Performance Boating Event in Lake Havasu City
Each April, Lake Havasu City, Arizona becomes the ultimate destination for performance boating enthusiasts from around the country. The Desert Storm Performance Boating Event is widely regarded as one of the premier high-performance marine events in the western United States. Known for its electric atmosphere and jaw-dropping boat displays, Desert Storm is a four-day experience filled with speed, community, and celebration.
2025 Event Overview: April 23–26
The 2025 edition of Desert Storm, presented by Anderson Powersports and KICKER Marine Audio, is scheduled to take place from April 23rd through April 26th. The event offers a packed itinerary designed to entertain participants and spectators alike.
On Wednesday, April 23, Desert Storm kicks off with a lively welcome party that sets the tone for the weekend. It’s a great opportunity for boaters, vendors, and fans to gather and celebrate the start of the event.
Thursday, April 24, features one of the most popular parts of the week—the Street Party. McCulloch Boulevard in downtown Lake Havasu shuts down to traffic and fills with high-performance boats, custom tow rigs, marine product vendors, and excited fans. Visitors have the chance to get up close to some of the fastest, most powerful boats in the world, meet the teams behind them, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with food, music, and giveaways.
On Friday, April 25, the energy shifts to the water for the iconic Parade of Power followed by the Poker Run. The Parade of Power features boats cruising through the Bridgewater Channel, providing a spectacular visual for spectators lined up along London Bridge Beach. Afterward, the Poker Run begins. Boaters visit designated checkpoints on the lake to collect playing cards, hoping to assemble the best poker hand by the end of the run. It’s a perfect mix of adrenaline, strategy, and scenic boating.
Saturday, April 26, brings the weekend to its thrilling peak with Shugrue’s Shootout. Boats race against the clock on a straight-line course near Site Six, attempting to hit the highest speeds possible. The spectacle is captured from helicopters above and cheered on by hundreds of fans along the shore. The evening wraps up with the official Awards Dinner and Charity Auction, celebrating the fastest boats, best poker hands, and supporting local causes through generous donations.
Event Highlights
Desert Storm offers a blend of high-octane boating action and fun, accessible entertainment for families and fans. The Street Party is free to attend and provides a close-up look at boats worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Parade of Power showcases the horsepower and craftsmanship behind these vessels, and the Poker Run offers an exciting, gamified boating experience on the scenic waters of Lake Havasu. The Shootout is a fan-favorite, as teams push their rigs to the limit in front of a roaring crowd.
The event is not only a must-attend for boat owners and marine brands, but also for those interested in cutting-edge engineering, water sports, and lifestyle experiences. It’s the ultimate fusion of performance boating, luxury lifestyle, and community spirit.
Plan Your Trip
Desert Storm attracts visitors from all over the country and fills up fast—so if you’re planning to attend, it’s recommended to book lodging early. Whether you're a returning participant, a first-time visitor, or a sponsor looking to connect with the high-performance marine audience, Desert Storm is the place to be.
To learn more about the full schedule, event registration, sponsor opportunities, and travel details, visit the official website: www.desertstormlhc.com