Welcome to Boyne Thunder
24th Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run
July 9 & 10, 2027
Boyne Thunder is a thrilling powerboat poker run hosted by Boyne City Main Street, with our partners Camp Quality and Challenge Mountain. This run offers participants a chance to experience the stunning scenery of northern Michigan at a fast pace through our sparkling blue water. The run is known for its interesting terrain and beautiful backdrops, making it a must–do event for powerboat enthusiasts. There are several other events throughout the weekend, including welcome parties and a fun evening raising money for the charities, and the Friday Night Street Show is not to be missed.
If you’re planning to attend Boyne Thunder 2027 and staying at Boyne Mountain, please use code 24THTHUNDR when making your reservation. Here is an easy way to do that:
Reserve lodging for 24th Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run
2028 Event Dates
July 7 & 8, 2028
Feel the Energy
Experience the exhilarating rush of Boyne Thunder. This video captures the speed, skill, and excitement of one of Northern Michigan’s most dynamic summer events. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, enjoy breathtaking aerial shots and up-close action in this unforgettable spectacle.
Main Events
Stroll The Streets in Boyne City
Downtown Boyne City comes alive as it celebrates the Boyne Thunder Poker Run Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Stroll the Streets, a four-block long street party with a collage of music, entertainment, dining, shopping, a car show and some awesome boat displays, is the place to be. We roll out the welcome mat to all boaters, visitors and our community for the single largest event held in our downtown.
Get Spectator Information
Boyne Thunder Route
The 150 mile poker run route winds its way through beautiful Lake Charlevoix, into Round Lake, out to Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, then all the way up to Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs, and back to Horton Bay near Boyne City for the finish.
- Start in Boyne City, around 10:15/10:30 am for parade laps.
- Elk Rapids is the first card stop.
- Northport is the second stop for cards.
- The participants then head to lunch in Charlevoix and return to the run after 1:30 p.m.
- Bay Harbor where the boats head into the harbor for their cards.
- Harbor Springs card stop is right in the harbor at the end of the dock.
- Horton Bay is the final stop, generally filled with spectator boats.
- Poker hands are turned in back in Boyne City.
Boyne Thunder Partners
Camp Quality
Established in 1986, Camp Quality USA was named after the words of a pediatric oncologist: “No one can do anything about the quantity of one’s life, but all of us can do something about the quality.”
The organization serves children affected by cancer and their families by providing year-round camps, programs, and experiences – all at no cost. Camp Quality promotes hope and inspiration while helping children build life skills, resilience, and confidence to reach their full potential. Its motto says it best: “Letting Kids With Cancer Be Kids Again.”
In Michigan, Camp Quality hosts a week-long overnight Summer Camp and weekend Family Camp in Petoskey, along with a week-long summer Camp in Fenton. Additionally, Michigan provides a Winter Family Weekend in Gaylord, Teen Weekend on Beaver Island, as well as other programs across the state that continue to nurture connection and joy all year long.
Thanks to the generous support of Boyne Thunder patrons, Camp Quality Michigan is able to offer all of its camps and programs free of charge to camper families.
Boyne Thunder remains a valued partner in “Letting Kids With Cancer Be Kids Again.”
Learn More at campqualityusa.org/mi/
Challenge Mountain
Challenge Mountain is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching and improving the lives of individuals with mental and physical disabilities through outdoor recreation. This local Michigan charity offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, horseback riding, kayaking, cycling and other outdoor activities; all adapted to meet the needs of individuals with various physical and cognitive disabilities.
Challenge Mountain’s programs and activities are available year-round and are designed to provide participants with a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. The organization is staffed by highly trained professionals and volunteers who are committed to providing the support and encouragement needed to help participants achieve their goals.
By empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential, Challenge Mountain enhances quality of life, fosters self-confidence and community connection. Challenge Mountain relies on donations, grants and fundraising events — like the annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run — to sustain their mission and expand access to adaptive recreation opportunities across northern Michigan.
Challenge Mountain phone number 231.582.1186
Learn More at challengemtn.org
Charitable Contributions 2026
Camp Quality
Spreading Joy and Hope
Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who joined us for Boyne Thunder this summer, Camp Quality Michigan received $131,726 for kids facing cancer and the families who love them.
What does this incredible donation do? It means a child who has spent months in hospital rooms, surrounded by beeping machines and waiting rooms, gets to be a kid again. Swimming, laughing, climbing, singing around a campfire, with friends who understand without needing to ask. It means a brother or sister, who so often get forgotten when cancer takes over a family, gets to be celebrated, too. It means a mom or dad who hasn’t exhaled in months finds a community of parents who truly get it, and a chance to rest knowing their child is safe and supported. And it means every bit of this is free for every family. No bills, no barriers. Just joy, belonging, and hope at 5 different camps in Michigan. Because of our Boyne Thunder supporters, a child who thought cancer took their summer gets it back.
To everyone who revved an engine, made a gift, or cheered from the shore: thank you. You didn’t just raise $131K. You gave kids with cancer the magic of summer camp and year- round programs.
Pictured:
Annie Hill – Executive Officer of Development for Camp Quality
Ingrid Day – Event Coordinator for Boyne Thunder
Challenge Mountain
Empowering Possibility Through Adventure
Boyne Thunder is proud to support Challenge Mountain, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through adaptive recreation. In 2026, Boyne Thunder raised $23,950.33 to help Challenge Mountain continue providing inclusive, life-changing opportunities that allow people with disabilities to experience the thrill and freedom of outdoor adventure.
Pictured:
Elizabeth Gertz – Executive Director for Challenge Mountain
Skip Simms – Treasurer for Challenge Mountain
Ingrid Day – Event Coordinator for Boyne Thunder
2026 Gold Sponsors
2026 Silver Sponsors
2026 Street Show Sponsors
Special Thanks to Our Local Sponsors!
Special Thanks to Our Video Team Led by Brad DiMaggio – Scrapyard Media!
