2026 Rock the River

The 2026 Rock the River Cincy Charity Fun Run is set to return to the Ohio River August 20–22, 2026, bringing another weekend of boating, waterfront entertainment, and charitable fundraising to the Cincinnati area. Known as Cincinnati’s premier mid-summer charity fun run, the annual event combines high-energy boating culture with a mission focused on supporting local families facing financial hardship during cancer treatment.

Hosted in partnership with the Cecil Dye Foundation, the event raises funds to help individuals and families struggling with everyday living expenses while undergoing cancer care. The foundation was created in honor of Cecil Dye, a local community member remembered for impacting countless lives throughout the region. Organizers note that while medical insurance may help cover treatment costs, many families still face overwhelming challenges paying for essentials like utilities, housing expenses, and groceries during difficult periods of treatment and recovery.

The 2026 event will once again be headquartered at Manhattan Harbour Yacht Club, located directly along the Ohio River just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. The marina has become a popular host location for the event thanks to its protected launch ramp, transient dockage options, and convenient overnight boating accommodations.

Manhattan Harbour Yacht Club offers participating boaters a protected launch area away from heavy river traffic, helping make launching and loading safer and easier throughout the busy weekend. The marina also provides optional overnight transient slips with power hookups, along with shower and restroom facilities for participants planning to stay aboard their boats during the event. Please note in water slips are sold out.

Boat participation for the 2026 Rock the River Cincy Fun Run is currently priced at $275 per boat and includes entry for both the captain and one co-captain. Registration also includes event recognition within the run, swag bags, and catered meals throughout the weekend, including Friday lunch along with Saturday lunch and dinner.

Additional crew and food tickets are available for $75 per person, allowing larger groups to participate in the festivities both on and off the water. Organizers have also made reserved in-water member slips available for participants looking to secure dock space during the event weekend.

While the event maintains a relaxed “fun run” atmosphere rather than a strictly competitive poker run format, Rock the River Cincy continues to attract a wide range of performance boats, cruisers, center consoles, and recreational boaters from across the Midwest and Ohio River region. The event has grown into one of the area’s most recognizable boating weekends, combining scenic Ohio River cruising with live entertainment, marina gatherings, and charity fundraising activities.

With Cincinnati’s skyline, riverfront atmosphere, and strong boating community serving as the backdrop, the 2026 Rock the River Cincy Charity Fun Run is once again shaping up to deliver a full weekend centered around boating, camaraderie, and giving back to families in need throughout the region.