July 10-12 · Lincoln Square

Square Roots Music Festival

THE WAIT IS OVER! The 2026 Square Roots music lineup is here! 3 days, 4 stages, and tons of great music featuring Margo Price, DEHD, Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, Hurray for the Riff Raff,  JD McPherson, Robbie Fulks, and SO many more!

Support Old Town School of Folk Music and Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce while enjoying a jam-packed weekend full of spectacular live music, family fun, local restaurants and vendors, craft beverages, and much more!

Follow @squarerootschi on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for the latest updates, and for a sonic preview to get you psyched, check out our Square Roots 2026 Spotify Playlist.

Wednesday, June 10 · 7:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Dave Eggers: Contrapposto
The Pulitzer Prize finalist on his newest novel

Join us for an evening with acclaimed author (and Chicagoland raised) Dave Eggers as he discusses his new work, Contrapposto, a darkly comic tale set in San Francisco's elite art world.

This event is a co-presentation with Chicago Humanities.

Wednesday, June 10 · 7:30 PM · Szold Hall

Tierra Roja

TOMORROW: Tierra Roja is a Chicago-based ensemble founded by father and son Jesús and Emiliano Rojas, dedicated to preserving and cultivating the rich traditions of Son Cubano and Son Jarocho.

Friday, June 12 · 7:00 PM · Maurer Hall

Billy Eichner
The Billy on the Street icon on his audio memoir Billy on Billy

What kind of child grows up to create "Billy on the Street"? And who is the real Billy Eichner when he's not playing his iconic character? Find out from Billy himself as he joins us onstage to share his unlikely path to stardom. Ticket includes a copy of Billy's new audio memoir, Billy on Billy.

This event is a co-presentation with Chicago Humanities.

Friday, June 12 · 8:00 PM · Szold Hall

Darrell Scott

Darrell Scott is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and masterful storyteller with deep roots in country, bluegrass, folk, and Americana. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in contemporary American roots music.

Saturday, June 13 · 8:00 PM · Szold Hall

Michael J. Miles and Jill Kaeding
Great American Jukebox - Album Release Concert

Chicago’s own Michael J. Miles on guitar and Jill Kaeding on cello ignite the stage at this album release concert for Great American Jukebox, their unbridled journey through the greatest songs of the 20th century.

Friday, June 19 · 7:30 PM · Szold Hall

Juneteenth Celebration
featuring Freddie Dixon Blues Band

Join Old Town School in a Juneteenth musical celebration featuring powerhouse blues legends, the Freddie Dixon Blues Band! 

Sunday, June 21 · 6:00 PM · Maurer Hall

National Tap Day
with Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin

Celebrate Father's Day with America’s Tap Treasure and National Heritage Fellow Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin as he presents his annual rousing celebration of footloose and fancy-free tap dancing!

Friday, June 26 · 8:00 PM · Maurer Hall

The Sullivan Sisters
with special guest Jonas Friddle

The Sullivan Sisters are a rising bluegrass band known for their striking instrumental skills, sibling harmonies, and distinctive blend of contemporary originals and traditional repertoire. Singer-songwriter, Old-Time banjo ace, and First Place winner of the Great American Song Contest, Jonas Friddle opens.

Upcoming Concerts and Rescheduled Shows

visit oldtownschool.org/concerts for the full list

6/10 · 7:00 PM · Dave Eggers

6/10 · 7:30 PM · Tierra Roja

6/12 · 7:00 PM · Billy Eichner

6/12 · 8:00 PM · Darrell Scott

6/13 · 8:00 PM · Michael J. Miles and Jill Kaeding

6/17 · 7:30 PM · Tukkiman

6/19 · 7:30 PM · Juneteenth Celebration

6/21 · 6:00 PM · National Tap Day

6/24 · 7:30 PM · Vagando

6/26 · 8:00 PM · The Sullivan Sisters

6/26 · 8:00 PM · Tracy Bonham

6/27 · 7:00 PM · Joel Styzens

7/9 · 8:00 PM · Dehd

7/10 - 7/12 · Square Roots Fest

7/13 · 8:00 PM · Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets

7/25 · 8:00 PM · DakhaBrakha

7/27 · 8:00 PM · Billie Marten

8/8 · 8:00 PM · John Doe & Exene Cervenka

8/20 - 8/22 · Fretboard Summit

8/28 · 8:00 PM · Josh Rouse

9/12 · 8:00 PM · Madeleine Peyroux

9/14 · 8:00 PM · Susanna Hoffs

9/19 · 8:00 PM · anaiis

9/24 · 8:00 PM · Beth Orton

9/29 · 8:00 PM · Lambchop

10/1 · 8:00 PM · Vieux Farka Touré

10/3 · 8:00 PM · The Dream Syndicate

10/4 · 7:00 PM · The Bad Plus

10/8 · 8:00 PM · Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine (at Chicago Theatre)

10/23 · 8:00 PM · Judy Collins

10/24 · 8:00 PM · Judy Collins

11/28 · 2:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

11/28 · 5:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

11/28 · 8:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

11/29 · 3:00 PM · Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas

12/4 · 8:00 PM · Bedouine

4/1/2027 · 8:00 PM · Kelly Willis & Radney Foster