Rockin' Robbins

08/20/2026

We are so proud to share these photos, and the front page of today's West Central Tribune, showing images from yesterday's groundbreaking ceremony for the new ROBBINS ISLAND AMPHITHEATER!

Thank you to everyone who helped us get to this historic day! The list is long, and includes our sponsors, our partners at the City of Willmar, private donors, volunteers, vendors, and most importantly—YOU—for believing in our vision for a reimagined Robbins Island!

Here's a link to the full article (free for all to access):
https://www.wctrib.com/news/local/willmar-celebrates-groundbreaking-for-robbins-island-beacon

PHOTO CREDITS: Marcus Construction

08/07/2026

We celebrated our 10th Season of Rockin’ Robbins with a new look and some old favorites! Fans loved the new logo and showed up in droves to see some of our most popular bands from the past decade. They included local superstar, Ava Hanson; longtime Spicer 4th of July showman, Johnny Holm; and a reboot of our first-ever concert in 2016 with the Dam Jammers and Fabulous Armadillos!

The heat and humidity during weeks 1 and 3 kept our crowds a little smaller than usual, but that didn’t stop our die-hard fans from showing up anyway (you know who you are!). And when cooler temps and sunny skies showed up for weeks 2 and 4, people came ready to rock!

And now for the big news... thanks to fundraising efforts by the Willmar Rotary Club, private donations from the community, and two Legacy grants awarded to the City of Willmar, construction is now underway on the new $3.1 million dollar amphitheater! That means we’ll be kicking-off Season 2027 on a brand new concert stage located at beautiful Robbins Island Regional Park.

We could have never done it all these years without the generous support of our sponsors, and all those who work so dilligently behind the scenes, including:

Willmar Public Works
Willmar Police Department
CentraCare EMS
Willmar Parks & Rec (Kid Zone)
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (climbing wall)
Dennis Benson (photographer)
Linda Fostervold (photographer)
Dave Hillenbrand (camera operator)

We can’t wait to see you again next year, LIVE from the new Robbins Island amphitheater!

Thanks, everyone!

– The Willmar Rotary Club

08/06/2026

It was Military Appreciation Night for our final week of Rockin' Robbins, with perfect weather and a packed lawn! Check out all the photos on our website at RockinRobbins.com/photos

Thanks to everyone who made it out for Week 4, and especially to our military men and women--and their families--who sacrifice so much of themselves to keep our country safe.

Special thanks to Kandiyohi Power Cooperative for sponsoring our Opening Act, Highway 23 - Acoustic Jam, and Presenting Sponsor, the Willmar Rotary Club, for sponsoring our Headliner, Collective Unconscious. What a beautiful night for some amazing music!

More huge thank yous to our Jumbotron camera operator, Dave Hillenbrand, and our faithful and talented photographers, Dennis Benson and Linda Fostervold.

Watch for our full page thank you ad in Monday's West Central Tribune!

08/06/2026

This was such a powerful welcome for all of our military members and their families attending Military Appreciation Night at Rockin’ Robbins on Tuesday. Thank you, City Line Towing, Uncommon USA, and Ed's Service Center & Sales!

What a great evening! Military appreciation night, what a great event, thanks for having us .

08/06/2026

Already scouting for next year….

Pamela McNeill
&Me

08/05/2026

** UPDATE: owner found and water bottle returned! **
Hey Cason B! We found your cool water bottle at Robbins Island last night. DM us or email [email protected] and we will make arrangements to get it back to you. ⚽️

08/05/2026

More photos coming soon, but just wanted to share this one from an exhausted but proud late-shift cleanup crew.

From the entire Willmar Rotary Club, THANK YOU for showing up to support Rockin’ Robbins 2026. Next up… Season 11 on a brand new stage!

We are so grateful. ☺️

Are you interested in joining this dynamic group that loves our community and gets things done? We’d love to hear from you! Send us a DM and we’ll send you details!

08/03/2026

** ATTENTION ALL VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY! **

Please join us for Military Appreciation Night during Week 4 of Rockin' Robbins!

In recognition for your service to our country, all veterans and active duty military personnel will receive a free T-shirt and koozie (while supplies last), along with a free beverage ticket.

Happy Hour specials go from 4:30-5:30 in the Bernick's Island Tavern, so, grab your lawn chair, hop on the free shuttle, and join us out at Robbins Island for the FINAL WEEK of Rockin' Robbins 2026!

Opening act Highway 23 - Acoustic Jam kicks things off at 5:00 PM, sponsored by Kandiyohi Power Cooperative. Highway 23 is a high energy, four-piece acoustic band that plays a variety of classic 70's, 80's and 90's rock. Throw in a touch of blues, a splash of country, some amazing guitar riffs, and a mix of sweet harmonies, and Highway 23 is guaranteed to have you tapping your toes and singing along with a huge smile on your face!

Next up, it's Collective Unconscious taking the stage at 6:30 PM, presented by the Willmar Rotary Club. Led by multi-talented frontman Jeff Engholm, Collective Unconscious is widely known for their performances of full-length epic albums like "Déjà Vu" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; "The Last Waltz" by The Band, "Pet Sounds" by the Beach Boys, and "Abbey Road" by the Beatles.

You may have also seen Collective Unconscious perform with the Fabulous Armadillos during the "What's Going On" Vietnam-era tribute show, and the "Takin' It to the Limit" Eagles tribute show.

This is a talent-packed lineup, so don't miss the final week of Rockin' Robbins this Tuesday, August 4th!

See you at the Island!