Festival of the Lakes

The Festival of the Lakes is an annual five-day summer festival held at Wolf Lake Pavilion in Hammond, Indiana, typically from mid to late July. It features a diverse range of nationally known live musical acts, a huge carnival with rides and games, food vendors, and multiple special events such as a 5k Walk/Run, Polka Party, Hot Rod and Custom Bike Show, Fishing Derby, Senior Day, Golf Scramble, and Special Persons Day. The festival is family-friendly and handicapped accessible, with parking options varying throughout the event.

The venue is centered around Wolf Lake Memorial Park, taking advantage of the scenic surroundings including Wolf Lake, George Lake, and nearby Lake Michigan, contributing to a lively lakeside atmosphere. The vibe is festive and inclusive, appealing to diverse communities, with music genres spanning rock, R&B, hip hop, Latin, and country. The event combines entertainment, recreation, and community spirit.

A rough schedule for the 2025 festival (July 16–20) includes:

• Wednesday, July 16: Park and carnival open at 5:00 pm; musical acts start at 6:30 pm, with a headliner at 9:00 pm.
• Thursday, July 17: Live music including Brantley Gilbert and Tyler Farr.
• Friday, July 18: Performances by Akon and supporting artists.
• Saturday, July 19: Concert headlined by Third Eye Blind.
• Sunday, July 20: Latin music headline with La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho and other acts.

Additional special events run throughout the festival days, such as the Fishing Derby, Polka Party, Hot Rod and Custom Bike Show, Senior Day activities, and a golf scramble, all designed to engage different age groups and interests.

Historically, the Festival of the Lakes has been a staple of the Hammond summer since at least the early 2000s, evolving from a smaller local celebration into a major regional event drawing large crowds with big-name artists and a broad range of activities. It celebrates local culture and community while bringing in varied musical and recreational offerings.

In summary, the Festival of the Lakes is a multi-day, multi-activity event focused on music, family fun, outdoor recreation, and community engagement in a picturesque lakefront setting.