpm before the 1950s. Heavy and fragile, and prized for early blues, jazz and country.
- Original pressing
- A record from the original release run. Usually worth more than a later repress if the condition matches the grading.
- Repress
- A later run of the same title, often from the same or a new master. Common in bargain bins and useful for play copies.
- Reissue
- A new licensed edition of a previously released record, typically remastered with new artwork, notes or bonus tracks.
- Matrix / runout number
- Etched or stamped code in the record's deadwax identifying the cut and pressing plant. Dealers use it to confirm first pressings.
- Deadwax
- The blank inner runout area of a record where matrix numbers, mastering engineer initials and plant codes are inscribed.
- Test pressing
- A small-run disc made for approval before a full release, usually with plain white labels. Valued by collectors and labels.
- Acetate / lacquer
- A one-off disc cut on a lathe for reference or radio play. Very fragile and highly collectible.
- Mono vs stereo
- Mono is a single-channel mix typical of the 1950s and 1960s; many collectors prefer a specific mono pressing for its punchier mix.
- Goldmine grading scale
- Standard condition scale running Mint (M), Near Mint (NM), Very Good Plus (VG+), Very Good (VG), Good (G), Fair (F) and Poor (P). A VG+ record may show light marks but should play cleanly.
- Sealed
- A record still in its original shrink wrap and unopened. Sleeve and vinyl are assumed untouched, though sealed does not automatically mean better sounding.
- Colored vinyl / picture disc
- Limited pressings in coloured wax or with artwork printed onto the disc surface. Collectible, but often bought for novelty as much as sound.
- Bootleg
- An unauthorised release of live, unreleased or unlicensed material. Sold at some fairs and not others, so check with the organiser.
- Crate digging
- The practice of working through dealer boxes one record at a time, often kneeling on the floor, looking for hidden titles.
- Want list
- A written list of titles a collector is hunting. Handing one to a regular dealer is a common way to get first look at new stock.
- Dealer table
- The rented selling space at the fair, usually a table with crates beneath and stock displayed on top. Table numbers are how buyers find repeat sellers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- WFMU Record Fair
- WFMU Record Fair 2026
- WFMU Record Fair New York
- WFMU Record Fair Metropolitan Pavilion
- WFMU Record Fair NYC
- WFMU 2026
- WFMU New York 2026
- record fair New York 2026
- vinyl record fair New York
- New York record fair November 2026
10 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
WFMU
- event_website
- event_website
- event_website
- event_website
- event_social
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.