PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE JULY 10, 2015

Enjoy five nights of rockin’ fun on Wolf Lake as Hammond celebrates the 12th annual Festival of the Lakes on July 15 to 19.

Admission to the festival is free at the gate, but there is a $25 fee for parking.

A three-day parking pass for the event is $60 and can be purchased at the Hammond Civic Center located at 5825 Sohl Ave.
The Hammond Experience Pass is also available for purchase. This $45 pass includes access to closer seating to the music stage and discounts on beer and alcohol. The Hammond Experience Passes must be purchased prior to July 14 and are also available at the Hammond Civic Center.

LeAnne Munoz, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Hammond, said she is very excited about the Festival of the Lakes.

“The diversity we have this year is what I’m most excited about,” Munoz said. “We have an alternative night, a Latin night, a rap night, a polka night and a country night — there’s a little something for everyone.”

For the alternative night July 15, the popular bands Alien Ant Farm, Hoobastank and P.O.D. will take the stage. On July 16, country night kicks off with The Charlie Daniels Band and the opening act, High Noon. For the classic rock night July 17, the legendary band Boston with opening act The Rave will be performing. On July 18 for rap night, 2 Chainz will perform with opening acts Liptak and Cap 1. And on the closing day, July 19, for Latin night, Erik Antonio & Banda Potrillos will be opening for Roberto Tapia. Sunday is also the Polka day party at Festival of the Lakes, featuring the polka band New Phaze.

This festival not only offers popular musical acts but also a way for families and the community to come together.
“It offers an inexpensive way to enjoy summer concerts, a carnival and even our community local band stage,” Munoz said. “We have so many different people living in the area that we have a five-day festival to meet all the entertainment needs.”

For information about Festival of the Lakes in Hammond, visit its Facebook page or check out Festivalofthelakes.com.

Beth Casey is a freelance reporter.

Festival of the Lakes Hammond

When: July 15-19
Where: 2324 Calumet Avenue, Hammond

Cost: Admission is free. Parking is $25 per car.

Information: Festivalofthelakes.com