Record Store Day, aka Black Friday for audiophiles, is almost upon us.  

Aside from sales and exclusive releases, April 21 is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of the vinyl-obsessed and the special role independently owned stores play in their communities.  

In and around DC, there are many places putting their own local spin on this worldwide event, and #FrayLife has the scoop on exclusive vinyl releases, sales, and events at local record stores, bars, and restaurants throughout the DMV.

Check out the list of titles being released exclusively for Record Store Day, update your Discoggs wishlist, and get ready to grab the latest and greatest tunes.

1. Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe

Songbyrd in AdMo will offer several exclusive Record Store Day releases, special products from DC-area labels Federal Green Records and Carpark Records, and a Prince-themed day party to honor the second anniversary of his passing. There will be live music in the evening featuring The Great Heights Band, Eternal Boy, Party Like It’s, and Awthentik.

2. Dogfish Head

As the official beer of Record Store Day, Dogfish Head is using the entire month of April to celebrate it. They’ve got events scheduled across the country for beer specials, pours of their new brew in collaboration with The Flaming Lips, Dragons & YumYums, giveaways, DJs, and prizes.  Take a look at where you can take part in the DMV.

April 12, World of Beer, Rockville, MD

April 19, Dogfish Head Alehouse, Gaithersburg, MD

April 21, Dogfish Head Alehouse, Fairfax, VA

April 21, Dogfish Head Alehouse, Falls Church, VA

April 21, The Partisan and Red Apron Butcher, Washington, DC

3. Blue Groove Soundz

Blue Groove Soundz in Arlington will have multiple DJs spinning in-store throughout the day starting at 9am, including DJ Jeyone and DJ K. Pharoah. They even have a pop-up celebration planned at Westover Beer Garden aptly titled “Brew Groovin for Record Store Day”. Check their Facebook event page for updates.

#FrayLife Tip: Expect Dogfish beer, Blue Groove merch, and a band in the outdoor garden from 5pm-10pm.

4. Hill & Dale

This Georgetown record store has ordered several RSD special release titles. A list of titles available at Hill & Dale will be posted during the week of April 16, but be warned, supplies are limited.

5. Home Rule Records

The area’s newest record store in DC’s Brightwood Park will open early and stay open late from 10am-10pm on Record Store Day. There will be a 20% off sale, guest DJs, and bevvys provided by their neighbors Anxo Cidery.

6. Purple Narwhal Music & Manga

This music/anime/book store in Rockville will be open an hour early and stocking RSD special releases on 4/21. They’ll also be partaking in Dogfish Head Alehouse’s festivities at the Gaithersburg location on Thursday, April 19.

7. Mobius Records

Mobius in Fairfax will open early at 9am for RSD. They recently announced a special beer collaboration with Bluejacket and Ocelot Brewing Company to create a brew just for Record Store Day (an apricot and peach IPA. nom). Check their Facebook page for updates.

8. Red Onion Records

Red Onion will be stocking many of the special releases listed on RSD’s website, but not all. If there is anything specific you would like them to order, get in touch.

9. Silver Spring Record Fair

Denizen’s Brewing Co.is hosting the Silver Spring Record Fair the day after official Record Store Day. Catch over 20 vendors from across the DMV, DJs, and craft beer from 1pm-6pm.

#FrayLife Tip: Bring your dog! Denizen’s has a dog-friendly beer garden.

10. Joe’s Record Paradise

Joe’s will have RSD exclusive releases, local beer, as well as Damu the Fudgemunk spinning tracks right off of the store’s shelves from 12-2pm.

Is there a record store or other establishment in your neighborhood doing cool things for Record Store Day? Make sure to tag us on social in all of your RSD fun using #FrayLife.

Want to check out more of the DC arts scene? How about watching, learning, or performing improve?