The common narrative in society that physical media is largely dead in this digital world will be proven not quite true in the 2026 Record Day Store this weekend. This is an event where record stores from A2 and beyond all congregate to show off the vinyl subculture that is alive and well still, and they will be bringing some amazing finds for music lovers.
“Ann Arbor has long been a community full of people who create, critique and enjoy music. Today, there are four record shops in Ann Arbor dedicated to selling vinyl and physical media, as well as several others selling the same stuff as part of everything else they carry. AADL’s Archives published a great zine during the Bicentennial year looking back at the history of music stores in Ann Arbor,” Rich Retyi, the Communications and Marketing Manager for the Ann Arbor District Library said. “Vendors will be offering everything from used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes and all kinds of music-related memorabilia and items. Many visitors to AADL’s Record Store Day have already checked out the record shops in town and make the library one of their stops during the day.”
This year’s show will be held in the Downtown Library from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18. Admission will be free.
“I will have tons of great used vinyl for sale. I have a wide range of music to choose from including rock, jazz, blues and country. I will have individually priced records as well as a large dollar bargain bin. In addition to vinyl, I also have original art and designs on T-shirts, coffee mugs, and prints,” Jason Beckerleg of Color of Sound said. “AADL Record Store day is my favorite record show of the year because of the lively atmosphere at the library. They have great DJs and all kinds of fun record-related activities, and giveaways throughout the day. The show also draws a great cross section of dealers from all around the area. If you are a record lover, this show is not to be missed!”
Beckerleg is one of 21 vendors who will be there this year. The full list of vendors is:
- B-Bop Records
- Chase Carter
- Christopher Berg
- Color of Sound
- Detroit Vinyl Record
- Derek Schlum
- Flame’s Favorite Record Store
- Joe Moorehouse
- John Chetcuti
- Michael Laroo
- Michigan Records and Emporium Featuring Vintage Vinyl
- Pure Vinyl
- Quarantine Records
- Rock N’ Rummage
- Rosewood St. Records
- Shinylvinyl
- The Farmer Mike Conspiracy
- Thomas Mercier
- Timothy Mielke
- WCBN
- 2 Quirky Kats
The show’s most interesting tiny tension is that libraries are obviously supposed to be as quiet as possible. But that rule shall be disregarded that Saturday afternoon, as music will be provided by DJ Batz and by DJ Dave Lawson.
“Physical media of all kinds from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – 500 miles north! Vinyl records – both new [and] gently used – compact discs, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, DVDs, laser discs and posters,” Jon Teichman, another one of the vendors coming to town from Marquette, said. He says that he is looking forward to “Seeing old friends like John Bunkley and DJ Batz as well as all the other dealers. The variety of records that others bring is so exciting to browse and explore. The live DJ sets really keep the room moving throughout the day. The Ann Arbor District Library staff are amazing hosts who keep all the dealers happy, hydrated and well-fed. It’s an event I look forward to every spring!”
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
