Record Store Day Date in the current year: April 20, 2024

Record Store Day was inspired by Free Comic Book Day. It was conceived in 2007 during a meeting of record store owners held in Baltimore, Maryland. The event aims to bring together independent record store owners, recording artists and music fans from around the world.

The first Record Store Day was held in 2008. It was officially kicked off by Metallica at Rasputin Music in Mountain View, California. That year, about 300 hundred stores launched the observance in the United States, including Vintage Vinyl, School Kids Records, and Waterloo Records.

On the third Saturday in April, record stores hold special parties for their customers. Musicians participate in the celebration by making special appearances, meets and greets with their fans, performances. Famous musicians have served as official Record Store Day ambassadors, including Jess Hughes, Joshua Homme, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Jack White, and Chuck D.

One of the best known traditions of Record Store Day is the issuing of special CD and vinyl releases. The number of special releases is growing each year, as well as the number of surprise artist appearances.