Guide to the Emerald Coast Poker Run

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, our local waterways fill with visitors and locals alike as they head to multiple stops along the coast to play along in the 27th Annual Emerald Coast Poker Run. For those unfamiliar with this event, a poker run is an organized event in which powerboats, fishing boats, and pleasure boats cruise along the Emerald Coast, visiting multiple designated stops along the way where they draw a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. 
  
The days that lead up to the main event are known as “boat week” around the Emerald Coast. The week features multiple events open to registrants of the poker run. Here’s the schedule for this year’s boat week:  

Blues, Brews and BBQ Party - This year’s kick-off party will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7 at AJ’s on the Bayou.  

Event Registration and Check-In - All participants must stop by The Island Beach Resort on Okaloosa Island on Thursday, August 8 or Friday, August 9 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sponsor Party - This event will be at Floyd’s Shrimp House from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 8.  

Miss Boat Week Bikini Contest - This year, the annual contest is at The Block in Fort Walton Beach at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 8.  

Rockin’ the Dock Captain’s Party - This can’t-miss event will be held at AJ’s Destin from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, August 9.  

Emerald Coast Poker Run - Affectionately known as the “big one”, this event kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 10. All stops along the route are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Emerald Coast Poker Run Party - The week concludes with a celebration at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Saturday, August 10 from 6-11 p.m. featuring poker, blackjack, a silent auction, an all you can eat buffet and an open bar.  

Tickets for the event are $295 and include access for two to all boat week events. If you still haven’t signed up for the event, do so here. Last, but certainly not least, proceeds from this event benefit the Emerald Coast Foundation, which supports multiple children’s charities throughout our region. Not only will you have a great time during Boat Week and at the Poker Run, but you’ll also be investing in our community! 

Photo credit: Emerald Coast Poker Run  

Published on Thursday, July 18, 2019