1000 Islands Charity Poker Run
The 2026 1000 Islands International Charity Poker Run is set to return to the scenic waters of the St. Lawrence River July 16–18, 2026, bringing one of North America’s most recognizable high-performance boating events back to the Thousand Islands region. Centered in the waterfront town of Clayton, the annual charity poker run combines world-class performance boating with fundraising efforts that directly support Make-A-Wish Central New York and other regional charities.
Widely considered one of the premier freshwater poker runs in the country, the event regularly attracts more than 100 high-performance boats and participants from across both the United States and Canada. Organizers proudly refer to the Thousand Islands region as “The Fresh Water Boating Capital of the World,” and every summer the event transforms Clayton into a major destination for boating enthusiasts, spectators, and charity supporters alike.
The event headquarters will once again be based around the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, which serves as the center of activity throughout the weekend. Located directly on the waterfront, the hotel becomes one of the premier viewing areas during the event, with transient docks often filled with high-performance catamarans, offshore V-bottoms, center consoles, and custom-built boats from around the country.
The 2026 schedule features a full weekend of activities beginning Thursday with a downtown street celebration and public boat display in Clayton. The opening festivities give fans and visitors the opportunity to walk through town, view the boats up close, meet participants, and experience the atmosphere that has helped make the poker run one of the region’s largest annual boating events.
Friday’s schedule shifts focus toward the event’s charitable mission as participating boaters provide rides for Make-A-Wish children and their families. The emotional and community-driven portion of the weekend has become one of the event’s defining traditions. Friday evening also features a dockside stereo competition and marina entertainment as participants gather along the waterfront.
Saturday serves as the main event day with the official Poker Run taking place on the open waters of the St. Lawrence River. The route showcases the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands region while allowing participants to experience one of the most iconic boating destinations in North America.
The weekend concludes Saturday night with a formal dinner, live charity auction, entertainment, and a large fireworks display over the riverfront. Organizers note that the event remains entirely grassroots and volunteer-driven, with a strong emphasis on creating a safe, family-friendly boating experience while also delivering significant economic impact to the Clayton area and surrounding communities.
Beyond the performance boats and entertainment, the primary purpose of the 1000 Islands International Charity Poker Run remains fundraising and community support. Event organizers continue to emphasize that 100% of proceeds are directed toward Make-A-Wish Central New York and additional local charitable organizations throughout the region.
With its combination of scenic waterways, elite performance boats, waterfront nightlife, and charitable impact, the 2026 1000 Islands International Charity Poker Run is once again expected to stand out as one of the premier poker run events anywhere in the freshwater boating world.