Updated: August 12, 2026
Fretboard Summit 2026: Full Schedule
New for 2026: All-Access passholders are entered to win a new Iris Guitar, a handmade tube amp and other amazing raffle prizes, in addition to sponsored giveaways, a stellar swag bag, the Summit happy hour, workshops, concerts and other perks.
Note: Summit workshops, clinics, interviews and concerts are available to All-Access Passholders only. Just want to guitar shop? We’ll have day Exhibitor Showcase tickets at the door for Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, August 20
3-Day Passholders Only · Check-in begins at 10am.
activity
10:00 AM | Registration / Check-In
4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
activity
12:00 PM | Opening Remarks
Maurer Hall – West
Just for three-day passholders: Old Town School of Folk Music CEO Troy Anderson and Fretboard Journal founder Jason Verlinde welcome you to the 2026 F...
activity
1:00 PM | Luthier & Exhibitor Showcase Preview Opens
Both OTSFM Buildings
Exclusive preview of the Summit lutherie showcase just for three-day attendees. Scattered between the Old Town School of Folk Music's two buildings, S...
workshop
1:00 PM | From K&F to CBS: The Real Relics of Fender History
Maurer Hall – West
Acclaimed guitar historian Terry Foster shows rare and unseen items from his collection that helped shape the future of electric guitar. Presentation ...
workshop
1:00 PM | Jens Kruger
Szold Hall – East
Bluegrass hero Jens Kruger teaches banjo for guitar players! Whether you already play or are just banjo curious, learn the magic of the 5-string from ...
workshop
2:00 PM | Fats Kaplin
Szold Hall – East
Acclaimed Nashville musician Fats Kaplin will discuss the instruments, techniques, and musical traditions he has spent a lifetime studying and using o...
workshop
3:00 PM | 3:00 PM | Twenty-One Years of the Fretboard Journal: Live Podcast Taping
Maurer Hall – West
What does it take to sustain an independent magazine for two decades? Fretboard Journal founder Jason Verlinde sits down with the one person who has s...
workshop
3:00 PM | Jazz Duos with Andy Reiss and Jonathan Stout
Szold Hall – East
Returning Fretboard Summit performer Jonathan Stout is joined by Andy Reiss (Volcano Brothers) for a midday jazz performance....
workshop
4:00 PM | The Working Guitarist's Journey
Maurer Hall – West
Corey Congilio talks about his journey as a pro guitarist and the realities of being a working musician in 2026. He'll discuss the gear that he depend...
workshop
4:00 PM | Vintage Gibson Acoustics Petting Zoo
Szold Hall – East
Mark Stutman is the expert on the Gibson L-style acoustic guitar. In this Summit session, he walks us through the quirks and magic found in these inst...
workshop
4:00 PM | Hands-On Class: Build a Pedal with Summer School's Mark Turley
B-4, West
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5:00 PM | Happy Hour Hangout with William Downie Pinot Noir
Szold Hall – East
Meet fellow 3-day pass holders and Summit exhibitors at a complimentary wine tasting courtesy of Australia’s William Downie Pinot Noir. Additional bev...
concert
8:00 PM | Jake Xerxes Fussell • Cameron Knowler
Maurer Hall
North Carolina-based Jake Xerxes Fussell is a singer-songwriter known for crafting original (and mesmerizing) interpretations of traditional Southern ...
concert
8:00 PM | The Volcano Brothers
Szold Hall
Jazz-fueled Hawaiian music of the 1920s and ‘30s as channeled through Nashville’s Steve Dawson, Fats Kaplin, Richard Bennett, Dave Jacques, and Andy R...
