Celebrating Community: Festival of the Lakes Brings Music, Car Show and More to Chicagoland this July

Each summer, the shores of Wolf Lake transform into a lively hub of entertainment and community spirit during the Festival of the Lakes. This annual event draws tens of thousands of visitors to Lake Hammond, Ind. offering diverse musical performances, food, carnival rides and activities from July 17 - 21. Ginuwine and R&B group BLACKstreet perform on Wednesday and rapper Da Baby hits the stage on Friday.

The History of Festival of the Lakes

Festival of the Lakes has been a pillar of Hammond's summer calendar for decades, evolving from a modest local celebration into a major regional event. Hammond is a town in Northwest Indiana that’s affectionately called Chicagoland because of the proximity to the big city. Originally conceived to bring the community together and showcase the natural beauty of the area, the festival has grown in scale and sophistication, attracting visitors from across the Midwest and top-tier musical acts. Over the years, the festival has expanded to offer to a variety range of activities from fishing derbies and boat rides to carnival rides and games.

Concert Lineup

Wednesday, July 17:    Blackstreet
Thursday, July 18:        Shinedown
Friday, July 19:             DaBabdy
Saturday, July 20:         Marshmello
Sunday, July 21:           Calibre 50

Special Events

Saturday, July 13th

Roadie Run 5k
When: Registration @ 7am, Race begins @ 8am
Where: The PAV (Festival Main Stage)

Wednesday, July 17th

Senior Day
When: 10am - 1pm
Where: Pulaski Senior Center @ Pulaski Park

Friday, July 19th

Golf Scramble
When: Registration 8am, Shotgun 9am
Where: Lost Marsh Golf Course

Saturday, July 20th

Fishing Derby
When: 8am - 12pm
Where: FOTL GROUNDS Along Shore

Gospel Brunch
When: 9am - 10am
Where: The PAV (Festival Main Stage)

Kid’s Day @ Splash Pad
When: 10am - 3pm
Where: Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center

Persons with Disabilities Day
When: 10am - 12pm
Where: FOTL CARNIVAL Area

Sunday, July 21st

Car Show
When: 12pm - 3pm Show (Registration: 9am - 12pm)
Where: Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center

Polka Party
When: 2pm - 6pm
Where: Hammond Marina

Music: The Heartbeat of the Festival

Music has always been at the heart of Festival of the Lakes. Each year, the festival features a diverse lineup of performers, spanning various genres to appeal to a wide audience. This year Ginuwine, BLACKstreet, Da Baby, Marshmello, Calibra 50 and Shinedown will perform, attracting music lovers from all walks of life. Last year we flew into Chicago and drove over to see Trina and Lil Wayne perform. The amphitheater’s acoustics were amazing and there was a fireworks show over the lake on Saturday night. I’m a self-proclaimed fireworks aficionado and they put on a great show.

A Feast for the Palette

No festival is complete without a mouth-watering array of food and drink, and Festival of the Lakes won’t disappoint. The festival's food options reflect the diverse culinary landscape of the area, providing attendees with the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes. Whether you're in the mood for festival food like corn dogs and funnel cakes, or want some Polish or Mexican food, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Leslie and Team Turn Up at Festival of the Lakes 2023

Family-Friendly Fun

Festival of the Lakes aims to provide activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. Saturday is Kid’s Day at the Splash Pad held at nearby Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center. The festival also features a children's area with carnival rides, games and activities. Families that enjoy spending time outdoors can also soak in the scenery on a free boat ride on Wolf Lake.

Impact and the Local Community

This annual event has a significant positive impact on the local economy. The influx of visitors provides a boost the local economy, from hotels and restaurants to retail stores and small business. The festival also creates temporary jobs and boosts sales for festival vendors and artists to showcase their products and talents.

Festival of the Lakes helps build a stronger and more vibrant community for Hammond residents, providing a platform for cultural expression and community engagement. The festival's success shines a positive light on Hammond. Check out the official Festival of the Lakes site for more details and to purchase concert tickets.

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