Grimeys Nashville: Vinyl, Records & Music City Treasures

There is a distinct smell that hits you when you walk into a truly great record store. It’s a mix of old cardboard, static electricity, and the faint, dusty scent of history waiting to be rediscovered. When I first stepped into Grimey’s New & Preloved Music, that scent was the first thing I noticed—followed immediately by the sheer scale of the place.

If you are navigating the vast landscape of Music City record shops, you simply cannot skip Grimey’s.

Whether you are a serious collector hunting for limited edition releases or just a tourist looking for Nashville things to do, this shop offers an experience that goes far beyond a simple retail transaction. It is a cultural hub, a community center, and for many of us, a sanctuary.

Sharing these discoveries is exactly why I created WavyNashville.com. It’s a place where every visitor can feel the heart of Music City. A place to uncover treasures and hidden corners. Just like I did on my own adventures through Nashville. This personal journey is part of my Nashville Guide, designed to help others explore the city like a local.

Here is my personal deep dive into exploring Grimeys Nashville, covering everything from the best times to visit to the hidden gems tucked away in the basement.

From Berry Hill to East Nashville: A Local Icon

• Address: 1060 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37216

While Grimey’s has been a staple of the local music scene since 1999, its current location is what really sets it apart. Originally located in Berry Hill, Nashville, the store moved to its current home in East Nashville—a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood known for its artistic flair.

The building itself is a conversation starter. Grimey’s now occupies a converted church building, which feels incredibly appropriate. For music lovers, digging through crates of vinyl is a spiritual experience, so why not do it under high ceilings and stained glass?

As an independent record store, Grimey’s has maintained its gritty, authentic charm despite moving into a larger space. It feels like a place where music is respected, not just sold.

The Vinyl Experience: New and Used Treasures

The primary reason to visit is, of course, the music. Grimey’s is arguably the king of record stores in Nashville when it comes to variety.

New and Used Vinyl

The selection here is massive. On the main floor, you will find racks upon racks of new and used vinyl. The organization is intuitive, split by genre and alphabetized meticulously. I spent a solid hour just flipping through the “New Arrivals” bin.

For vinyl collectors in Nashville, the used section is a goldmine. They have a strict grading system for the condition of used vinyl, so you generally know what you are buying. Unlike some shops where “used” means “scratched beyond recognition,” preloved music here is treated with care.

Cassette Tapes and CDs

While vinyl is the main attraction, I was pleasantly surprised to see a robust section for cassette tapes / tape releases and CDs. In a world where physical media is making a comeback, seeing tapes from local punk bands sitting next to major pop releases felt very “Nashville.”

Trade-In Policy

If you are a local or on a road trip with your own collection, their resale/trade-in policy is fair. You can bring in your preloved vinyl finds for cash or store credit.

Just be aware that the staff experience at record stores can vary; they know their stuff and are discerning about what they buy. Don’t expect to get rich off your scratches-heavy Herb Alpert records, but for quality slabs, they pay fairly.

Grimeys Nashville Events: More Than Just Shopping

One of the biggest draws to this location is the calendar of Grimeys Nashville events. This isn’t just a store; it’s a venue.

Live performances at record stores are somewhat of a lost art in many cities, but not here. Grimey’s regularly hosts album release events, intimate acoustic sets, and artist signings Nashville locals rave about. I’ve heard stories of people catching huge names playing tiny sets here before they sold out arenas.

Not For Kids Only Vinyl Celebration ft. Sam Grisman Project Performance + JUICE:30

• Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
• Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

This special morning event brings Sam Grisman Project to Grimey’s for an intimate instore performance celebrating the first-ever vinyl release of Not For Kids Only. Guests can enjoy free juice boxes, hear live music, and preorder or purchase the remastered deluxe vinyl. A warm, all-ages gathering celebrating timeless acoustic roots.

The Replacements’ Let It Be (Deluxe Reissue) Release Party + BEER:30

• Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
• Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Grimey’s honors the deluxe reissue of Let It Be with a lively BEER:30 listening party. Attendees can enjoy free Tennessee Brew Works beer (21+), pick up the expanded box set, and enter a special raffle. It’s a fun, music-filled hangout celebrating a legendary album with rare demos, outtakes, and a live concert.

Black Friday 2025 at Grimey’s

• Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Black Friday at Grimey’s means exclusive Record Store Day releases, early opening hours, and their popular “menu-style” back door pickup system. Music lovers can browse limited-edition vinyl, new weekly releases, and fresh preloved records. It’s one of Grimey’s biggest shopping days, packed with excitement, rare finds, and true indie record shop energy.

East Nashville Small Business Saturday Holiday Crawl 2025

• Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Grimey’s joins 50+ local shops for East Nashville’s holiday crawl, celebrating community and small businesses. Visitors collect stamps, shop local deals, and enjoy festive vibes across the neighborhood. A $10 purchase earns a punch toward winning a $50 gift card. It’s a fun, social, holiday shopping adventure across East Nashville’s best spots.

Old Crow Medicine Show – OCMS XMAS Instore Performance & Record Release Celebration

• Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Old Crow Medicine Show kicks off the holiday season at Grimey’s with a festive live performance and signing event for their first Christmas album, OCMS XMAS. Fans who preorder receive wristbands guaranteeing entry. Expect lively string-band energy, holiday classics, and original songs that bring roots music spirit to Christmas celebrations.

Exploring the Two-Story Record Shop

The layout of Grimey’s is unique because it is a two-story record shop.

The Main Floor

The upstairs is where the action is. This is where you’ll find new releases, the checkout counter, and the stage area for performances. The natural light filtering into the old church sanctuary makes for a beautiful record browsing experience.

The Downstairs Book Section

Do not leave without going downstairs. The basement houses a fantastic downstairs book section. It’s curated heavily toward music biographies, pop culture essays, and local history. It’s quieter down here, and I found it to be a nice break from the bustle of the main floor. You will also find more used vinyl and bargain bins in the lower level—perfect for those shopping on a budget.

Murals at Grimey’s: The Perfect Photo Op

In the age of Instagram, a record store needs to look as good as it sounds. Grimey’s delivers on this front with iconic street art.

The Taylor Swift mural Nashville fans look for is often associated with this area (though murals change and rotate, so always check before you go expecting a specific one). Similarly, the Kacey Musgraves mural Nashville celebrated was a huge draw.

These murals at Grimey’s turn the exterior of the building into a destination for music fans visiting Nashville. It’s one of the best Nashville tourist spots for a quick photo session before you head inside to spend your money.

Practical Guide: Grimeys Nashville Hours and Tips

To help you plan your trip, here are some practical details I gathered during my visit.

Grimeys Nashville Hours

Grimey’s is one of Nashville’s most beloved indie record shops, known for its warm vibes, live in-store performances, and an unbeatable selection of vinyl and books. Here are the suggested updated hours in a clean, easy-to-read format.

Best Time to Visit

If you want to avoid the crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Weekends are busy with both local artists Nashville supporters, and tourists.

Accessibility Concerns

Because it is an old church, accessibility concerns (stairs / downstairs level) are valid. While there is a ramp for the main entrance, accessing the downstairs level can be tricky if you strictly require an elevator. I recommend calling ahead if you have specific mobility needs to see if staff can assist you with inventory from the lower level.

Parking Options

Parking in East Nashville can be a headache, but Grimey’s has a small lot. However, it fills up fast. There is street parking in the surrounding East Nashville neighborhood, but be respectful of the residents. Do not block driveways!

What’s Nearby: East Nashville Record Shops and Dining

You can easily make a whole day out of your trip to East Nashville.

Grimeys Records Nashville

Grimey’s Record Store Nashville is a music lover’s haven, offering an incredible selection of new releases, rare reissues, indie favorites, and genre-spanning vinyl from A to Z. With exclusive editions, signed copies, and curated preloved finds, Grimey’s blends discovery, community, and true record-store culture—making it a must-visit destination in Music City.

Restaurant Near Grimey’s Nashville

Digging through crates builds an appetite. Luckily, you are in a culinary hotspot.

• Living Waters Brewing: Located right next door/coffee shop style. Great for a post-shopping caffeine hit.
• East Nashville Favorites: Places like Hunter’s Station or various taco trucks are minutes away.
• Elegy Coffee: Perfect for a quick pick-me-up.

Why Grimey’s is Essential for Nashville Attractions

There are plenty of Nashville attractions for visitors, from Broadway honky-tonks to the Ryman Auditorium. But Grimey’s represents the living, breathing local music scene.

It is one of those family-friendly record stores where you can see a dad explaining a vinyl record to his teenager, next to a hipster buying an obscure noise-rock tape, next to a tourist buying a Taylor Swift LP.

It captures the essence of Music City. It isn’t just about country music; it’s about all music. Whether you are looking for gift ideas from Grimey’s (their merch is cool, by the way) or just want to soak in the atmosphere, it is a must-do.

Final Shopping Tips for Rare Vinyl

1. Check the “Wall”: The rare and high-dollar items are often displayed on the wall behind the counter or high up on the shelves.
2. Ask the Staff: If you are looking for something specific, ask. The staff might look cool and intimidated, but they are generally helpful music fans themselves.
3. Follow the Socials: For limited edition releases, especially on Record Store Day, you need to know the protocol. They post everything on Instagram.

Visiting Grimey’s Nashville is more than a transaction; it’s a pilgrimage. It reminds you why we still buy physical media in a digital world. It’s about the connection—to the artist, to the art, and to the person standing next to you flipping through the same stack of wax.