I had a recent event that made me dig through my old vinyl collection for the first time in a while. Flipping through so many gems lifted my spirits after a stressful week, and so yeah, I’m fully back in my vinyl era for the foreseeable future.

Which is perfect timing, because Record Store Day is coming up on April 18th, and this year’s list is stacked, rare pressings, exclusives, the kind of stuff you’ll only find if you’re willing to wait in line a little and make a morning out of it. Shops all over Nashville (Grimey’s, Vinyl Tap, etc.) are going all in with live music, vendors, and full-day hangs.

And if you’re already in the mindset of planning something a little more elevated, the Nashville Ballet’s Sherlock (paired with Wake the Neighbors + Déa) is coming through May 1st–3rd, a mix of storytelling, movement, and production that feels like a full night out, not just a show. Might be worth throwing your name in for a pair and seeing how your early May shapes up.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Nashville Earth Day returns on April 18th at Centennial Park Bandshell with 75+ exhibitors, live music, food trucks, a tree giveaway, and hands-on sustainability programming. Get there early for the free trees, and enter here to win a t-shirt and drink tickets!*

• Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds hit The Blue Room on April 24th with a hypnotic mix of punk, psych, and swampy rock from the former Gun Club, Cramps, and Bad Seeds guitarist. Get weird with it.*

• Calling all craw-daddies and craw-mommies, to the 2nd Annual Crawfish Boil at Tin Roof (Demonbreun) on April 18th with drink specials, live music, and all you can eat packages complete with buckets of beer. Buy tickets!*

• Looking for a hidden gem? Visit Alligator Bar at Union Station Nashville Yards. This tucked-away, open-air space patio bar flaunts cocktails, live music, and a playful nod to its alligator-filled past. Go see what’s under the bridge.*

• Fellow DoStuff managing editor Clare Twiddy just released her newest music video for her single Love Is Dead. Watch now!*

• Plus other just announced shows from Starlito, QDP, The Steeldrivers, and more!

RECORD STORE DAY 2026, APRIL 18TH

Record Store Day is basically Christmas for people who still believe music sounds better with a little crackle. Limited drops, deep cuts, and a very real chance you’ll walk out with something you didn’t plan on buying. Get there early (trust us!), dig through the bins, and prepare to feel the music with your own two hands, as the music Gods originally intended.

IN THE FUTURE

LOCALS ONLY

• Earth Day is around the corner! Head to Nashville Earth Day on April 18th for EarthTalks, featuring local experts on composting, gardening, recycling, and more. Learn something new and show the planet some love. Meet the speakers here.

• Cheekwood’s lineup is heating up with concerts, classic cars, Black Arts Bash, and even its largest model train exhibition yet. From family-friendly days to evening events, there’s something for everyone this season, plan your visit and make a day of it. 

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