Old Town School of Folk Music

The Old Town School of Folk Music is a beloved institution in Chicago's Far North Side, located on Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Founded in 1957, it is one of the largest community music schools in the United States, dedicated to folk, roots, and world music. The school offers a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels, from guitar and banjo to songwriting and dance. It also hosts concerts in its intimate performance spaces, featuring both emerging and renowned artists. The building itself is a vibrant hub, with practice rooms, a music store, and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can attend a concert, take a drop-in class, or simply explore the school's rich musical heritage. The surrounding Lincoln Square area is known for its German roots, bookstores, and cozy cafes.

Don't miss

• Attend a live concert in the intimate performance hall
• Take a beginner guitar or folk dance class
• Browse the music store for instruments and sheet music
• Explore the Lincoln Square neighborhood's shops and restaurants

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Old Town School of Folk Music

Cheapest way inChicago Art Heist: Millennium Park Puzzle Adventure4★ · 10 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$7 per personSee dates →Most bookedSkip-the-line: Art Institute of Chicago Guided Tour5★ · 553 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$84 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Tour5★ · 316 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$90 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Check the event calendar online for upcoming concerts and workshops.
• Street parking can be limited; consider public transit.
• Arrive early to grab coffee at a nearby cafe before the show.

A bit of history

The Old Town School of Folk Music was founded in 1957 by Frank Hamilton, Win Stracke, and Dawn Greening during the folk revival. It originally operated in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood before moving to Lincoln Square in the 1990s.