Nighthawks at the Drawing Table

Next editions:

Friday, September 25, 19:00 to 23:30

Friday, October 30, 19:00 to 23:30

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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.

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The next Nighthawks is on Friday, 25 September #7th EDITION!

Featuring: Daan Hofman · Lars de Ruyter · Frank Petiet · Lieke van Wijck · a Joshua Irrational Allegaartje Nordson art performance, and lots of drawing. Poster created with the help of Linda van Bruggen.

Doors 19:00

Start 20:00

€10 (including a drink) — the money goes to the artists

Open Drawing Café — bring your sketchbook

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We’ve raised the entrance fee a little, so we can give all the artists a fair fee and cover their travel costs. Children coming along get a discount, If the price really doesn’t work for you, just let us know. For this edition, we’re welcoming Daan Hofman, a singer-songwriter and film composer blending indie folk, blues and chanson. Lars will share stories from his long, wild and colourful life as an illustrator. Lieke will curate some animations or host a small drawing quiz . We’ve got new rubber stamps, new table lamps, a fresh supply of drinks, and an A Nord Joshua Irrational Allegaartje Art intro talk with a small surprise (if you’re lucky). It’s going to be a packed evening where you can catch up with familiar faces and meet some new people. We’re very happy to be back at Nieuwe Vide! And check out this beautiful blog by Suzanne Wartenbergh, written after our last evening at Lokaal. It captures exactly what Nighthawks is all about https://suzannewartenbergh.substack.com