Beaver Lake Pirate Poker Run

The 3rd Annual Beaver Lake Pirate Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, on Beaver Lake, bringing pirate-themed boats, personal watercraft, and lake enthusiasts together for a full day of poker hands, waterfront stops, and charity fundraising benefiting the Grassy Knob Fire Association. Hosted by Starkey Marina, the growing summer event combines recreational boating, costume competitions, and poker run fun throughout the Beaver Lake region.

Organizers describe the Beaver Lake Pirate Poker Run as a family-friendly boating event built around pirate themes, themed vessels, and social lake activities rather than speed competition. The 2026 event is limited to 100 boats and 25 personal watercraft entries, with organizers encouraging participants to register early due to increasing demand and limited participation slots.

Registration for the poker run is listed at $100 per hand and includes one poker hand, a Beaver Pirate Flag, a deck of specialty event cards, a swag bag, and access to the full day of activities. Participants who register before May 1 will receive two poker hands with registration. Additional poker hands may also be purchased for $25 each with no limit on extra entries for crew members and passengers.

One of the unique features of the Beaver Lake Pirate Poker Run is the use of “Parlay Tokens,” which allow participants to redraw unwanted cards during the poker run route. Organizers explained that players can surrender Parlay Tokens at any card stop to replace previously drawn cards in hopes of improving their final poker hand.

The event schedule begins with registration packet pickup between 9:00 a.m. and noon at three marina locations including Starkey Marina, Prairie Creek Marina, and Rocky Branch Marina. Participants will designate their preferred pickup location during online registration.

Throughout the day, participants will travel to seven designated card stops across Beaver Lake collecting cards and interacting with poker run crews stationed at docks marked by large red Beaver Lake Pirate Poker Run flags. Organizers encourage crews to take their time throughout the event, stop for lunch, enjoy swimming areas, and visit sponsor boat displays positioned throughout the lake route.

The poker run also includes multiple prize categories for 2026 including awards for Best Poker Hand, Best Poker Hand with Wild Cards, and Worst Poker Hand, with prizes ranging from approximately $300 to $500 in value. Additional $200 prizes will be awarded for Best Themed Pirate Vessel and Best Pirate Crew.

Participants are required to display their official pirate flags throughout the event in order to participate at card stops. Completed tally sheets must be returned to the poker run crew at Starkey Marina’s Ultra Dock no later than 4:00 p.m. for final scoring and awards.

In addition to the poker run activities, organizers are also hosting a 50/50 raffle fundraiser with tickets available through the Beaver Dam Dive Shop. The raffle drawing will take place following the poker hand awards later in the afternoon.

Additional registration details and event information for the 2026 Beaver Lake Pirate Poker Run are available through the official event organizers and participating marina locations.