Englewood Beach Waterfest Pirate Poker Run
The Englewood Beach Waterfest Pirate Poker Run returns Saturday, September 12, 2026, bringing boaters to the waterways around Englewood, Florida, for a day of poker stops, waterfront dining, costumes, prizes and live music.
The poker run begins at 10 a.m., with seven participating stops open until 3 p.m. Participants may complete the route by boat, automobile or motorcycle, although the event remains a strong fit for recreational boaters exploring Lemon Bay and the surrounding Englewood waterways. Players must visit at least five stops but may visit six or all seven before heading to the final poker-play location.
Registration is $40 through Friday, September 11, and increases to $45 for onsite registration. A Captain’s Party will be held Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at SandBar Tiki & Grille, where preregistered participants can pick up their event packages and additional participants may register. Saturday-morning registration will be available from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at The Backyard at Skip’s Marina.
During Saturday’s run, participants collect different-colored Waterfest poker chips at the designated stops. At least five different chips are required to play a hand. Those collecting six or seven chips receive additional opportunities to improve their five-card poker hand when play begins later in the afternoon.
After completing the required stops, participants will gather at Lighthouse Grill and Tiki Bar, located at Channel Marker 17A on the Intracoastal Waterway. Poker-play tables will operate from 4 to 6 p.m., and all wristbanded participants must complete their hands before the tables close.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three poker hands, with $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. Players may also purchase up to two additional cards for $5 each while at the poker table.
The afternoon will continue with a pirate costume contest and a competition for the best pirate-themed boat. Live music from Marker 5 Band is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m., with food and drink specials continuing throughout the evening at Lighthouse Grill and Tiki Bar.
Although the Pirate Poker Run is organized by Englewood Beach Waterfest, it is a separate recreational poker-run event held nearly a month before the organization’s October racing weekend. The September event is centered on boating, waterfront stops and poker rather than boat racing.