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The Complete Guide To Shootout Week, At Lake Of The Ozarks

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  • 3 min to read
American Ethanol
photo: Justin Pfeifer, 2023 Shootout

One of the biggest weekends of the year at Lake of the Ozarks is almost here.

The 38th annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout returns Aug. 26-30, bringing high-performance boats, thousands of spectators, and a full slate of events leading up to the races.

Darana Hybrid's 2025 Winning Shootout Run

While the races remain the main attraction, the Shootout has grown into a multi-day celebration with street parties, poker runs, live entertainment, auctions, and opportunities to get up close with some of the fastest boats on the water.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime Shootout fan, here's what you need to know.

Wednesday, Aug. 26: Shootout on the Strip

The festivities begin with Shootout on the Strip, presented by Waves and Wheels Marine.

2025 Shootout Street Party-21.jpg

From 4 to 10 p.m., the historic Bagnell Dam Strip transforms into a street party where race teams bring their boats into town before the weekend's competition. The free event gives fans a chance to meet racers, take photos with the boats, browse vendors, shop exclusive merchandise, enjoy live music, and experience the excitement before race weekend begins.

Admission is free to the public.

More Info:

Thursday, Aug. 27: Shootout Showcase

Want to see the latest in performance boating?

The Shootout Showcase runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dog Days Bar & Grill in Osage Beach.

Manufacturers will display high-performance and luxury boats while attendees get an up-close look at new technology, craftsmanship, and design. The showcase is geared toward boating enthusiasts, prospective buyers, and anyone interested in the latest innovations on the water.

Friday, Aug. 28: Poker Run

The annual Poly Lift LOTO Shootout Poker Run returns Friday, beginning at Dog Days.

Participants will cruise the Lake, starting at Dog Days, stopping at several popular waterfront destinations before ending at Shady Gators. Register here.

2025 Shootout Poker Run - Lake Shots-039.jpg

Scheduled stops include:

* Paradise Tropical Bar & Grill

* Nautifish Rum Bar

* Big Dick's Halfway Inn

* The Cave

* LandShark Bar & Grill

* Papa Chubby's

* Franky & Louie's

* Neon Taco

Additional stops may be announced.

More Info & Every Stop, On The Map

Saturday & Sunday: Race Weekend

The action shifts to the water for the 38th Shootout, with race headquarters located at Dog Days Bar & Grill.

2026 Shootout Course Map.jpg

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is recognized as the world's largest unsanctioned boat race, attracting competitors from across the country as they attempt to post the fastest speeds over the Shootout course.

Racing will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guide To The Race Course & Dog Days On-Land Experience

Live Auction

Saturday evening, the Shootout hosts its annual Live Auction at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar from 6 to 10 p.m.

The auction features exclusive experiences, unique items, and premium packages, with proceeds benefiting the Shootout's charitable mission and local organizations throughout the Lake area.

Awards Ceremony

The weekend concludes Sunday evening with the Shootout Awards Ceremony, where class winners, record-setters, and standout performances will be recognized.

The ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., although this year's location has not yet been announced.

New for 2026: Top Gun Ring

A new tradition will debut during this year's Shootout.

                           

For the first time, the fastest team on the water will receive the Top Gun Ring, a new award designed to recognize the event's overall speed champion. Organizers describe the ring as a symbol of speed, dedication, innovation, and earning a place in Shootout history.

More Than Racing

While the Shootout is known for high-speed competition, the event also serves as one of the Lake's largest charitable fundraisers. Through sponsorships, auctions, and community events, proceeds benefit numerous local charities and organizations each year.

Prior Coverage

The Darana Hybrid boat dominated the 2025 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout — the largest unsanctioned boat race in the nation — on Sunday, Aug. 24, with a stunning 242 mph run down the 3/4-mile course.
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