August 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT (1600z–2200z)

The 27th annual Boston Tea Party — VATSIM’s longest-running “live” event — returns on Saturday, August 1, 2026! Join over 30 controllers staffing positions together live in New Hampshire as they provide full ATC coverage throughout Boston ARTCC (ZBW).

Whether you're a veteran Tea Party pilot or flying the event for the very first time, this is your opportunity to experience Boston Virtual ARTCC at its absolute best. From busy Class Bravo operations to scenic New England regional flying, Tea Party delivers six straight hours of high-energy ATC coverage across the Northeast.

Please note that due to venue restrictions, ATC coverage will conclude promptly at 6:00 PM EDT (2200z). Pilots are encouraged to plan flights accordingly.

Tea Party Poker is back for another year!

This annual tradition gives pilots an additional reason to explore New England airspace while competing for prizes through a virtual poker game conducted entirely during the event.

Pilots may participate by completing eligible flights within Boston ARTCC airspace and collecting virtual poker cards from BOS_PK_CTR after landing. The strongest poker hands at the conclusion of the event will receive prizes courtesy of our sponsors.

Giveaway Sponsors

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• Complete eligible flights to towered airports within Boston ARTCC (ZBW).
• After landing, send a private message to BOS_PK_CTR including:
  • Flight origin and destination
  • Your VATSIM CID
  • Your email address (required only on your first card request)
• Receive virtual poker cards based on your destination airport and staffing level.
• Build the best possible 5-card poker hand by flying throughout the event.

Pilots may continue flying after receiving a full hand and may discard cards in an attempt to improve their hand before the event concludes.

To qualify for Tea Party Poker, flights must meet the following requirements:

• Flights must terminate in a full-stop landing at a towered airport within Boston ARTCC.
• Airports must be at least 50 nautical miles apart (straight-line distance).
• Pilots must remain connected to the VATSIM network for the entire flight.
• VFR pilots must file a flight plan prior to departure.
• Flights concluding after 6:00 PM EDT (2200z) will not be eligible for cards.

Flights originating outside ZBW airspace are permitted, provided all event requirements are met.

First Eligible Flight

• Receive two poker cards

Subsequent Eligible Flights

• Two cards for landing at a staffed non-KBOS airport with Tower service
• One card for:
  • KBOS arrivals
  • Airports staffed top-down by Approach or Center only

Pilots may optionally choose to receive only one card during a two-card draw.

Graduates of the Wings Over New England (WINGS) training program who have completed all 30 flights are eligible to receive one additional bonus poker card.

To claim the bonus card, notify BOS_PK_CTR at the conclusion of your first eligible flight.

• Pilots may not hold more than five cards at any time.
• Shared cockpit flights receive one shared set of cards.
• Cards are tied to a pilot’s VATSIM CID.
• Trading or transferring cards between pilots is prohibited.
• Duplicate cards must be reported immediately to BOS_PK_CTR.
• Failure to comply with VATSIM rules or ATC instructions may result in disqualification.

Tea Party Poker is intended solely as a fun community activity and is not associated with gambling in any form.

From Boston Logan arrivals to regional hops through Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and beyond, Tea Party is one of VATSIM’s most iconic summer events. File your route, tune your radios, and prepare for six hours of nonstop New England flying.

We’ll see you in the skies on August 1st!