Pocomoke River Poker Run

The 2026 Pocomoke River Poker Run is set to return to Maryland’s Eastern Shore on Saturday, June 27, 2026, bringing another full day of waterfront adventure, scavenger-style challenges, and community fundraising to Pocomoke City. Hosted by the Delmarva Discovery Museum, this year’s event introduces a major new twist — participants can now choose to play either by boat or by car.

Designed as a community-wide poker run experience, the annual fundraiser combines scenic travel routes, mini-game competitions, and local business participation while supporting revitalization projects throughout Pocomoke City.

Boat participants will cruise the scenic Pocomoke River following clues to six secret waterfront locations where they will collect playing cards and compete in fun challenge events throughout the day. Organizers say mini-games may include activities like cornhole tosses, crab pot shake challenges, and additional skill-based competitions designed to keep the event lighthearted and family-friendly.

For the first time, 2026 also introduces a separate car-based poker run route. Participants traveling by car will visit local businesses throughout the region, collecting cards and completing participation challenges while supporting local shops and community partners along the way.

All registered participants will receive an official Participant Packet containing clues, routes, schedules, and event instructions during the mandatory participant meeting scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting will take place at Cypress Roots Brewing Company.

Event day activities begin Saturday morning with participant check-in taking place at the back deck of Dockside between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. All participants must return by 4:00 PM to qualify for scoring and prize eligibility.

The 2026 event features multiple prize opportunities, including a $1,000 grand prize for the best poker hand collected during the run. Organizers will also award a $500 prize for the participant with the highest combined mini-game score across all challenge stations.

In addition, each individual mini-game will feature its own standalone prize, giving participants multiple opportunities to win throughout the day regardless of final poker hand standings.

Early registration pricing is currently set at $50 per person for registrations completed before June 25, while same-week registrations on June 26 and June 27 increase to $55 per participant. Organizers note that boat participation will be limited based on U.S. Coast Guard certification requirements, while car participants are reminded to obey all posted traffic laws and speed limits throughout the event.

All proceeds from the Pocomoke River Poker Run directly support Pocomoke City revitalization projects and local community development efforts. Organizers say the event continues growing as a way to bring visitors, businesses, boaters, and residents together while highlighting the beauty of the Pocomoke River region and supporting continued investment in the city.

With boating routes, road-trip challenges, mini-games, waterfront stops, and community-focused fundraising, the 2026 Pocomoke River Poker Run is shaping up to deliver one of the most unique and interactive poker run experiences on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.