Woot! Many groovy artists support fans and record stores by providing materials to host listening events, right here at your home town record shop, AFK Books & Records. This is a great way for fans (us included!) to listen together to new music.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to pay to attend?
In ALL cases, no purchase is necessary to attend the event. All events are FREE. You NEVER have to pay for a ticket or for access to the event.
Do I have to make a purchase to attend?
No. Never.
Do I have to make a purchase to receive sweet promotional items?
Each event is unique and may have different terms and conditions for distributing promotional goodness or preorder opportunities. There may be cases where a label has informed us that a special promotional item is only available with purchase of a qualifying vinyl, CD or cassette and we'll let you know when that's the case.
How will you distribute promo items otherwise?
Unless we are given specific instruction from the label, we'll use our best judgement to determine how to distribute promotional items to attendees. This may include "first come, first served," raffles, trivia contests, etc. Depending on how many folks attend you may not have a choice of the promo item you receive, or may not receive a promo item at all. :( The good news is you still get to listen to awesome tunes and hopefully make new friends with cool folks like yourself! :)
Do I need to RSVP?
Yes. In 2026 we are asking that you please RSVP to each event you plan to attend by sending us a DM on Facebook or Instagram, by calling (757) 962-1996 or by visiting AFK. Please provide your full name, as it appears on your I.D., your phone number and the event you are planning to attend.
How many people can I RSVP for?
You can RSVP for yourself and a "plus one" and will need to check-in at the event together.
How late can I RSVP?
You can do this all the way up to the event start time (or even during the event), but your place in line is set when you RSVP, which may impact your access to promotional goodness.
What if I've RSVP'ed and can no longer make it?
Please let us know. No worries. Life happens (but let us know)!
What do I need to provide at event check-in?
We need your full name and phone number. We will verify your I.D. when you arrive.
These events are really popular. Can I sell my place in line?
To reiterate, these events are FREE. We're not selling access and neither should you. We're really serious about this. If we catch someone selling or receiving paid access they will be banned from future events and possibily the store.
How early should I arrive?
As the line forms during the RSVP process, there's no need to show up early on the event day. That said, we'd love to see you early if you'd like to browse and check out the shop! Depending on the size of the event, we'll start lining folks up (based on the RSVP order) around 15 minutes before the start of the event.
When will you distribute the promotional goodness?
Typically only after we've listened to the tunes, but there are some case where we'll hand out select promotional materials earlier or run raffles and trivia contests earlier (especially if the music exceeds an hour in length). For example if we have enough posters for everyone, but have a cool raffle item, we may distribute the posters early and then run the raffle after we've listened. If the album has already been released, we're more likely to distribute promotional items earlier during the event, as we've all probably listened to it ten times by then!
Is there a limit to how many people can attend?
AFK has a capacity of 150 folks, including staff, and other customers who may not be here for the event. Demand has exceeded that for a few events. In that case, we'll just "listen again." We'll let you known when you RSVP if we're approaching capacity so you can better plan your arrival. Again, this is uncommon, but has happened.
We look forward to seeing you and listening together! If you have other questions don't hestitate to DM, call or visit!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Bruno Mars - The Romantic - EARLY Listening Event - Wed, Feb 25, 6:00 PM
Morrissey - Make-Up Is A Lie - EARLY Listening Event - Sat, Feb 28, 3:00 PM
Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally - Release Party - Fri, Mar 6, 6:00 PM (SOLD OUT)
Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally - Release Party - Fri, Mar 6, 7:30 PM
???? - ???? - Sat, Mar 14, 3:00 PM
???? - ???? - Sat, Mar 21, 7:00 PM
???? - ???? - Sat, Apr 11, 3:00 PM
???? - ???? - Tue, Apr 21, 6:00 PM
A few shots from 2025: :)
