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WNYOPA PRESENTS

Buffalo Poker Run

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

DateAugust 7–8, 2026
Host VenueBuffalo Launch Club
Register Your Boat Explore Event Info

Sponsors

Partner with the event.

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Additional Sponsors

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 Edward M. Cotter turn, Ray’s Boathouse, Grass Island, and Tonawanda Island Launch Club.

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 docking at the host venue, weekend hospitality, and an event t-shirt, with follow-up sizing details collected after 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.

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

Weekend Schedule

Weekend schedule.

Reserve your spot
Friday · August 7
  • 4:00–9:00 PMCheck-in
  • 6:00 PMWelcome dinner
  • 9:00 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
Route Preview
Swipe route stops →
01

Buffalo Launch Club

Primary host venue and event launch point.

02

Edward M. Cotter Turn

The run heads out and turns around the Edward M. Cotter.

03

Ray’s Boathouse

Planned stop on West River.

04

Grass Island

Additional run stop currently listed in the event info.

05

Tonawanda Island Launch Club

Lunch stop with Remington Tavern noted in the event details.

06

Final Card Draw

Drivers turn in poker chips and complete their hand at the end of the run.

Boat Registration

Register your boat and lock in your weekend.

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

Friday Night AtmosphereCheck in at Buffalo Launch Club, settle in, and kick off the weekend when the dock party and Friday night concert begin.
Saturday on the WaterThe weekend includes breakfast, the driver meeting, the poker run itself, and the final hand draw.
How to RegisterPlease click the download forms button bellow, bring all of these forms with you. Payment will be collected at the Venue.
Download Registration Forms 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.

Weekend Flow

Crews can arrive, settle in, enjoy the Friday night atmosphere, then roll into Saturday’s run and awards program.

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.

Visit Buffalo Launch Club
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
2nd Vice President Sam Zirilli not pictured
Treasurer Mike Rustowicz
Secretary Eric Thomsen
Event Coordinator Josh Newman