Founders Annual Book & Record Fair 2026

The vintage gates of Founders Park are ready to swing open for New Zealand’s largest Book and Record Fair! This King’s Birthday weekend marks the start of a nine-day treasure hunt through a whimsical labyrinth of over 400,000 items.
Whether searching for a sun-faded childhood classic, a rare vinyl record to perfect a collection, or a rainy-day puzzle for the family, the rustic charm of the park provides the ultimate backdrop for discovery. This year’s fair is brimming with:
Books of every genre (from historical non-fiction to contemporary bestsellers).
Crates of vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs for the dedicated music lover.
Puzzles, board games, and magazines to keep every household entertained.
An extensive children’s book section perfect for young explorers.
The Details:
💰 Admission: $2 per visit, or grab a ‘Book Express’ weekly pass for just $5 to enjoy unlimited entry for the full nine days!.
👶 Family Friendly: Children under 12 join the hunt for free!.
🕙 When: Saturday, 30 May – Sunday, 7 June | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm daily.
📍 Where: Founders Park, Nelson.
Follow the scent of old paper and the nostalgic crackle of vinyl to Founders Park this June. It is more than a fair; it is a community tradition where every find tells a story.

Are you tired of waiting in lines longer than a Victorian novel? Do you want to feel like a Nelson VIP for the price of a fancy coffee? ☕️
The Founders Annual Book & Record Fair is just around the corner, and we have the ultimate life hack for you! Grab your $5 Weekly Pass available RIGHT NOW and enjoy the sweet, sweet perks of being prepared.
Why you need this pass:
Express Entry: Cruise through our Express Lane on the very first day, because those rare vinyl records and first editions won’t wait for anyone!
Unlimited Access: This pass covers your entry for all 9 days of the fair.
The Ultimate Bargain: It’s only $5 for the whole week. That’s less than a dollar a day for endless browsing through Nelson’s best collection of books and tunes.
The Details
Where: Grab your pass at the Windmill, Founders Heritage Park. When: The Book & Record Fair runs from 30th May – 7th June 2026. What: Entry for one adult (non-transferable).
Don’t be the one stuck at the gate while someone else is snagging that pristine David Bowie record you’ve been hunting for. Get your pass today and be the first to find those hidden gems! 💎
Head down to the Windmill at Founders Park today to secure your $5 Weekly Pass before the rush begins! 🎟️
See you at the Windmill! 🎡

For the Record: This is our biggest fair yet! Whether you’re a seasoned crate-digger looking for that rare 7″ pressing or just someone who thinks “analog” sounds cooler than “Spotify,” we’ve got you covered. We’ve been stacking the wax (and the paperbacks) all year just for this!
Why you need to be here:
Vinyl Revival: Dig through crates of classics that’ll make your turntable sing.
The Big Mix: It’s the ultimate “remix” of stories and songs – perfect for those who want their home library to have a soundtrack.
Epic Scale: We aren’t kidding about the size; you might need a bigger car for your “cargo.”
Don’t let your favorite finds go to someone else’s collection. Mark your calendars and get ready to unstack the wax!
The Details:
📅 Dates: 30th May – 7th June 2026
🕙 Time: 10am – 4:30pm daily
📍 Location: Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Drive
See you there – don’t be a broken record and miss out!

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