Another winter is almost gone, and that means Record Store Day 2026 is right around the corner. If you are a record collector than this is either your favorite or least favorite holiday. For some, it’s a day to grab some unique new releases and stand in line for the festivities and limited releases at their local record store. For other it’s a day to sit online and complain about how much better it used to be and how now, more than ever, it’s less about celebrating independent record stores and more about record labels lining their wallets with unnecessary releases that no one asked for or wanted.
Love it, hate it, RSD has a knack for bringing out the absolute best and the absolute worst of record stores and collectors alike. Whether it’s giving out free coffee and creating a party atmosphere with Live music, the way Mint Gallery Records and Jackpot Records handled the holiday last year, or spitefully banning your store from the holiday entirely, like our good friends over at Too Many Records.
Even if you are vehemently against what RSD has become, I would encourage you to get out and support your local record store in some way on April 18th. Even if they are not formally participating in Record Store Day, many shops will have something special going on.
As more information is announced over the coming weeks, I will cover all of the unique things going on for Record Store Day in Portland, whether the shops here are formally participating or not.
RSD may have its best days behind it, but there are usually a few solid releases looking out for, and this year is no different. Jackson C. Frank is pretty high up on my want list, and should be on yours if you like serene folk music. Other than that, the Bill Evans and Chet Baker live releases are on my radar, as well as the Adrienne Lenker live album. What are you hoping to get your hands on?