Nighthawks at the Drawing Table

Next edition: June 26.

Inspired by open draw events in other cities, the idea emerged in late 2025 to create a place in Haarlem where people could draw together, meet new people, and share inspiration. In January 2026, Nighthawks at the Drawing Table was launched. Since then, it has grown into a recurring evening for all kinds of drawers, artists, illustrators, and curious visitors from Haarlem and beyond. The DNA of the Nighthawks evenings stems from Joshua Baumgarten’s underground Irrational Library nights, which were organized at various locations in Haarlem from the early 2000s until a few years ago.

What makes Nighthawks special is its open and easygoing atmosphere. Drawing connects people, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been drawing for years or are just starting out. It’s about drawing together, finding inspiration, exchanging ideas, talking about art, and being part of a creative group of people who gather monthly at Nieuwe Vide.

With every edition, the group keeps growing a little more, and it’s inspiring to see how many new people find their way to the drawing table. Nighthawks exists because there is a need for a place where meeting and drawing take center stage. No profit motive, no algorithms, no egos — just a shared love of drawing.