Record Store Day 2026 - Exclusive releases and what to expect

Record Store Day (RSD) returns on Saturday, April 18 and will take place at over 300 independent record stores across the UK and beyond.

Whether it will be your first time partaking, or you are a seasoned record hunter, the day is one of the biggest calendar events for vinyl lovers.

Side A or B? Record store takes place on April, 18 2026. (Image by Natasha Judge)

This year sees exclusive pressings from a variety of different genres, whether you are still in the art of loving Olivia Dean, or in the mood to groove to Empire of the Sun - there are a multitude of different artists to browse.

Running since 2008, the day is a means of trying to get people to visit local, independent record stores, through exclusive releases which are sold on a first come, first served basis.

Also, amongst the mix is Black Sabbath, Haim, Charli XCX, CMAT, The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, and a yet to be announced Holly Humberstone single.

For an aesthetically pleasing turntable, there are limited edition picture vinyls, such as Alfie Templeman ‘Happiness in Liquid Form’ EP, Feeder ‘Feel It Again’, Joy Crookes ‘Juniper’, and The Charlatans ‘Then’.

For those who love a live album there are plenty including the likes of Annie Lennox, Beethoven, Blur, The Cars, Madonna, The House of Love, Wolf Alice, Courteeners, Fall Out Boy, and Jeff Buckley.

The George Harrison zoetrope vinyl releases continue this year, with the release of ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Extra Texture’.

Every store will have their own plans for the big day, so be sure to check websites and social media for your local store to see their protocol. Usually, shops will open their doors at 8am, and most stores will release their stock list just ahead of the day.

Records released as part of a RSD pressing will only be available to purchase in-person at independent record stores, then any remaining stock may be available online from 8pm on Monday, April 20.

Be warned though, some people do queue from the early hours in preparation to hopefully snap up their favourite artists, so be sure to plan ahead if there is a particular item on your wish list.

You can look for your closest participating store on the interactive map here, and further information can be found on the RSD website.