On Saturday, April 18, independent record stores across the country will open early, spin exclusive releases and welcome lines of collectors for Record Store Day, an annual ritual that has become both a celebration of vinyl and a testament to its endurance.
Conceived in 2007 as a way to spotlight the culture of independently owned record stores, the first Record Store Day was held in 2008, when the band Metallica spent hours meeting fans at Rasputin Music in San Francisco. What began as a modest promotional effort has since grown into an international event that champions brick-and-mortar shops and the communities that sustain them.
Its success reflects a broader shift in listening habits. In an era defined by streaming and instant access, a growing number of listeners have returned to analog formats. While music itself has remained constant, the ways people consume it have evolved rapidly over the past two decades, from Walkmans to iPods to smartphones. Now, an older technology — the record player — is drawing renewed interest.
First popularized in the early 20th century by the Victor Talking Machine Company’s Victrola, the device has evolved in both name and form, from phonograph and gramophone to record player and, more recently, turntable. Though late-20th-century formats like compact discs and cassettes once pushed vinyl toward obsolescence, records have staged a steady comeback. In 2022, vinyl albums outsold CDs for the first time since 1987, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
Vinyl remains a niche within the broader music landscape, but its resurgence has proved durable. Independent record stores continue to cultivate loyal audiences and, increasingly, a new generation of listeners.
Here are some of our favorite places to purchase records in Sonoma County.
The Next Record Store
A mainstay of the local music scene, The Next Record Store has served as a hub for vinyl collectors since its founding in 1983 as The Last Record Store. Renamed after co-owner Hoyt Wilhelm’s retirement in 2021, the shop carries records alongside CDs, turntables, speakers and apparel. It has also hosted hundreds of live performances over the years. For Record Store Day, the store will open at 8 a.m. with DJs, a storewide sale and a selection of exclusive vinyl releases. 1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-525-1963, the-next-record-store.square.site
RadioThrift
Part thrift shop, part community gathering space, RadioThrift specializes in affordable vinyl and hosts regular swaps and live shows around the county, often at local breweries such as Shady Oak in Santa Rosa. On Record Store Day, the shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with records priced between $2 and $5. 1005 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, instagram.com/radiothrift
Rain Dog Records
What began as a small mobile operation has grown into a brick-and-mortar shop since opening in 2021. Rain Dog Records offers a mix of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes and merchandise, and regularly hosts all-ages live music events. The store plans to open at 8 a.m. on Record Store Day with free coffee and doughnuts, exclusive releases and discounts on used inventory. 1010 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-776-6187, raindogrecords.net
Paradise Found Records & Music
Opened in 2023, Paradise Found has quickly established itself as a downtown destination for collectors. Its inventory ranges from new releases to classics, including a section devoted to Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest albums. On Record Store Day, the store will open at 7 a.m. with free pastries, promotions at nearby businesses and live DJ sets from 4-7 p.m. with no cover charge. 316 B St., Petaluma, 707-658-6944, paradisefoundrecordsmusic.com
Montagne Russe Winery & Record Lounge
Blending a tasting room with a record shop, Montagne Russe offers wines from the Petaluma Gap alongside thousands of albums. Owner Kevin Bersofsky curates a personal vinyl selection, plays it in-house and often takes requests. The space hosts weekly live music and will hold a free Record Store Day after-party following the Butter & Eggs Day Festival (also on Saturday), featuring a performance by local musician Dan Durkin. 155 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 1-855-467-8773, russewines.com
Revolution Vinyl & Vintage
Set in the small town of Duncans Mills, this vintage shop offers a mix of used records and retro audio equipment. Its selection includes everything from accessible finds to rarer pieces for dedicated collectors. 25191 Main St., Duncans Mills, 707-721-2358, revolutionvinylvintage.com
More places to find vinyl:
Fatty’s Threads: 1290 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-578-6916
The Thrifty Hippy: 218 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-241-6748, thriftyhippythrift.com
Trove: 423 First St. W., Sonoma. 707-231-1210, trovesonoma.com
Jack’s Filling Station: 899 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-7203, jacksfillingstation.com
Spinning Threads: 137 N. Main St., Sebastopol, instagram.com/spinningthreads_vintage
Antique Harvest: 225 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-0223, facebook.com/AntiqueHarvest
Modern Antiquarium: 452 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-5050, instagram.com/modernantiquariumhealdsburg