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WNYOPA PRESENTS

Buffalo Poker Run

August 7–8, 2026 • Buffalo Launch Club

A premium weekend on the water featuring performance boats, waterfront stops, and one of Western New York’s most exciting summer boating events.

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Corporate Partners

Partner with the event.

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Non-participant partnerships

Want to partner with the event?

We have serveral ways and opportunities available for businesses that want to support the Buffalo Poker Run by directly partnering with us.

Additional Partners

Supporting partners.

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Event Overview

Buffalo’s summer poker run, built around the waterfront.

Hosted by WNYOPA, the Buffalo Poker Run is a full weekend built for performance boats, waterfront stops, and a polished event experience from check-in through awards. Captains get the key details fast, registration details can be found on our website.

Host Venue

Hosted from Buffalo Launch Club with Friday check-in, the Saturday run, and an awards dinner to close out the weekend.

Iconic Stops

The planned route includes the Buffalo Launch Club, Lasalle Yacht Club, Ray's Boat House, Canalside, and Remington Tavern.

Niagara River Experience

Run the legendary Niagara River with stunning waterfront views, high-performance stretches, and one of the most unique boating routes anywhere.

Captain Details

Entry includes access to the host venue, weekend hospitality, and an event t-shirt, with sizing details collected at registration.

Buffalo Poker Run boats docked together
Weekend atmosphere Performance boats, dockside atmosphere, and a full weekend on the water Read last year’s event coverage →

Community Impact

Giving back through the run.

Since its beginnings, the Buffalo Poker Run has helped raise funds for Excalibur Leisure Skills Center, a nonprofit that provides boating experiences for adults and children with physical and cognitive challenges.

Excalibur creates life-changing opportunities on the water through accessible boating experiences that bring confidence, joy, and inclusion to people who might not otherwise get the chance to enjoy them.

The event also supports the E.M. Cotter Fireboat Conservancy, helping preserve one of Buffalo’s most iconic historic vessels.

Through WNYOPA, the event also contributes to several other charitable organizations that make a meaningful impact right here at home in Western New York.

Learn more about Excalibur Leisure Skills Center
Participant enjoying an accessible boating experience with Excalibur Leisure Skills Center
E.M. Cotter fireboat Supporting the E.M. Cotter Fireboat Conservancy →
Donate Now

Weekend Schedule

Weekend schedule.

Reserve your spot
Friday · August 7
  • 4:00–8:00 PMCheck-in
  • 6:00 PMWelcome Dinner
  • 8:00 PM – lateDock party with concert by Nerds Gone Wild
Saturday · August 8
  • 8:00 AMBreakfast
  • 9:00 AMDriver Meeting
  • 10:30 AMPoker Run Begins
  • 5:00 PMCaptains submit chips & draw hands
  • 6:30 PMAwards Dinner

Planned Route

Start in Buffalo. Run the water. Hit the stops.

Buffalo Poker Run route preview map
Swipe route stops →
01

Buffalo Launch Club

Primary host venue and home base for the weekend. Located in Grand Island, NY.

02

Lasalle Yacht Club

The run heads out and down the east river for the second card at another beautiful venue.

03

Ray’s Boathouse

Planned stop on West River for card 3. Ray helped shape the Poker Run to what it is today. We stop here in remembrance of him.

04

Canalside

The 4th card stop will be right in the heart of downtown next to the battleships of Canalside.

05

Remington Tavern

Longest leg, back up and around the west river to our lunch stop in the Erie Canal at Remington, one of the finest restaurants on the water.

Boat Registration

Register your boat and lock in your weekend.

Registration closes July 15th, limited spots available.

Registration is handled through us directly, any other websites are not associated. Lock in your boat entry, then get ready for a full weekend built around the run, the stops, and the waterfront atmosphere.

Registration ProcessClick the button below to complete your registration through our official JotForm. All required waivers must be completed and proof of insurance submitted to secure your entry.
Participants & WaiversEvery participant must complete and sign a waiver prior to the event. Participants under the age of 18 require a parent or guardian signature on the passenger waiver. Max of 6 passengers.
Safety & ComplianceSafety is our top priority. All rules and regulations are strictly enforced to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for everyone throughout the weekend.
Register Your Boat Extra Tickets View event gallery

Venue

Buffalo Launch Club and Friday night dock party with concert.

This year’s host venue is Buffalo Launch Club, bringing the weekend into a classic powerboating setting on the river with a polished club atmosphere for crews, guests, and sponsors.

Buffalo Launch Club lighthouse and marina

Host Venue

Buffalo Launch Club becomes the weekend home base for check-in, dockside gathering, and event hospitality.

Friday Night

The dock party now includes a live concert by Nerds Gone Wild when Friday night gets underway.

Waterfront Setting

A marina backdrop, club grounds, and a polished riverfront setting give the event a more elevated host environment.

Buffalo Launch Club lighthouse and marina
Buffalo Launch Club aerial view over the marina at sunset
Nerds Gone Wild performing live in front of a crowd
Dock party with concert Nerds Gone Wild kicks off Friday night.

When the dock party starts, the live concert brings high-energy entertainment right into the waterfront atmosphere. First drink and dinner free with run entry.

Visit Buffalo Launch Club
Holiday Inn Express Grand Island

Discounted Hotel Rate

Recommended stay for Buffalo Poker Run guests.

Holiday Inn Express Grand Island is offering discounted pricing for people attending the run. It is a convenient local option for crews, passengers, and guests staying near the venue. A free shuttle will be available from the venue to the hotel. Tips are welcomed for your driver. Ample parking for RVs and trailers.

Group code WNY

Select Group Rate and enter code WNY to show the WNYOPA room block.

Book with Group Code WNY
Discount available until July 1
Buffalo Poker Run board of directors group photo

Board of Directors

Meet the team behind Buffalo Poker Run.

Buffalo Poker Run is organized by a full board that helps shape the weekend from planning and logistics to registration, sponsor coordination, and event-day execution.

Built around local boating community, waterfront hospitality, and a polished event experience, the team works together to make the weekend feel organized, social, and worth the trip for both captains and crews.

Swipe board roles →
President Katie Rustowicz
Vice President Sean Zirilli & Sam Zirilli
Treasurer Mike Rustowicz
Secretary Eric Thomsen
Events Coordinator Josh Newman
Poker Run Coordinator David Texido