Record Store Day Australia returns for 2026 on Saturday 18 April, celebrating the vital role independently owned record stores play in Australian communities and the people who make them thrive; from store owners and staff, to artists, labels and music lovers.
Since its beginnings in 2008, Record Store Day has grown into a global celebration of independent music retail. The day continues to support music communities, labels, emerging and established artists, while supporting our local indie record stores, highlighting their unique role as cultural hubs and community spaces.
The continued resurgence of physical music formats from vinyl to CDs, cassettes, and more has people coming together in record stores to discover music, connect with their communities, and celebrate the culture that exists beyond streaming platforms.
Artists and labels are invited to submit expressions of interest to release music as part of Record Store Day Australia 2026. Releases may be presented via OG formats, vinyl, CD, and cassette, or via KiTbetter, the new hybrid physical and digital music format designed to blend the collectible appeal of physical music products of albums, photo cards, booklets, and merchandise, helping restore value in music ownership by giving fans something tangible to hold and as well as the connected digital experience. Record Store Day Australia aims to provide flexible pathways for artists to participate while celebrating physical and collectable formats. EOIs close Friday, 30 January.
Previous years have seen releases issued as part of Record Store Day Australia from Ninajirachi, Ruel, You Am I, Pond, The Grogans, Olana Janfa, Beth and Blue, Heavy Moss, Ella Thompson, Ocean Alley, Underground Lovers, Montaigne, Tasman Keith, Confidence Man, Peking Duk and Darren Hayes collaboration, The Wiggles, Bluey and more.
Record Store Day Australia recognises record stores as more than retail spaces, but also as community hubs, where shared musical passion forges connections that digital, algorithm-driven platforms often fail to replicate.
These physical spaces facilitate intergenerational connections, from first-time vinyl buyers to seasoned collectors, who share their knowledge and help ensure that culture remains accessible. The continued existence of the physical music and vinyl ecosystem is a conscious choice, and Record Store Day highlights the unique benefits of physical music retail over digital alternatives: human-driven discovery, the promotion of intentional listening experiences, and community support for artist development.
Save The Date
Record Store Day – Saturday 18 April 2026
Artists & Labels: Expressions of interest are now open for Record Store Day Australia releases in Vinyl, CD, Cassette, or KiTbetter formats.
EOIs CLOSE 5 PM FRIDAY, 30 JANUARY. Submit HERE
Stay tuned for more announcements soon!
For more information on how to participate in Record Store Day Australia, or sign up to receive updates, visit recordstoreday.com.au
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