The city of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. (pictured with microphone) presents the free Festival of the Lakes from July 13 to 17 at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake Memorial Park in Hammond. A concert takes place each evening of the outdoor event. (Hammond Parks & Recreation)

Some of the biggest names in music are coming to Hammond for the free Festival of the Lakes.

The city of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. present the 18th year of the annual event, which is billed as “the best live musical festival in northwest Indiana,” from July 13 to 17 outdoors at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake Memorial Park.

Hours are 5-11 p.m. July 13-15; noon-11 p.m. July 16; noon-10:30 p.m. July 17.

“Every year we get bigger and bigger. We bring great headliners every year,” said Aileen Ibarra, event coordinator for Festival of the Lakes.

“It’s very diverse and represents our city.”

The music lineup includes Darius Rucker with opening act Jackson Dean and local opener Nate Venturelli on July 13 for Country Night, Counting Crows on July 14, Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 15, Rick Ross with The Lox on July 16, and Los Originales de San Juan with Código FN on July 17.

People who want to be closer for the concerts, which begin at 7 p.m., may purchase a VIP Experience pass, which includes entry at 6 p.m. to the VIP viewing section located in front of the stage.

“They’re much more close to the action. You literally have that front stage access and a little bit of behind-the-stage access. As long as we do not sell over our capacity, then VIP passes can be purchased on the day of,” said Ibarra of Hammond.

Other than the headliners who are each performing at Festival of the Lakes for the first time, the rest of the event will be filled with familiarity for longtime attendees.

“We have all kinds of food. We have tacos, funnel cakes, nachos, hot dogs, barbecue, etc.,” said Ibarra about the approximately 15 food vendors expected for Festival of the Lakes.

Modern Midways of Dyer provides a carnival each day with individual ride tickets for $1.25 each, 18 for $20 or 40 for $40 daily and single-day unlimited ride wristbands for $30 to use from 5 to 11 p.m. July 13 or noon to 5 p.m. July 16 or 17. These options can only be purchased in person at the festival.

A five-day carnival mega-pass for unlimited rides during festival hours is available for $60 until July 12 or $70 afterward.

“Festival of the Lakes brings people back together and it brings people who have decided to move out of Hammond or move out of the area,” said Ibarra, who is also special events coordinator for Hammond Parks & Recreation.

“I know a lot of families make it the time for them to be together. They come back and choose vacation during this time just to be able to come back and enjoy it with their family.”

Off-site special events include Senior Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 13 at Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York Ave., Whiting; and Polka Party with live music by The E-Z Tones, which were formed in Michigan City, from 2 to 6 p.m. July 17 at The Hammond Marina, 701 Casino Center Drive.

“Even if someone does not want to participate in any of the concerts we have on festival grounds, there’s always spinoff events, making Festival of the Lakes inclusive for everyone,” said Ibarra, who previously worked in McDermott’s office for four years prior to her current role with the city.

Special events that take place on July 16 on festival grounds include Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to noon, Morning Praise on the Lake from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Special Persons Day from 10 a.m. to noon and Kids Day at the Aquatic Play Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Other on-site special events include Hot Rod & Custom & Bike Show from noon to 3 p.m. July 17 and fireworks shows by La Porte-based Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions at 10:30 p.m. July 15 and 16.

“I think people look forward to Festival of the Lakes every summer,” Ibarra said.

People looking to jump-start the fun for Festival of the Lakes can participate in the Kathleen Pucalik Memorial 5K Roadie Run at 8 a.m. July 9 at Wolf Lake Memorial Park. Registration is $40 and open to walkers and runners of all ages. A free children’s race starts at 8:15 a.m. July 9.

Where: The Pavilion at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, 2324 Calumet Ave., Hammond

Tickets: free general admission; $100 VIP daily; single-day parking is $30 vehicle or $15 motorcycle

Information: 219-853-6378; festivalofthelakes.com

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.