Upper St. Joe River Rats Poker Run

The Upper St. Joe River Rats Poker Run returns Saturday, July 18, 2026, bringing boaters together on the Upper St. Joseph River in Elkhart, Indiana, for an afternoon of recreational boating, poker hands and summer fun on the water. The 2026 event marks the eighth annual running of the popular local poker run.

This year’s event will feature a Retro Video Games theme, giving participating crews another reason to decorate their boats, dress for the occasion and make a day of the run with friends and family. The poker run is scheduled to begin at noon on the Upper St. Joseph River.

Boaters will travel the river collecting cards during the afternoon before returning their completed hands to The Sandbar. All poker hands must be turned in no later than 3 p.m. Participants should keep their card envelopes sealed until they are turned in according to the organizers’ instructions.

The Upper St. Joe River Rats organize the annual event as a recreational boating gathering rather than a speed competition. The afternoon is centered on cruising the river, visiting poker-run stops and spending time with the local boating community.

The organization has also produced limited-edition 2026 Poker Run shirts for this year’s event.