Top Gun Poker Run

The Top Gun Poker Run is set to return in 2026, bringing another premier offshore boating weekend to the waters of Door County and the western shoreline of Lake Michigan. Based around Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the event welcomes performance boat owners, crews, and boating fans for a full weekend of fast boats, social events, poker run action, and waterfront entertainment.

The event has deep roots in the Door County boating community. According to organizers, it began in 1993 as the Sturgeon Bay Poker Run, originally featuring traditional card stops along the Door County Peninsula. In 2005, the event evolved into the Shipyard Marine Run-dezvous, a themed fun-run style boating event known for its personality, creativity, and strong participant following. Today, that long-running tradition continues under the Top Gun Poker Run name, carrying forward one of the Midwest’s longest-standing offshore boating events.

The mission of Top Gun Poker Runs, LLC is to provide a premier poker run experience for the offshore boating community on the waters of Door County and western Lake Michigan. Organizers emphasize safety, professionalism, and a fun-filled atmosphere for boaters who travel from across the country to take part in the event.

Registration for the 2026 Top Gun Poker Run is open, and all boat brands are welcome. The listed entry fee is $475 for a boat, driver, and navigator. Additional crew members age 13 and older are $200 each, while children 12 and under may participate for free.

The registration package includes a captain’s goodie bag, cash payouts for first, second, and third place poker hands, a “Top Gun” first-place trophy belt, participant awards, sponsor awards, Friday night hors d’oeuvres and kickoff party with entertainment, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Saturday poker run activities, a beach party with a live DJ, Saturday night dinner party, entertainment, cash prizes, and additional awards.

Stone Harbor Resort is listed as the event hotel partner, with special room rates available by phone. Bay Marine is listed for slip information, and organizers note that power loading is not allowed.

The 2026 Top Gun Poker Run is designed as more than just a day on the water. The weekend includes dockside gatherings, entertainment, awards, food, music, and the kind of high-performance boating atmosphere that has made Door County a favorite destination for offshore enthusiasts.

With its long history, Lake Michigan backdrop, and focus on making boating events safe, professional, and memorable, the 2026 Top Gun Poker Run is shaping up to be another standout summer event for performance boaters in the Midwest.