Find exclusive vinyl at the 39th Annual Record & CD Show in Gardendale, March 6-7

If you can’t wait for Record Store Day on April 18th, stop into the Gardendale Civic Center this weekend for the Alabama Record Collectors Association’s 39th Annual Record & CD show. You don’t want to miss it!

ARCA Record and CD Show

• Address: 857 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071
• Contact: Website | Facebook

Every year, the Alabama Record Collectors Association hosts a get-together for Alabamians to share their collections and love for music. Dozens of independent record collectors will be thinning out their collections. It’s time to give these albums a new home.

• Friday (early bird): 11AM to 2PM — $10
• Friday: 2Pm to 8PM — $5
• Saturday: 9AM to 5PM — $5

Tips & Tricks

Hunting for records is not for the faint of heart. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey.

• Bring cash: Although some dealers take debit or credit cards, most do not.
• Bring a tote bag: Records might seem light at first, but they get heavy once you start stacking them.
• Know what to look for: Before you buy that record, make sure there are no deep scratches. A warped record is usually no good, either.
• Plan on spending some time: Rifling through bin after bin of records is time consuming, especially if you’re looking through the 45s as well. You couldn’t make it through the Smithsonian in 30 minutes, so don’t expect to at a record show.

Can’t Make it to the Show?

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If you can’t make it out, get your vinyl fix at several local record shops:

Seasick Records just moved into their new location in East Avondale.

• Address: 4420A 4th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Hours: 10AM-7PM, Tuesday–Saturday; 12-5PM, Sunday–Monday
• Contact: 205.677.3166 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Renaissance Records is tucked behind Highlands Methodist Church in Five Points South. In addition to new and used vinyl records, Renaissance sells movies, posters, cassette tapes, CDs and much more.

• Address: 2020 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205
• Hours: 11AM-6:30PM, Monday–Friday; 12:30PM-6:30PM, Saturday
• Contact: 205.933.8000 | Facebook

P.S. Mark your calendars for Record Store Day on April 18th. Record Store Day is an annual celebration of music and locally-owned record stores. Thousands of record stores across the country sell limited-edition vinyl releases, CDs and even cassette tapes. Plus, there are live performances, giveaways and more.

What is the best vinyl record you’ve ever found? Tag @bhamnow and let us know!