The 17th Annual Lake Bruin Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, on Lake Bruin, bringing boaters, lake residents, and visitors together for an afternoon of themed poker piers, waterfront parties, and charity fundraising benefiting Tensas Academy. The annual summer tradition has become one of the lake’s signature community boating events, combining recreational boating with live entertainment, themed dock stops, and cash prizes.

Participants in the Lake Bruin Poker Run travel across the lake visiting five themed poker piers where they draw cards in hopes of building the strongest final poker hand. Organizers describe the event as a relaxed, family-friendly boating experience focused on community participation, lake culture, and charitable fundraising rather than speed or competition on the water.

The 2026 event will award cash prizes to the top three poker hands, including a $1,000 grand prize for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Organizers noted that each poker pier throughout the lake features its own unique decorations and themes, adding to the festive atmosphere as participants cruise between stops during the afternoon event.

Scorecards for the event are priced at $60 each and can be purchased online or at select pickup locations prior to the event. Participants may purchase multiple scorecards to improve their odds of winning, and organizers also offer an option allowing scorecards to be played on behalf of individuals unable to attend in person.

Pre-purchased scorecards and event T-shirts will be available for pickup in downtown St. Joseph on Friday evening before the poker run. Additional scorecards will also be available during pickup hours leading into the Saturday event.

The poker run itself is scheduled to take place from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., giving participants flexibility to visit the themed piers at their own pace while enjoying the lake atmosphere and social gatherings throughout the afternoon. Organizers emphasized that the event is open to all types of boats and boating experience levels, noting that the poker run is not a race and is designed to be enjoyable for families and recreational lake users alike.

Following the completion of the poker run, participants will gather at Netterville’s Landing beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Captain’s Party featuring live music, food, drinks, awards, and poker hand announcements. Organizers stated that participants do not need to be present to win prizes, although the Captain’s Party remains one of the most popular portions of the event weekend.

According to organizers, all proceeds from the Lake Bruin Poker Run directly support educational programs and resources for students and teachers at Tensas Academy. Additional registration details and event information are available through the official Lake Bruin Poker Run event page.