Jacob Tyler Dunn
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It’s April, and for vinyl lovers, that means one thing: Record Store Day. This year, it’s on Saturday, April 18. Though it’s grown some legs since its first installment in April 2008, having more than one designated “day” annually, this is the main event. It’s a celebration of independent record stores; close to 1,400 shops around the world participate, and it’s a giant platter of good vibes.
What’s not to love about Record Store Day? Some shops let you line up at the crack of dawn to nab exclusive releases and celebrate the good vibes that come from taking home exclusive goodies. Adding to the fun, many stores build up the day with merch sales, giveaway, and in-store performances by bands and DJs. You’ll see food and coffee trucks at some locations, helping keep you fueled. Not all stores get copies of everything on the list, as they are limited releases. For that same reason, it’s generally a rule that you get one copy of any specific RSD exclusive, with a cap on the total number of RSD titles you can buy.
Among this year’s hot items, look for “Acoustic Songs” by The Cure — which is self-explanatory, “From Bebop to Blue,” by Miles Davis, and the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, “HUNTR/X Edition.”
Here is what several Valley record stores have planned for Record Store Day:
Scott Robenalt
Asylum Records
2990 N. Alma School Road, #5, Chandler
480-964-6301
This vinyl spot in the East Valley is opening its Record Store Day doors at 7 a.m. and is ready to satisfy your morning hunger pangs. Just like in 2025, Last Ride Tacos will be on site making tacos and breakfast burritos for purchase. The store cares about your hydration, too. Ashley Nestor will be making Dirty Darlin’ Moctails.
That said, out of the way, when it comes to icons hanging out onsite, Michael Bruce from the original Alice Cooper Group will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take pictures and sign items for fans. If you’re going to purchase his photo or autograph, hit the ATM, because this classic rocker is cash only. Watch Asylum’s Facebook page; on Friday, they’ll be posting a flipbook look at what’s going to be available.
Deadwax Records
14175 W. Indian School Road, Suite D1, Goodyear
602-456-1333
Get RSD exclusives right here in Goodyear. Additionally, the first 25 people in line will receive some goodies. Among the potential treasureworms that early birds could get are an RSD tote bag, an RSD Bluey poster, an RSD Dogfish Head poster, a Bruno Mars RSD Ambassador pin, a Foo Fighters sticker and two RSD exclusive stickers.
Desert Grooves
393 W. Warner Road, #117, Chandler
602-492-3507
Last year, this store opened at the crack of dawn, but say “sleeping in” is where it’s at this year. They’ll be open at noon and will have a “couple hundred” RSD titles. If you want to find out in advance what will be for sale, they are planning to post that information on their Facebook and Instagram pages on Friday.
Grace Records
2200 E. Williams Field Road, #112, Gilbert
480-534-0681
Doors open at this San Tan Village store at 7 a.m. on Record Store Day, but say that their lines sometimes start as early as 4 a.m. The first 20 people in line will get a goodie bag. These will include a mix of items, like limited-edition RSD posters, stickers, buttons, and lanyards. More than 40 Dogfish Head RSD posters, while supplies last, for the first customers, too. If you are looking to save, the day’s discounts include 10% off all non-RSD new or used records, electronics and posters. 15% off all apparel is also one of the day’s bonuses. Set your alarm clock.
The ‘In’ Groove
3300 N. 24th St.
602-957-2453
This year’s list of RSD titles features a dizzying array of choices. Chet Baker, The Who, John Prine, HAIM, Wiz Khalifa and Neko Case are among the scroll of artists whose music you can score. The store plans on having “every” exclusive. They are opening at 8 a.m. and will also offer 10% off all used vinyl throughout the weekend.
Michelle Sasonov
Stinkweeds Records
12 W. Camelback Road
602-8248-9461
As they inch closer to their 40th anniversary, this Valley staple is gearing up for another Record Store Day, and they’re prepared. Just take a look at their site, where you can peruse this list of RSD titles. All releases are first-come, first-served and limited to one copy of each title per customer. They’ve also got an FAQ section and all the details to get you prepared before you swing by. Sales start at 8 a.m. in the shop’s parking lot. The first 100 people get a Stinkweeds swag bag. Neighbors from Larrea Coffee will be making their beverages available and you can also memorialize your visit with hand-drawn portraits from The Faux-To Booth.
Tracks in Wax
4741 N. Central Ave.
602-890-7870
This iconic spot for record buying in Phoenix was acquired by new owners last year, and they were excited to become part of the officially sanctioned RSD community. They’ll be opening doors at 9 a.m., and the day includes exclusive RSD drops, used and new vinyl all day and music by DJ Mayume. To keep you motivated, Circa Coffee Co. will have its truck on site for a mix of rejuvenation and reverberation.
Trill
4828 N. 16th St.
602-595-4510
This Phoenix hip-hop shop took to their social media platforms to show some non-RSD albums they were prepping and pricing for their bins. They noted that they would also be filling those bins with RSD exclusive titles for Saturday.
Uncle Aldo’s Facebook
Uncle Aldo’s Attic
6016 E. McKellips Road, Mesa
480-218-1415
The Mesa store says they’ll have “lots of RSD stuff” on hand. Everything that isn’t an RSD release will be 10% off. Here’s their drill: Doors open at 10 a.m., and they’ll let in one person at a time to shop for one copy each of up to three RSD items (and anything else). When the line is gone, they say that everything else is up for grabs.
Vinyl Command
930 W. Southern Ave., #1, Mesa
480-818-5619
Though we don’t have any RSD specifics, we do know this Mesa destination for heavy metal is taking part in the action. They specialize in new and used vinyl, cassettes, CDs and band merchandise. They buy and trade used metal music. Insert horns sign here.
Vinyl Record Dude
7223 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
480-626-2436
Celebrate the Dude’s first Record Store Day in their new location, after a move from Mesa. The store is opening at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and the line forms at the Shea Blvd. entrance. In addition to the RSD exclusive releases, the store will have giveaways with purchases, while they last — another plus: 10% off all used vinyl, shirts, hats, and apparel. Guest Selectors Vil and JasperPunk will set the mood, spinning a variety of tunes. Sunday is RSD Hangover, when the sale of 10% non-RSD items continues, and a new batch of Guest Selectors will be on hand. Bands The Rebel Set and Black Tapestry will perform live sets.
Courtesy of Zia Records
Zia Records
Multiple Valley locations
All five Valley Zia stores will be ready for RSD shoppers at 7 a.m. You can peruse hundreds of RSD releases, and don’t forget: you’re limited to one copy per title, per person. Look for merch sales, and at the Bethany Home Road store in Phoenix, Mute Swan (who style it “mute swan”) will be doing an in-store performance. The Tucson shoegaze/dream-pop band goes on at 2 p.m.
The store, which is prolific in its branded merch, is dropping new, exclusive items, including a Record Store Day 2026 T-shirt, hat, slipmat, and more.
And for the first time, customers can get a discount on Record Store Day items. Say what? Members of Zia’s new VIP program can get a 5% discount on their entire RSD purchase. If you’re not a member, you can sign up on RSD.
April 18 and 19 also mark the return of Zia’s Buy 3, Get the 4th Pre-owned item free sale, redeemable only at their stores. Remaining RSD titles can be purchased via the store’s site starting at 5 a.m. MT/PST on April 19.
