Spin Me Around

6 ways to celebrate Record Store Day 2026 in Minnesota
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Courtesy of Caydence Records & Coffee

Although it’s not an official holiday, Record Store Day (RSD) is one of the most anticipated calendar pins of the year for analog-heads nationwide. Here in Minnesota, brick-and-mortar stores are gearing up for RSD 2026—this year on Saturday, April 18—which will feature special album releases and more. Here are six ways to mark the holiday.

  1. Visit a record store near you. Minnesota is home to more than 30 record stores, most of which have signed the Record Store Day Pledge: agreeing to sell special RSD releases in person (not primarily online) at a fair price. There are recognizable Twin Cities names on the list—like Electric Fetus and Cheapo Records—but also greater-Minnesota stores, like Verbena Vinyl in Northfield or Sundown Records in Bemidji.
  2. Pick up an RSD 2026 special release. Every year, various artists and labels release EPs and LPs just for Record Store Day—some are brand-new music, and others are special editions of older tunes. Look for Bryan Adams’ “Tough Town,” David Bowie’s “Hallo Spaceboy,” Brandi Carlile’s “Live At Easy Street Records,” and more. (Check with your local store before heading over to make sure they have the stock you want.)
  3. Preview Noah Kahan next Tuesday. Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has flown up the charts in recent years, and his new album, “The Great Divide,” will have early listening sessions on Tuesday, April 21. Here in Minnesota, you can hear “The Great Divide” before its official release at the following shops:
      • Indie Earth, Buffalo
      • Down In The Valley, Golden Valley
      • Tune Town, Mankato
      • Electric Fetus, Minneapolis
      • Verbena Vinyl, Northfield
  1. Check out a live performance. Shops like Know Name Records and Electric Fetus in Minneapolis host DJ sets and live jam sessions with local bands throughout the day on April 18.
  2. Stand in line. It’s all part of the vibe: Arrive for early opening hours (sometimes as early as 7 a.m.) and wait with fellow music lovers for special releases that sell out quickly; some folks even camp out overnight to snag a spot near the front of the line. Enjoy the downtime and chat about your favorite spins.
  3. Stay caffeinated. Find a nearby coffee shop before you head to your neighborhood record store or visit one that offers the best of both worlds—like Caydence Records & Coffee in St. Paul.

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