Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run
The Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run is scheduled to return to Lake Lanier September 11-13, 2026, continuing one of the Southeast’s largest and most recognized charity poker run weekends. Headquartered at Lanier Islands Resort and Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, the annual event regularly attracts offshore performance boats, catamarans, V-bottoms, center consoles, cruisers, and recreational boaters from across the country for a full weekend of poker runs, dock parties, concerts, and fundraising activities benefiting children’s charities throughout Georgia.
Originally launched in 2008, the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run has grown into one of the premier freshwater poker run events in the United States and remains one of the largest boating weekends on Lake Lanier each year. Organizers continue emphasizing that the event welcomes all boat types and boating experience levels while maintaining a strong charity-focused mission.
The 2026 event is expected to once again feature multiple days of boating activities, waterfront parties, sponsor displays, marina stops, and organized poker run routes throughout Lake Lanier. According to organizers and recent event coverage, the poker run recently entered a new phase under updated leadership led by Georgia performance boater Zach Martin, who has focused on expanding participation and restoring the event’s large-scale national profile.
The main poker run route traditionally includes multiple waterfront checkpoints across Lake Lanier where participants collect poker cards before returning to Lanier Islands for evening awards ceremonies and entertainment. Past events have featured dockside concerts, bikini contests, raft-up gatherings, sponsor expos, captain’s parties, and charity auctions throughout the weekend.
The event remains heavily tied to charitable fundraising efforts through Lanier Partners of North Georgia and additional regional nonprofit organizations focused on supporting children and families throughout North Georgia. Recent event coverage reported that the poker run has raised tens of thousands of dollars annually for participating charities.