One of THE most popular events of the year is the Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout. It spans four days and includes several parties, a poker run, and a high-speed boat race. But if you want to participate, you need to sign up right away. Spots are extremely limited!
What: Desert Storm Poker Run & Shootout 2026
Where: McCulloch Blvd and Lake Havasu
When: April 22nd to 25th
Admission: FREE for spectators
Desert Storm Poker Run & Shootout 2026
The four-day event starts with a kick-off party from 6 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, April 22nd at our very own Sunstone Real Estate Group Pavilion (Windsor #4). Take the party to the streets (McCulloch Blvd to be exact) with Thursday’s Street Party from 1 pm to 9 pm. Enjoy lots of music, vendors, an up close look at the boats racing in the poker run and shootout, and more.
On Friday, April 24th, the poker run begins at 11 am with a Parade of Power through Bridgewater Channel. Then, the boats are let loose to race to the five different check-in points around the lake to gather their cards. Once they gather all of their cards, contestants meet up at the card turn-in party to officially submit their poker hands. That party takes place a Kokomos between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Finally, the Shootout! That takes place on the final day of the event: Saturday. It also proves to be the most popular viewing day for this event. The race begins at 11 am from Site 6. If you plan on being out on the water yourself during this time but are not part of the Shootout, please be wary of the course markers. You must stay far outside this area to avoid any potential issues with racers. Also, public access to Site 6 will be closed down for the duration of the race.
Registration
Admission for spectators is absolutely free. However, if you want to participate in the poker run, the shootout, or both, you need to register ahead of time. Organizers do not allow registration at the event itself. Visit the Desert Storm website here to register. You will need your boat insurance and registration cards on hand when you register. They require a copy to be uploaded.
Street Closures
When traveling around Lake Havasu City during Desert Storm, please keep in mind that McCulloch Blvd will be closed from 4 pm to 11:30 pm on Thursday, April 23rd. The portion between Acoma and Riviera will be shut down to traffic so that the street party can take place. Only foot traffic will be allowed in that section during those times.
Sunstone Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, Lake Havasu City, AZ