Record Store DayDespite Christmas, New Year’s, and the entirety of 2025 slowly fading from our minds, the biggest musical event of 2026 is already on the way, with Record Store Day announcing this year’s date.
For those who might be entirely beholden to the conveniences of streaming, Record Store Day is the annual international celebration of record stores around the world.
Alongside a chance to honour the physical formats we hold so dear, it’s also designed to honour the role independently owned record stores play in Australian communities and the people who make them thrive; from store owners and staff, to artists, labels and music lovers
Since it first kicked off back in 2007, the event has only grown in popularity, and it’s a little difficult to find anyone in your local record store who isn’t counting down the day until the music-lover’s holiday comes around again.
Traditionally, the event is held on the third Saturday of April, and following last year’s edition being held a little earlier than usual, this year sees proceedings returning to normal broadcasting.
Indeed, organisers have today announced that the 2026 edition of Record Store Day will be held internationally on Saturday, April 18th.
As always, the burning question on the lips of music-lovers is the all-important list of releases, and all the stores getting involved.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
Before the full list is revealed, artists and labels are being given the chance to be involved. Record Store Day Australia has opened expressions of interest for those artists and labels to release music as part of this year’s festivities.
Releases can be issued via all the classic formats – vinyl, CD, cassette – in addition to KiTbetter, the new hybrid physical and digital music format designed to blend the collectible appeal of physical music products of albums, photo cards, booklets, and merchandise, helping restore value in music ownership by giving fans something tangible to hold and as well as the connected digital experience.
Expressions of interest to be involved in the releasing side of things for the 2026 edition of Record Store Day close on January 30th, so get in quick.
In 2025, more than 200 independent record stores across Australia spun into action with exclusive vinyl releases, special events, and unique RSD activations.
Likewise, the exclusive releases were plentiful, with numerous Aussie acts getting in on the action. This included special editions and one-off issues by the likes of Gordi, Dannii Minogue, You Am I, Ninajirachi, Pond, The Saints, The Wiggles, and more.
The full list of Record Store Day releases – including exclusive Australian releases – will be announced in the coming weeks. Likewise, keep an eye out for which stores will be taking part with special events, instore activities, and more in the weeks leading up to the big day.
This year’s edition of Record Store Day also follows The Music undertaking a national search to uncover Australia’s favourite record store.
With countless applications, and after namechecking and profiling beloved stores from each state, the store with the most votes was revealed to be Canberra’s own Landspeed Records. Read the full rundown here.
Head along to the Australian Record Store Day website to stay up to date with all the details of this year’s event.
