Where To Celebrate Record Store Day In Northern VA

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Record Store Day is coming this weekend, and stores around Northern Virginia are taking part, putting together lists of special releases for the day and getting ready for record lovers to convene.

This year's Record Store Day is Saturday, April 18. The annual celebration was launched in 2007, when independent record store owners and employees came together to highlight the role record stores play in communities.

Record Store Day events can include limited edition releases, performances, sales and more. The day also has a new ambassador each year, with musician Bruno Mars taking the mantle for 2026.

Every year also brings an honorary Record Store Day ambassador. For 2026, musician Bruno Mars is taking the reins. He joins predecessors like Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Dave Grohl, Paramore and others.

"Independent record stores are so important because you get the chance to immerse and surround yourself with music," Mars said in a release. "I love collecting vinyl because nothing is better than sitting on your couch putting on a record and just listening to music like that."

Below is a list of record stores in the area offering record store day events or promotions. Operating hours for Saturday have also been provided.

Record stores

Crooked Beat

• 2417 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Unit D
• Open Saturday: 1:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m.

The Vienna Music Exchange

• 131 Church St NW, Vienna
• Open Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The CD Cellar

• 105 Park Ave, Falls Church
• Usual hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., opening at 9 a.m. for Record Store Day.

Records and Rarities

• 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
• Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.