Emerald Coast Poker Run: Playing Cards for a Cause
Annual Event Making a Difference for a Quarter Century
You don’t have to own a boat to have plenty of fun during the Emerald Coast Poker Run. Participants and party-goers alike are sure to have a blast at the annual boating and fundraising event, presented by the Emerald Coast Foundation as part of Boat Week. History shows this event — which has been around for more than 25 years and sets sail once again August 11-12, 2023 — is guaranteed to please!
Great Time for a Great Cause
This charity poker run is one of the largest and most-popular in the United States and has raised more than $2.5 million to benefit the Emerald Coast Foundation for Northwest Florida children’s charities and youth organizations. We’re talking a great time for a great cause!
The Emerald Coast Poker Run shares the stage with tons of festive events including boat parades, contests, live music, food, and more. Reserve a Fort Walton Beach condo or vacation home today to join the fun! Here is your registration link. What are you waiting for? It’s poker time!
Schedule
- August 11, 2-7 p.m. – Official kickoff check-in and registration at The Island Hotel, 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548.
- August 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. – Captain’s Party at AJ’s on the Bayou. Live music by Flash Flood. Complimentary buffet. Open bar for VIP registrations only.
- August 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Poker Run stops open. Participating boaters will collect their cards at designated checkpoints along a route that includes Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Pensacola Beach, and Destin. Spectators are invited to gather at the various stops to join in the fun.
- August 12, doors open at 6 p.m. – Emerald Coast Poker Run Party at the Block, Fort Walton Beach. Gaming, silent auction, music, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Open bar for VIP registered boaters and VIP Party Ticket Holders only.
Visit Our Vacation Rental Links for Places To Stay
Don’t forget to check out our Destin vacation rentals, Fort Walton Beach vacation rentals, Pensacola Beach vacation rentals, and Navarre vacation rentals for the best places in the area to stay. Most of our properties can be booked directly on BeachGuide. Or, to make reservations over the phone call a vacation planner 7 days a week at 888-698-1488.
This article was originally written by S. Lynne on June 18, 2021 and updated by BeachGuide editors to include the 2023 information.
