Record Store Day at Luna Record Shop at The Factory at Franklin
Record Store Day 2026 returns on Saturday, April 18, bringing exclusive vinyl releases and early-morning lines to independent music shops across the country. In Franklin, Luna Record Shop is preparing for one of its busiest days of the year, with more than 3,000 additional records expected and a steady flow of collectors and casual shoppers alike.
What is Record Store Day?
Best known for its April event, with a second release day on Black Friday, Record Store Day was created to celebrate independently owned record stores and the communities built around them. Since launching in 2008, the event has grown into a global tradition, bringing together music fans, artists, and local shops for a day centered on physical media, exclusive releases, and in-store experiences.
Each year, hundreds of special titles are produced in limited quantities, with many releases coming from independent labels and covering a wide range of genres and artists.
What to Expect on Record Store Day
For 2026, Record Store Day falls on Saturday, April 18th, with participating stores offering limited-edition vinyl and CD releases that are only available in person on the day of the event. View the full Record Store Day 2026 release list. Any remaining inventory may be sold online starting the following day, depending on the store.
Stores place their own orders for Record Store Day titles, which means inventory varies by location. Quantities are often limited, and many titles are produced in small runs, making them harder to find once they sell out. As a result, shoppers often line up early for a chance to purchase specific releases.
Record Store Day at Luna Record Shop
At Luna Record Shop, located inside The Factory at Franklin, preparations for Record Store Day begin well in advance. The shop typically carries around 9,000 records, and the event brings a significant increase in inventory. For 2026, more than 3,000 additional records are expected to arrive ahead of the event.
This year’s Record Store Day list includes more than 300 releases across genres, reflecting a mix of newer artists and established names. Demand has expanded in recent years, with a broader audience drawn to vinyl and limited-edition releases.
Because allocations are controlled by distributors, stores do not always receive the full quantity they request. Some titles may arrive in smaller numbers than expected, adding an element of unpredictability for both the shop and its customers.
On Record Store Day, limited releases are typically set up on tables in the hallway outside the shop, organized alphabetically by artist to keep the process moving efficiently.
Planning Ahead
Record Store Day at Luna always draws a crowd, with customers lining up well before opening. In past years, lines have formed as early as Friday afternoon, with some customers choosing to wait overnight. For those planning to line up early, it’s worth noting that overnight spots require staying in line, as places cannot be held.
The line begins at the Liberty Hall entrance at The Factory at Franklin, which is one of the first doors to open in the morning. Once inside, the line moves to a designated indoor area near the shop.
Luna opens at 9 am, and the event follows a structured process. Customers move through in a single-file line, selecting from the available Record Store Day titles. Each person is limited to one copy per title, and purchases are first-come, first-served. There are no holds, and Record Store Day releases are not sold online until the following day, in accordance with event guidelines. Luna also does not redeem Lunatic discount points or accept trade credit on Record Store Day, though purchases made that day still earn points for future use.
Customers who are not shopping for Record Store Day titles do not need to wait in line and can browse the store as usual. Used vinyl will be 20 percent off throughout the day.
A Local Take on a Global Event
While Record Store Day is recognized worldwide, its impact is most visible at the local level. Stores like Luna Record Shop offer a way to take part without leaving the area, whether that means searching for a specific release or spending time browsing music in person.
At The Factory at Franklin, the setting adds to the experience, with food, drinks, and space to wait indoors, drawing visitors from beyond Franklin and throughout the region.
For longtime collectors and first-time shoppers alike, Record Store Day offers a reason to step into a record store and take part in a tradition that continues to grow each year.
