Everything you need to know about Record Store Day 2026
You won't want to miss this Record Store Day
Record Store Day is fast approaching, and all of your favourite independent record stores are ready to celebrate. But Record Store Day can be overwhelming, and you want to make sure you don't miss anything. That's where I come in.
I'm going to break down when Record Store Day is taking place, what exactly it is and what you can expect this year.
What is Record Store Day?
Record Store Day is a celebration of all things music. It's when your favourite artists come together and support independent record stores by releasing exclusive items that you won't be able to find anywhere else.
You can pick up rare vinyl, exclusive CDs and more. For everything on offer, check out the official Record Store Day website.
When is Record Store Day?
Record Store Day lands on the 18th of April across the world. Check the Record Store Day website to find out if your local record store is participating in the event.
Record Store Day Exclusives
Exclusive Vinyl
When it comes to vinyl, there's no better place to come some up at your local independent music store. There's no better feeling than finding a rare variation of your favourite album or an album that's cheaper than what the bigger stores are charging.
Artists are well-known for releasing special editions of albums specifically for Record Store Day - which then increase in value as the years go on as you can only pick these albums up on the day.
What's releasing?
For the full list of releases, there's a compiled list on the Record Store Day website that has all of the information you need, but some of the big hitters include:
Relive this fantastic album by George Harrison on a gorgeous zoetrope vinyl.
Zoetrope vinyl has artwork on the surface that, when in motion, makes it seem like the artwork is moving.
For prices, contact your nearest independent record store.
No vinyl collection is complete without a jazz album, and there's no better choice than a Miles Davis LP.
What makes this LP stand out compared to other Miles Davis albums is that it's live (and for anybody who's been to a live jazz concert, you know anything can happen at any given moment) and it's gold coloured.
For prices, contact your nearest independent record store.
The godfather's of punk rock, The Ramones are the foundation of the genre. This album will make you feel like you were there in the crowd during their set at the Summer In The City music festival.
This release comes with 2 x coloured heavyweight LPs.
For prices, contact your nearest independent record store.
Does Record Store Day include CDs?
Yes, Record Store Day isn't just all about vinyl. You can pick up CDs as well, but it's recommended that you contact your nearest independent record store to double-check what stock they'll be carrying on the day.
Does HMV do Record Store Day?
No, big name retailers do not take part in Record Store Day. This event is specifically for independent record stores such as Assai in Scotland, Spillers Records in Cardiff and Rough Trade.
Does Record Store Day have sales?
Yes, some record stores will hold sales the same time as the Record Store Day event. It's worth contacting stores before the event to check stock and to see what sales are currently in place if they don't have a website.
Can I buy Record Store Day releases online?
Generally, Record Store Day works on a first-come first-served basis. Meaning you have to be in one of the stores on the 18th of April to guarantee you pick up the vinyl or CD of your choosing.
Any stock remaining after the event usually gets added to the record stores websites the following Monday.
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