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Lake Lanier Poker Run 2026: What to Wear and Bring

September 10, 2026

Two days. One lake. A lot of ground—and water—to cover.

The 2026 Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run returns to Lake Lanier on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26. Between the raft-up, Vendor Village, staged boat departures, card stops and Saturday night celebration, this is not an event where one outfit or one small bag necessarily carries you through the entire weekend.

This guide covers the practical side: what to wear, what to bring and how to prepare for long hours moving between the boat, dock, marina and event grounds.

Planning to pick up COVELiFE event gear at the Poker Run? Place your advance order by September 15 and select DEAL ME IN Event Pickup at checkout. Miss the pickup deadline? You can still order through September 26. Orders placed after September 15 will be shipped directly to you after the event.

2026 Lake Lanier Poker Run schedule at a glance

Friday begins on the water with the helicopter photo shoot at Buford Dam from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Critter Cowboys Cheeseburger Lunch & Raft Up at Cocktail Cove from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The activity moves to the Grande Hall area Friday afternoon. Sponsor and Vendor Village runs from 3 to 11 p.m., followed by the mandatory captains’ meeting and safety briefing at 7 p.m. and the welcome party from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Saturday starts with breakfast at LandShark Bar & Grill from 8 to 10 a.m. The charity run begins at Buford Dam with staged departures from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. The afternoon awards banquet and party runs from 3 to 11 p.m. at LandShark Bar & Grill.

Schedules can change. Confirm final times, registration details and captain requirements through the official Lanier Charity Run event page before heading out.

What to wear on the water

Start with lightweight sun coverage

Late September on Lake Lanier can still mean long stretches of direct sun, glare off the water and changing temperatures from morning through evening. A lightweight performance shirt gives you coverage without the bulk of a traditional sweatshirt.

A SolarTech UPF 50+ Performance Sun Hoodie works well for early starts, open-water runs and extended time on the boat. For warmer conditions, choose a short-sleeve performance shirt or a lightweight long sleeve that can stand on its own or work beneath another layer.

Remember that UPF clothing protects only the areas it covers. Use appropriate sunscreen on exposed skin and reapply it according to the product instructions.

Choose a hat that can handle movement

Look for an adjustable fit, breathable panels and a bill that provides useful shade without feeling heavy. The limited DEAL ME IN Lake Lanier Performance Rope Hat uses a structured five-panel profile, perforated rear panels and an adjustable snapback closure.

Before the boat gets moving, make sure the fit is secure. A hat sitting loose at the dock will not become more cooperative at speed.

Wear quick-drying, secure footwear

Choose shoes or sandals with dependable grip that you do not mind getting wet. Avoid loose slides when climbing between a boat and dock. Pack a dry backup pair if you plan to transition from the run into Vendor Village or the evening events.

Bring one light evening layer

Morning wind, boat speed and evening temperatures can feel noticeably cooler than the middle of the day. Keep a lightweight long sleeve or hoodie in a dry bag even when the afternoon forecast looks warm.

What to bring

Required boating and safety equipment: Follow all event instructions, applicable boating rules and the mandatory captain’s briefing.
Water and electrolytes: Bring more than you expect to need and keep them accessible throughout the run.
Sunscreen and lip protection: Water reflection adds to sun exposure, even when the air feels comfortable.
Dry bag: Protect phones, wallets, registration information, spare clothing and other essentials.
Portable phone charger: Navigation, photos and event communication can drain a battery quickly.
Sunglasses with a retainer: Secure your eyewear before the boat leaves the dock. The CORKLiNE Floating Cork Sunglasses Retainer adds natural-cork buoyancy and keeps compatible sunglasses within reach.
Towel and change of clothes: A small backup kit can make the transition into evening events considerably easier.
Event confirmation and identification: Keep registration details and anything requested by event organizers readily available.

What to wear at Vendor Village

Vendor Village is a different environment from the boat. Expect time on pavement, walking between displays and a transition into the Friday welcome party. Comfortable footwear and an easy layer matter more than technical gear once you are off the water.

COVELiFE will be at Vendor Village with the limited DEAL ME IN Lake Lanier collection, including UPF 50+ performance styles and the event rope hat. Order by September 15 and select DEAL ME IN Event Pickup at checkout to collect your order during Poker Run weekend. Orders placed after the pickup deadline will remain open through September 26 and will ship directly to you after the event.

Build your event lineup

If you want more than one event piece, build your own combination through the Pick 2 bundle or Pick 3 bundle. Choose eligible styles, sizes and colors, then add the completed bundle to cart.

Each eligible Lake Lanier event item purchased individually generates a $2 contribution from COVELiFE to Georgia K9 Search & Recovery. Each completed Pick 2 or Pick 3 bundle generates one $5 contribution per bundle purchase, not per item inside the bundle. This contribution program applies to qualifying purchases made through September 26.

One final check before you leave

Charge the phone. Check the weather. Confirm the schedule. Secure the sunglasses. Pack the extra layer. Then leave enough room in the day to enjoy the part nobody can plan.

Deal yourself in.

Get out. Find yours.