The Ultimate 5-Point Guide To Square Roots Festival 2025: Dates, Lineup Surprises, And Chicago's Best Craft Beer
The Square Roots Festival 2025 is officially set to transform Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square neighborhood into a three-day celebration of music, craft beer, and community spirit this summer. Starting on Friday, July 11, 2025, and running through Sunday, July 13, 2025, this beloved Chicago street festival, co-hosted by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town School of Folk Music, promises a fresh, eclectic blend of sound and flavor that draws over 40,000 attendees annually.
This deep-dive guide compiles all the latest, confirmed information for the 2025 event, from the newly announced musical acts to the massive Midwest craft beer selection and the local food vendors that make Square Roots a truly unique experience. Unlike many other street festivals, this event operates on a suggested donation model, meaning your contribution directly funds essential community programs and music scholarships at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Square Roots Festival 2025: Essential Details and Confirmed Biography
The Square Roots Festival is more than a simple summer street party; it is a vital fundraiser and a cultural cornerstone of the Lincoln Square community. It takes place along Lincoln Avenue, nestled between Montrose and Wilson Avenues, a perfect setting for a quintessential Chicago experience.
- Event Name: Square Roots Festival 2025
- Location: Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL (Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson)
- Dates: Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2025
- Organizers: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce & Old Town School of Folk Music
- Admission: Free, with a suggested donation (typically $10) at the gate. All donations support community efforts, music scholarships, and artist residencies.
- Focus: Eclectic Live Music (multiple stages), Midwest Craft Beer, Local Food Vendors, and Market Vendors.
The Confirmed & Eclectic 2025 Music Lineup (So Far)
The Old Town School of Folk Music is renowned for curating a diverse and high-quality lineup that spans genres from folk and Americana to indie rock and global music. The 2025 festival continues this tradition, with several exciting acts already confirmed for the North Stage, South Stage, and the intimate Maurer Hall. The lineup is designed to offer something for every music enthusiast, from established names to emerging local talent.
Confirmed and Highly Anticipated Musical Entities for 2025:
- Headliners/Major Acts: Calexico, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, and Cesar Rosas & The Chi-Town Playboys.
- Indie & Folk Favorites: Alan Sparhawk, Chris Stamey, and Growing Boys (a Chicago-based alternative folk band).
- Global & Roots Music: Dos Santos, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, and Daniel Villarreal.
- Chicago & Local Talent: Bethany Thomas: Transformer, Andy Miller & The 145s, Official Claire, and Verböten.
- Family Stage Spotlight: The beloved Wiggleworms program from the Old Town School of Folk Music will anchor the Family Stage, offering music classes and entertainment for kids and families.
The Midwest’s Best Craft Beer Selection
One of the biggest draws of the Square Roots Festival is its reputation for having the largest Midwest craft beer selection of any Chicago street fest. The 2025 event is set to feature dozens of unique brews from regional and local breweries, making it a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. This focus on local and regional craft beer highlights the festival’s commitment to supporting small, independent businesses.
Key Beer Entities & Features:
- Square Roots Hopfenlager: The return of the festival’s signature brew, often a collaboration with a local brewery, is a highly anticipated event for regulars.
- Featured Breweries: Expect a wide range of styles from prominent Midwest breweries. Past years have included Chicago favorites like 5 Rabbit Cerveceria, offering unique selections like the Xicago Mexican Lager.
- Beer Stations: Multiple beverage stations are strategically placed throughout the festival grounds to ensure minimal wait times, allowing attendees to quickly grab a cold craft beer and get back to the music.
A Culinary Journey: Eats, Treats, and Market Vendors
Beyond the music and beer, the Square Roots Festival is a vibrant showcase of Chicago’s diverse culinary scene and local artisan community. The "Eats & Treats" section features an eclectic mix of local restaurants and food vendors, while the Market Vendors offer unique handmade goods, vintage clothing, and more. Full menus and vendor lists are always updated closer to the event, but based on confirmed information and popular returning entities, attendees can expect a fantastic spread.
Confirmed and Returning Food & Market Entities:
Eats & Treats (Food Vendors):
- Avrom Farm Fajitas (Fresh, farm-to-table options)
- Bad Johnny's Wood-Fired Pizza (A local favorite for authentic pies)
- Baked Cheese Haus (A popular festival staple)
- Bell Heir's BBQ (Smoked meats and classic barbecue)
- Bo's Concessions (Festival classics and snacks)
- Byron's Hot Dogs (A Chicago hot dog institution)
- Café Tola (Known for their delicious empanadas)
Market Vendors & Artisans:
- Airetage Clothing (Vintage and curated apparel)
- Alps Vintage (Unique, retro finds)
- Andria Green (Local artist)
- Anne E Terpstra Pottery (Handmade ceramics)
- Author David Jay Collins (Local literature)
- Baizaar (Global goods and accessories)
- Beaded Seed By Ronea (Handcrafted jewelry)
Your Donation: Supporting the Heart of Lincoln Square
The Square Roots Festival is a vital fundraising engine for the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town School of Folk Music. While admission is technically free, the suggested $10 donation is highly encouraged and is the financial lifeblood of both organizations.
By making a donation, you are directly supporting numerous community initiatives and educational programs, ensuring the cultural vitality of the neighborhood. The funds raised contribute to:
- Music Scholarships: Providing financial aid for students at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
- Artist Residencies: Funding programs that place musicians and artists in local public schools.
- Community Beautification: Supporting local farmers markets, holiday decorations, and street planters in Lincoln Square.
- Small Business Workshops: Offering resources and training to local entrepreneurs and businesses.
Attending the Square Roots Festival is a direct investment in the community, allowing you to enjoy world-class music and beer while contributing to a meaningful cause. Mark your calendar for July 11–13, 2025, and prepare for a truly authentic Chicago experience.
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