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Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run

Pirates of Lanier Charity Run

The Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run returns to Lake Lanier on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, bringing boaters to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for a weekend of cruising, poker stops, raft-up fun, live entertainment and charitable fundraising.

Friday begins with a helicopter photo shoot at Buford Dam from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Critter Cowboys Cheeseburger Lunch & Raft Up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cocktail Cove. The raft-up gives participating crews an opportunity to gather on the water before the main poker run gets underway Saturday.

Activities move to the Grande Hall area Friday afternoon, where a sponsor and vendor village will be open from 3 to 11 p.m. with food trucks, boats, helicopters, vendors and entertainment. A mandatory captains’ meeting and safety briefing is scheduled for 7 p.m., followed by the official welcome party from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Saturday begins with breakfast at LandShark Bar & Grill from 8 to 10 a.m. The Pirates of Lanier Charity Run will then take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning at Buford Dam. Boats will leave in staged groups based on vessel type rather than departing simultaneously.

The first group, designated Go Fast, will depart at 10:30 a.m., followed by jet skis at 10:45, cruisers at 11 and pontoons at 11:15. The staggered departures allow a broad range of recreational boats to participate in the Lake Lanier event.

The 2026 card-stop list includes Gainesville Marina, the Olympic Venue for the Go Fast group, Port Royale, Aqualand, University Yacht Club, Holiday Marina, Habersham Marina and Margaritaville. Participants will travel Lake Lanier collecting their poker cards before returning for the afternoon celebration.

Saturday concludes with an awards banquet and party from 3 to 11 p.m. at LandShark Bar & Grill. The celebration is scheduled to include awards, a live auction, raffle drawings, sponsor recognition, live music and a bikini contest.

The weekend also serves as a fundraiser supporting organizations that work to protect Lake Lanier and assist the surrounding community. The event’s current charity information identifies the Lake Lanier Association and Georgia K9 Search and Recovery among the organizations benefiting from the 2026 event.