On April 20, Indy’s record shops hosted daylong festivities to celebrate one of their biggest days of the year. Since 2007, Record Store Day has given analog lovers an excuse to get out to their local record store to try and snag exclusive releases from their favorite artists.
For their part, record stores have worked to make a day out of it, from live music to food trucks to giveaways.
But after standing in line and shopping for the latest of the greatests, you’ll probably feel hungry or want to wet your beak, or maybe even just sit down for a little while — good thing each record store in Indy is surrounded by great places to do it all.
Luna Music, 5202 N. College Ave
From 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., visitors at Luna Music can grab local refreshments and catch live music outside throughout the day. As always, the Broad Ripple staple will have great deals on older records and CDs in baskets outside of the shop.
If you need caffeine, Prufrock — under new ownership since November 2023 — is on 5168 N. College Ave., just south of Luna Music. Once you’ve browsed through every record rack, head next door to Golden Hour Books, 5208 N. College Ave. and treat yourself to a new read (and maybe get yourself added to the waitlist for one of their book clubs!) From there, you’re just a short walk away from Red Key Tavern, 5170 N. College Ave., where you can end Record Store Day in style with an Old Fashioned or a beer.
Irvington Vinyl & Books, 202 S. Audubon Road
Located in Irvington’s Historic District, this is the perfect shop to check out for those looking for a more low-key Record Store Day. Along with the exclusive releases, visitors who bring items for the shop’s food pantry can get 20% off used vinyl.
After securing your music bounty, stop by Coal Yard Coffee, 400 S. Ritter Ave., on your commute for the flat white. Then, head across the block to Hampton & Co., 5515 E. Washington Ave. and buy yourself a cool knick-knack or a nice tote for all your new records.
Indy CD & Vinyl, 806 Broad Ripple Ave.
Located right on the strip, Broad Ripple’s Indy CD & Vinyl will be offering up free tickets for upcoming concerts and other events in the city, goodie bags and door prizes while supplies last, and 10% off new (non-Record Store Day releases) albums from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
You’re already dressed and out and about, so why not treat yourself to some street corn and a spicy margarita from Cholita Tacos, 1001 Broad Ripple Ave. If you have your kids with you, skip the margarita and get yourself and everyone else a scoop from BRICS, 901 E. 64th St., on the historic Monon Railway Station. If you just want to keep shopping, around the corner from Indy CD & Vinyl, Shop Tibet, 835 E. Westfield Blvd., has jewelry, scarves and incense.
Square Cat Vinyl, 1054 Virginia Ave.
Since opening in 2016, Square Cat Vinyl has been offering smooth jams, hot coffee and cold beer from its bright space in the Fountain Square Cultural District. On Record Store Day, the shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with free Long’s Donuts and giveaways for the first 50 customers. Square Cat will also have every title on the Record Store Day exclusive list available to purchase and mystery LP bags for sale.
While you’re in the neighborhood, check out Arthur’s Music Store, 931 Shelby St., for musical instruments and chord books — maybe you’ll end up recording your own record for Record Store Day 2025. If you’re not feeling creative and just feel hungry, Revolucion, 1132 Prospect St., offers up potato tacos and a full bar. Music intellectuals can walk over to Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave., for a wide selection of local books and bestsellers.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Contact her at breanna.cooper@mirrorindy.org.
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