The 2026 BIG Little Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Mango's Bar and Grill on Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake, bringing together boaters, local businesses, and supporters for a full day of fundraising activities benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia.

Organizers announced that 100 percent of all proceeds raised during the event will directly support mentoring programs and services provided to children and families throughout Central Virginia. The annual poker run combines performance boating, card stops around the lake, live entertainment, raffles, and fundraising activities designed to support the organization’s youth mentorship initiatives.

Registration and check-in activities will begin Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Mango’s Bar and Grill, with the official poker run takeoff scheduled for 11 a.m. Organizers also plan to host a Friday evening registration and dinner gathering beginning at 5 p.m. for early arrivals and participants picking up player packets ahead of the event.

The poker run entrance fee is set at $275 per boat, which includes registration for a captain and first mate. Additional riders and players may participate for $75 per person, provided the total number of passengers remains within the boat’s legal capacity. Event officials also noted that participation will be limited to 50 boats, with registration spots secured in the order completed applications and payments are received.

Each registered participant will receive a five-card poker hand, event giveaways, raffle tickets, drink tickets, dinner access, and admission to the evening’s live music entertainment. Participants will also be eligible for winning-hand prizes awarded during the event. Organizers stated that the first 25 boats registered for the poker run will receive commemorative burgee flags.

Player packets distributed during check-in will include event rules, designated card stop locations, maps, raffle tickets, meals, and drink information. Organizers emphasized that all participants must complete official event check-in procedures prior to participating in the poker run.

Businesses and sponsors will also have opportunities to participate through sponsorship packages and designated “Card Stop” partnerships positioned throughout the lake route.

Additional information regarding registration, sponsorships, and player details is available through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia. Organizers encouraged interested participants and sponsors to contact the organization directly for additional event information as the August poker run approaches.