Governor Stein Proclaims Record Store Day

Record Store Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina has long been home to a vibrant and influential music community, with artists, songwriters, producers, educators, venue operators, retailers, and other professionals contributing to a dynamic cultural and economic sector across our state; and 

Whereas, independent record stores are important small businesses that contribute to the cultural, artistic, and economic life of North Carolina, supporting local entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and strengthening the vitality of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across our state; and 

Whereas, these stores provide essential platforms for North Carolina’s creative workforce: Singers, songwriters, and performers share their work, build audiences, and grow sustainable careers as working musicians while helping to cultivate the next generation of artists and music entrepreneurs; and 

Whereas, the first Record Store Day took place in 2008 and has grown into an international celebration of independently owned record stores and the communities they serve, bringing together music fans, artists, and local communities through special releases, live performances, and events; and

Whereas, North Carolina is home to several notable vinyl pressing plants, including Citizen Vinyl in Asheville, Pour House Pressing in Raleigh, and Donaldson Record Pressing in Weaverville; and 

Whereas, Record Store Day highlights the enduring value of physical media, local entrepreneurship, and community engagement in an increasingly digital music landscape; and

Whereas, North Carolina is proud of its rich musical legacy and has demonstrated its commitment to a flourishing music industry through its Music Office, which was founded in recognition of the centrality of music to the cultural, economic, and artistic life of our state;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 18, 2026, as “Record Store Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.