Your guide to Record Store Day in Birmingham, April 20

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Dan Drinkard of Seasick Records (left) and Jimmy Griffin of Renaissance Records (right). (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Dan Drinkard of Seasick Records (left) and Jimmy Griffin of Renaissance Records (right). (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Record Store Day 2024 is right around the corner, and Birmingham’s two record stores—Seasick Records and Renaissance Records—have a lot planned!

Read on to learn more about Record Store Day 2024 + where to celebrate in Birmingham.

What is Record Store Day?

Renaissance / Seasick Records
Inside Renaissance Records in Five Points South. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Held annually since 2007, Record Store Day was created to “celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store” and bring together the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, their customers and the artists. Participating record stores often put on their own festivities, including live performances, giveaways, cookouts and more.

One of the biggest draws to Record Store Day are the limited edition, special releases. Ranging from artists big and small and in a variety of different formats—vinyl, CDs, cassettes and more—these special releases are only available in-store at participating record stores.

Check out the Record Store Day page to view the full list of special releases for 2024.

  • What: Record Store Day 2024
  • When: Saturday, April 20
  • Where: 21 locations throughout Alabama

Planning to be in the Rocket City for Record Store Day? Check out our guide to Record Store Day in Huntsville.

Where to celebrate Record Store Day in Birmingham

Renaissance Records

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Jimmy Griffin of Renaissance Records with Beatles For Sale. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Located in Five Points South, Renaissance Records has been a mainstay for local audiophiles since 2003. Inside, you’ll weave your way through a maze of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes and more stacked waist-high, but don’t worry—if you’re looking for something special, Jimmy Griffin can help you find it.

For Record Store Day, Renaissance Records will carry a curated cross-section of the special releases based on the material that their customers already enjoy. If there is a certain record that customers are interested in, Jimmy Griffin encourages them to give him a call to see if Renaissance Records will have that release in stock—if not, he can help find other record stores in Alabama that carry it.

“We’re just glad to be open and can’t wait to have people come in and have a good time. The music will be lively because my helpers play rock n’ roll instead of the quieter music I usually play—there will be a new level of energy on Record Store Day!”

Jimmy Griffin, Renaissance Records

Since space inside is limited, Renaissance Records will be setting up customer shopping slots for the first few hours of Record Store Day. Call 205.933.8000 to schedule your slot in advance.

Seasick Records

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Dan Drinkard, owner of Seasick Records, with a good lookin’ Seasick Records tee. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Each year, Seasick Records—and their customers—go all out for Record Store Day. Many dedicated vinyl enthusiasts camp out in line overnight—in fact, some get there as early as Friday morning!

This year, owner Dan Drinkard says they will carry a majority of the special edition Record Store Day releases in decent quantities. Plus, the Seasick Records team will put on a wide array of festivities, including:

  • Live music sets from the Shure Shot and Earth Libraries record labels
    • Shure Shot (8AM to 12PM)
    • Earth Libraries (12PM to 2PM) — DJ set from Lee Shook the Audiovore and an acoustic set from local artist Chayse Porter
  • A Crestwood Pharmacy popup, vending CBD products and FREE Domestique Coffee
  • A Gus’ Hot Dogs popup, including both regular and veggie dogs with special toppings
  • Special Seasick Records merch

After Seasick Records closes at 6PM, Dan Drinkard encourages customers to head next door to Cahaba Brewing Co. for the Punk Rock Flea Market.

“It takes a lot of work, but Record Store Day has always been a really great day for us. We see all kinds of customers, from our regulars to people who come once or twice a year and those who are driving by who want to see what the big crowd is all about. Its a big, fun day to share music with the community and we couldn’t be more excited for it.”

Dan Drinkard, Owner, Seasick Records

BONUS: Dan Drinkard and DJ Stin got together to record a special song for Record Store Day! Listen below👇

Celebrate Record Store Day across Alabama

Can’t find that one record you’re looking for in Birmingham? Luckily, the 21 participating record stores throughout Alabama can help:

What are you looking forward to on Record Store Day 2024? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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