Saturday, April 18, is Record Store Day, a nationwide event that celebrates local record stores and crate digging by enticing vinyl nerds to line up for limited edition records. Even if you're not a turntable completist, visit a few of Chicago's best record shops to catch sets from local bands and DJs, or stop by a bar to sample Revolution's special Record Store Day brew.
Boiler Room
Local artist collective FeelTrip will hold down the decks at this Record Store Day brunch on the Boiler Room's patio, which will also feature live performances by the Lulabelles and Model Stranger. Open at noon.
Bric-A-Brac Records and Collectibles
The Avondale record and '80s nostalgia emporium opens early, enticing hung over patrons with coffee from Wormhole and Doughnut Vault treats. At noon, the party extends to neighboring Lost Lake and Thank You, where you can order the special Bric-A-Braquiri and listen to DJ sets. Back over at Bric-A-Brac, catch performances from bands like Tweens and Proud Parents beginning at 1pm. Open at 8am.
Bucket O' Blood Books and Records
This small Logan Square shop will be offering free goody bags to early birds—everyone else will be able to browse RSD titles and enter giveaways while enjoying complimentary snacks and loud tunes. Open at 10am.
Dave's Records
Confuse waspy brunchers on their way to surrounding Clark Street restaurants by lining up in front of Dave's on Record Store Day. The best part about shopping at Dave's is all the freebies he gives away to customers, including candy, cupcakes from Molly's, and promotional CDs, DVDs and records. Open at 9:45am.
Dusty Groove
A live magic show, free refreshments and a prize wheel may sound like the trappings of a kids' birthday party, but that's just how Dusty Groove celebrates Record Store Day. The first 100 people through the doors at the Ashland Avenue store will receive a free gift. Open at 8am.
Emporium Arcade Bar
Revolution Brewing and Reckless Records collaborated on a new beer, Hand Over Fist, which will make its debut at this Record Store Day showcase at Emporium in Wicker Park. Come in to try the brew and catch sets from Ribbonhead, Roach Beach and Meat Wave. Anyone with a Reckless Records receipt of at least $50 will get free tokens and a free beer, while those with a $20-plus receipt from any Chicago record store can score some free tokens. Open at noon.
Gramaphone Records
If you want to dance to the music while you do your Record Store Day shopping, there's no better place than Gramaphone in Lincoln Park. The store's RSD event features a stacked lineup of local DJs and no shortage of sick beats. Open at 11am.
Jazz Record Mart
If you you're not concerned with RSD exclusive and would rather dig through crates of blues and jazz LPs, take a trip downtown and search through hundreds of records that have been discounted in celebration of this music holiday. Local bluesman Johnny Burgin will be serenading customers beginning at 11am. Open at 10am.
Jerry's Sandwiches
After a long day of record shopping, you're probably going to work up an appetite. Head to either Jerry's Sandwiches location with a Record Store Day receipt to get 10% off your bill and enter to win a free turntable. DJs from Cage & Aquarium Productions will be spinning all-vinyl sets at the Wicker Park store. 6-10pm.
Kstarke Records
Kstarke is presenting an entire day of all-vinyl DJ sets from local selectors, accompanied by free food and drinks. Open at 10am.
Laurie's Planet of Sound
Not many stores would book a polka band to play on Record Store Day, but that's just the kind of place that Laurie's has always been. The Lincoln Square institution will be slinging RSD exclusives while hosting DJ sets and live performances (check out the full schedule) all day long. Open at 9am.
Logan Hardware
You won't find any Lego Movie soundtrack picture discs or Metallica cassettes at Logan Hardware on Record Store Day this year. The shop is eschewing official RSD releases and is teasing the rollout of more than 60 boxes of LPs priced to move. Happy digging. Open at noon.
Numero Group pop-up at Comfort Station
Local label Numero Group returns to Logan Square's Comfort Station to sell its wares and nearly 10,000 used 45s that it has gathered for the occasion. If you've been eyeing new releases like the Ork Records singles box set or a recording of Bedhead's 1998 performance at the Empty Bottle, this is where you're sure to find them. Open at 9am.
Permanent Records
This West Town shop is stocking up on hundreds of RSD titles, as well as morning treats from West Town Bakery and Dark Matter Coffee AND afternoon snacks from Roots Pizza. Stop in at 4:30 to hear sets from American District Telegraphy, Clearance and buckinghampalaceSVU. Open at 8am.
Reckless Records
As usual, all of Reckless' local stores are getting in on the RSD madness. At the brand new Wicker Park shop, which opens on Thursday, the Sea and Cake hit the stage at 3pm and Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo signs records 3:30–5pm. The Lakeview branch gets sets from Local H and Ne-Hi, while the Loop location will get a visit from Tim Kinsella. Open at 10am.
Record Breakers
Get your fill of free hot dogs and soda, celebrate an additional outdated medium with 50% off all CDs, and watch in-store performances at the in-house record store or Reggie's. Open at 8am.
Saki
The Logan Square shop hosts its annual Record Store Day in-store marathon beginning at 1pm, including performances by Cheap Girls, Advance Base, Sleeping Bag and many more. Anyone who braves the early morning line will be treated to free coffee from Dark Matter, while late-comers can commemorate the occasion with a picture in a photo booth. Open at 9am.
Shuga Records
Line up early at this new Wicker Park record shop and you'll be treated to free Glazed and Infused doughnut holes, Dark Matter coffee, T-shirts and LPs. Stick around throughout the day to catch in-store sets from Ty Maxon, Quinn Tsan, Anthony Saint, Jessica Marks and Zigtebra. Open at 8am.