Record Store Day is an annual tradition that, while celebrated around the country, gets special treatment in Chicago. This Saturday, expect more than three dozen shops in the area to fete the day with live events and fresh pressings, including a 20th-anniversary release from a-Ha and famed private recordings of John Coltrane’s band by musician Frank Tiberi in the ‘60s.
Chicago’s independent record stores know how to celebrate, often drawing lines around the block — some even starting Friday night. Here are 10 you may want to check out this weekend.
Beverly Records
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address: 11612 Western Ave.
With its 60th birthday next year, Beverly Records is an institution. Every Record Store Day the store opens its doors two hours earlier than usual; this year’s special programming includes a visit from the cast of The Goodman Theatre’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The performers will kick off the day with a ceremonial needle drop of a collection of Rainey’s blues hits (among the exclusive titles on sale for Record Store Day) and a raffle of tickets for the show. Customers can also get White Castle sliders and 20% off used vinyl.
Bridgeport Records
Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: 3251 S. Halsted St.
Enjoy live DJ sets and check out a pop-up from Illinois-based Prairie Cannabis.
Dusty Groove
Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Address: 1120 N. Ashland Ave.
Doors open two hours early to sell hundreds of limited releases at this Ukrainian Village shop. Look for free gifts with every purchase, plus donut holes, coffee, kids’ toys and a morning magic show. Any unsold Record Store Day items will be up for sale on Sunday at 7 a.m.
Laurie’s Planet of Sound
Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Address: 4639 N. Lincoln Ave.
In addition to many Record Store Day titles, Laurie’s will sell a large selection of rare used LPs saved specifically for Saturday. WXRT personality Terri Hemmert is also rumored to be making an in-store appearance in the afternoon.
Out of the Past Records
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 or 6:30 p.m.
Address: 4407 W. Madison St.
Original owners Charlie Joe and Marie Henderson have been selling records in Garfield Park since 1963, opening up Out of the Past in 1986. Marie is still at the store, where her granddaughter Annisa Gooden carries on the family legacy 40 years into the business. On Saturday expect exclusive Record Store Day titles, plus a selection of $1 used vinyl starting at 9 a.m. Set aside some time to dig, and don’t be afraid of a little dust.
Pinwheel Records
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address: 1459 W. 18th St.
The Pilsen shop opens at 9 a.m., but owners will pass out numbers to anyone in line starting at 7:30 a.m. The website lists exclusive Record Store Day titles. Shoppers can catch live music — hosted by Pilsen Community Books — from Chicago bands Macie Stewart, Flowering and Mail. Plus, enjoy pastries from chef Becky Carson of Cerdito Muerto. If weather permits, look for a sidewalk sale with discounted vinyl.
Round Trip Records
Hours: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Address: 3455 W. Foster Ave.
Celebrate Record Store Day in North Park with free coffee and donuts starting at noon. The shop also offers 10% off all used stock and is planning live DJ sets.
Shuga Records
Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Address: 1272 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Shuga’s Wicker Park location opens early with free coffee and donuts, plus a commemorative beer glass and other goodies for early shoppers.
Val’s Halla Records
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Address: 239 Harrison Ave., Oak Park
The Oak Park store, founded in 1972, opens three hours early with live music in-store throughout the day. The day will be capped by a ticketed performance from Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes at 7 p.m. Local vendors include Kinslahger Brewing Company, Taco Mucho and Dark Matter Coffee on-site. In years past, customers have lined up overnight, so you may want to get there early.
606 Records
Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Address: 1808 S. Allport St.
Peruse Record Store Day pressings and exclusive vinyl releases at 606 with free coffee and live DJ sets throughout the day.