By Nora Allen

Record Store Day turns 10 years old this Saturday, April 22, and with all the big musical happenings this year, they have a lot to celebrate. Record Store Day in the Twin Cities is the day when Minnesotan’s come together to celebrate our local music scene and bond over the common passion for the “Minnesota Sound.” These days come jam-packed with exclusive deals, live performances, food and possibly a glimpse of a local celebrity.

For first-timers and seasoned vets alike, it can be daunting to venture into the excitement of RSD, but armed with the inside scoop on all of the deals offered that day, you’ll be ready to join in the fun.

Fifth Element
Fifth Element is a record store in Uptown and the home of the Rhymesayers record label, holding big names like Atmosphere, P.O.S and Doomtree. They throw quite the party on RSD, complete with 20 percent off Rhymesayers vinyl, 50 percent off Rhymesayers CDs, and some amazing live performances. In past years, they’ve had appearances from Lizzo and Dem Atlas. This year, their line up looks just as good, with special performances from Akeena Djkeezy Bronson, DJ Just Nine and Destiny Roberts.

Electric Fetus
Electric Fetus in Minneapolis is arguably one of the most well-known record stores in the Twin Cities, and the front runner of all things Record Store Day. On top of their RSD exclusive deals and live performances, they’ll have goodie bags to hand out with purchases, hourly giveaways and a plethora of food to taste, such as Glam Doll Donuts, NateDogs, Chef Shack and Heggie’s pizza. Want to make this a day for the whole family? No problem! There will be a kids’ craft area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with DJ Funsize spins the kids’ favorite tunes. When you’re all done there, head over to Dangerous Man Brewing Co. in Northeast with your receipt to sample the beer they made just or the holiday: Record Store Day Beer.

Know Name Records
Know Name is celebrating two birthdays this year: RSD turning 10, and their store turning 40. They’ve had the same owners in the same location for the past 40 years, and have no intentions of closing anytime soon. Stop by their store to take advantage of RSD deals, live music and don’t forget to wish them a happy birthday.

Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner is pulling out all the stops again this year with their RSD celebrations. With their extended 9 a.m. to  7 p.m. hours and coupons for the following week distributed at check out, they’re making sure you get to experience RSD as long as you possibly can. Stop in to enjoy their giant collection of rare, used records, live performances from John Magnuson and Mike Crabtree, Ye Ye Pow and Mountain Rulers, and a free RSD T-shirt with a $75 purchase.

Flashlight Vinyl
Flashlight Vinyl, located in Northeast Minneapolis, will have a few added bonuses at their location. Aside from the exclusive deals and extended hours, they’ll have live performances by the likes of Frank Lyon, Marlon James and Sam Gould, and pop ups by El Diablo Amps and Guitars and Stateology. Stop by to peruse the collection, and then grab a beer at one of the many breweries located just down the block.

Extreme Noise
The old saying goes that the early bird gets the worm, and Extreme Noise is holding to that. Starting at 8 a.m. they open with free coffee and pastries to enjoy while you take in the excitement. At noon, there will be free veggie dogs and soda, followed by a 1 p.m. performance by Geiger Counter and Citric Dummies. All food offered will have vegan options. A bonus? Anyone who spends $100 or more will get a free box of coupons.

Hymie’s Vintage Records
Hymie’s takes the celebration to the streets once again with their Record Store Day Block Party. With two stages, Hymie’s will have the largest setlist of local artists of all record store celebrations this weekend. Enjoy artists such as Charlie Parr and Black Market Brass on the 39th Avenue Stage and Mike Munson and Dingus on the Hymie’s Stage.

Barely Brothers
Just a hop, skip and a jump over in St. Paul is Barely Brothers. They’ll have their exclusive RSD releases, 20 percent off all used music, and live music from The Suburbs, Buffalo Sleeper and Lucid VanGuard. Once you’re finished here, walk down the block to Agharta Records, a welcome competitor of the store with their own deals and exclusives.

Eclipse Records
Eclipse Records has been participating in RSD since it came to the Twin Cities, and they have no plans of stopping now. Head over to their location for RSD exclusives, and their specialty: a limited edition screen-printed poster to commemorate the historic event.

As always, all record stores in the Twin Cities do their best to order as many RSD exclusive releases, but it’s always a toss-up regarding what they’ll get, so shop around! (In honor of the late Prince, there are sure to be an influx of Prince’s music and vinyl to add to your music.) Stop by a couple tried-and-true record stores, then check out some you haven’t tried before. You never know where the record you’ve been searching for will turn up.