The City of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. are hosting their annual Festival of the Lakes celebration on July 13-17. Taking place at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, this festival will be four days of fun and exciting performances each day. Darius Rucker will be performing on the 13th, Counting Crows on the 14th, Lynyrd Skynyrd on the 15th, Rick Ross with the Lox on the 16th, and Los Originales de San Juan with Código on the 17th.
“This is a time where everyone gets together,” said Aileen Ibarra, special events coordinator for Hammond Parks. “I know personally that some families travel [to Hammond] specifically for this festival, and it's something that they look forward to every summer. Even people who have grown up in Northwest Indiana or Hammond come back specifically just for the festival, and to be together with family and it's a memorable experience for them.”
Originally known as August Fest before 2004, the Festival of the Lakes is now celebrating its 18th year this July. Some notable past performers from this event include Los Lonely Boys, Live, Cheap Trick, and Old Dominion.
In addition to the exciting musical performances, there will be much more to enjoy at Festival of the Lakes. The City of Hammond kicks the fun off with a launch party, which is happening on Thursday, July 7 at a Hammond staple, Byway Brewery. There are also several spin off events that include a Polka Party, a splash pad for the kids, a senior day, a golf scramble, and a fishing derby.
Many of these events tie back into the community, as there is at least one spin off event that people can connect with or would be interested in. There is also a carnival, as well as a lot of local food vendors with a lot of great options. Mega passes will be available for purchase that comes with a five day wristband for all the carnival rides.
Additionally, VIP tickets are also available for purchase. These tickets are $85 during the month of June, and jump to $100 from July 1 to the start of the festival. VIP passes allow access to all areas available to the general public, as well as the VIP viewing section located at the front of the stage. There is also access to the designated backstage VIP Experience area, the VIP Experience alcohol refreshment bar where beverages can be purchased, exit and re-entry privileges with VIP Experience wristband, and access to separate restrooms located in the VIP Experience area.
Parking tickets are also available as well at $30 per vehicle.
For more information and to stay up to date on all the events be sure to check out the festival website at https://www.festivalofthelakes.com/. Information regarding all events, parking, hotels, and more can be found at this link.
To learn more about all upcoming events and more for the City of Hammond, click here.
