Old Town School of Folk Music

Old Town School of Folk Music is a nonprofit community arts school and concert venue at 4544 N Lincoln Ave in Lincoln Square, near the Brown Line’s Western stop. The school teaches group classes in instruments, voice and dance for adults, teens and kids, with classes in Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, the South Loop and online. The school also books concerts in its own halls and runs a music store. Every July it co-presents Square Roots, the Lincoln Avenue street festival, with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

What to know

• The main building is at 4544 N Lincoln Ave, a short walk from the Brown Line’s Western stop.
• Square Roots gate donations support the school’s scholarship programs and free community programming.
• The 2026 Square Roots ran July 10 to 12 on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson.
• Fall 2026 classes start the week of October 25, according to the school’s site.
• The school also sells instruments and handles rentals and repairs through its music store.