Welcome to Boyne Thunder
23rd Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run
July 10 & 11, 2026
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 2026 and staying at Boyne Mountain, please use code 23RDTHUNDR when making your reservation. Here is an easy way to do that:
Reserve lodging for 23rd Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run
Sponsor registration for 2026 opens December 8, 2025, at 9 am EST.
Click here for registration:
General Registration Opens March 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. EST. We use Eventbrite for registration; you can log-on directly. Only General Registrations are available on March 1st; additional riders may be added beginning March 2nd. Partial refunds before 30 days of event; no refunds within 30 days of event.
2027 Event Dates
July 9 & 10, 2027
Special Thanks to Our Local Sponsors!
Special Thanks to Our Video Team Led by Brad DiMaggio – Scapyard Media!
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
Established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization, Challenge Mountain was the first independent adaptive skiing program in northern Michigan. Today, Challenge Mountain continues to connect children, youth and adults living with disabilities to a wide variety of life-enriching recreational, cultural and social opportunities. People of all ages and abilities take part in Challenge Mountain programs, including those with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
Summer activities include Spirit Day Camp, adaptive biking, kayaking, boating and fishing. In the Fall and Spring, participants experience equine therapy, an adventure ropes course and adaptive biking. Winter brings adaptive skiing, of course, and more recently snowshoeing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing; while year-round, participants can enjoy arts programming and social club activities.
Thanks to the generous support from the Boyne Thunder patrons, Challenge Mountain is able to offer programs at little or no cost to participants and their families. Boyne Thunder is a significant partner in making Great Things Happen Together at Challenge Mountain!
Challenge Mountain Executive Director,
Elizabeth Gertz 231.582.1186
Learn More at challengemtn.org
Charitable Contributions 2025
Camp Quality
Spreading Joy and Hope
In 2025, Boyne Thunder raised $128,322.88 for Camp Quality, an organization dedicated to providing uplifting camp experiences and year-round support for children battling cancer and their families. Camp Quality helps kids be kids again.
Challenge Mountain
Empowering Possibility Through Adventure
Boyne Thunder is proud to support Challenge Mountain, an organization that opens the door to outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities. This year, Boyne Thunder raised $23,331.43 to help Challenge Mountain continue creating inclusive opportunities for everyone to experience the thrill of the outdoors.
2025 Double Platinum Sponsor
Legacy Water Sports and Marina
“Legacy Water Sports and Marina is a full-service marina offering sales, service, retail pro shop, boat rentals, slips, and fuel. Located near Boyne City on Lake Charlevoix and in the heart of Walloon Village, let us help you get on the water!”
2025 Boyne Thunder Gold Sponsors
2025 Boyne Thunder Silver Sponsors
