Record Store Day Celebrates Vinyl

Record Store Day 2025 is set for Saturday marking the 18th annual celebration of independent record stores worldwide. This event, which began in 2007, brings together music fans, artists, and over 1,400 indie record shops across the U.S.—plus thousands more globally—to celebrate vinyl culture and the unique role these stores play in their communities. 

Typically held on the third Saturday of April, the 2025 date shifts to the second Saturday, likely to avoid overlapping with holidays like Easter, which falls on April 20 that year.

This year’s ambassador is Post Malone, a multi-genre artist known for his love of vinyl and record stores. In his ambassador statement, he expressed excitement about the honor, saying, “Record Store Day is so important and I really hope to do my part to keep it alive. We love hitting local shops when we’re on the road… It’s really an unexplainable feeling to dig through crates.” His involvement highlights the event’s appeal to both artists and fans, bridging generations of music lovers.

Record Store Day 2025 will feature over 300 exclusive vinyl releases available only at participating indie stores on April 12. These fall into three categories: Exclusives, available solely at indie shops; RSD First, debuting at these stores but possibly released elsewhere later; and Small Run/Regional Titles, limited to under 1,000 copies or specific regions, making them harder to find. Highlights include Taylor Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight” 7” single, Gorillaz’s “Demon Days: Live in Harlem” LP, and George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” on a zoetrope picture disc. Other notable releases feature artists like Freddie Gibbs, Lil Uzi Vert, and Queen, with full details on the official Record Store Day website.

Beyond the records, stores often host live performances, DJ sets, and parties. For example, The Record Exchange in Boise plans a weekend-long celebration with over 300 exclusives, local musicians busking, and a listening party on April 11 featuring free craft beer. In the UK, over 270 shops will join in, partnering with DEYA Brewing Company for a special RSD beer, emphasizing the event’s community spirit.

Since its start, Record Store Day has boosted vinyl sales significantly—2024 saw the highest weekly vinyl sales in 30 years. It’s a day to hunt for rare finds, support local businesses, and enjoy the tactile joy of physical music, as Post Malone’s enthusiasm reflects. Check recordstoreday.com for participating stores and the full release list—quantities are limited, so arriving early is key!