Your Pokémon GO Fest 2026 In-Person Experience Checklist
Trainers, we have finally touched down on the biggest extravaganza of the year, Pokémon GO Fest 2026, with the eagerly awaited in-person events kicking off in Tokyo, Japan, and then in Chicago, USA, and finally culminating in Copenhagen, Denmark, before the entire world relishes the Global celebrations!
With massive footfall and lots of pomp associated with the in-person events, trainers may find the anticipation overwhelming, regardless of whether they have visited previous GO Fest renditions or are first-timers.
But fret not, as we have compiled a list of know-hows and reminders to make sure that you have an unforgettable experience in Tokyo, Chicago, or Copenhagen. From avoiding device mishaps, planning your day, and taking away memories you will cherish for a lifetime, we have it all neatly packed up for you!
Being well-prepared for the weekend ahead is honestly half the job done. So, here’s a comprehensive to-do list to complete before you arrive at the event location.
- Be sure to keep your Pokémon GO app updated to the latest version and download all assets while you have a strong Wi-Fi connection to avoid any mobile data hiccups in the middle of the event.
- While your usual login method is just fine, it is a good idea to add an additional log-in method to your Pokémon GO account. This will make sure that you are always able to access the game.
- Double-check your ticketed event day, your ticket type, and any add-ons you may have purchased so you know when and where to be.
- All Bluetooth devices, including the Pokémon GO Plus, Poké Ball Plus, or Pokémon GO Plus +, should be connected before arriving at the location.
- If you own a tablet (such as an iPad), keep in mind that Pokémon GO gameplay is not supported on these devices.
- Need any in-game assistance? Pokémon GO’s in-game support team is always ready to help you, even during the rush hour of the event! Moreover, you can also visit Technical Support during the park session hours.
- It is natural to forget your login because of the excitement for the event. Don’t worry, as you can quickly recover your account here
Every smart Pokémon GO Trainer needs to carry some necessary gear and the bare minimums to take on the adventures of the event.
- A fully charged mobile to start the day
- Portable battery pack and charging cable for uninterrupted gameplay
- Don clothing that’s appropriate for the weather. Groudon and Kyogre may have plans, so check the weather report for the day before you head out
- Cover all those steps with some comfortable, and properly-tied shoes
- Never forget Sunscreen, and add a cool hat and a dashing pair of sunglasses
- Stay hydrated! Carry a refillable water bottle
- Keep the energy going with some snacks, and come up with a meal plan for different times of the day
- Carry a photo ID, ensure you have a seamless payment method, and keep your ticket details on your fingertips
Check out Tokyo, Chicago, and Copenhagen event FAQs to know what is and isn’t allowed!
Each in-person GO Fest event includes a ticketed park session and a full event day of citywide gameplay.
During your park session, Trainers can look forward to Special Research connected to the recent discovery of Zeraora, four skill-based park zones, Team GO Rocket battles, Shadow Raids, themed research, photo opportunities, and more.
Be sure to stay through the end of your park session! During the final 30 minutes, ticket-holding attendees will be able to join a massive Super Mega Raid featuring Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. The Mewtwo that Trainers can catch from these raids will have a Pokémon GO Fest 2026 Location Background, and its first Mega Level will already be unlocked. Stay tuned for more information on your assigned location by checking in-game news or the email associated with your Pokémon GO account.
Please note: Only Trainers with a valid ticket for the applicable session will be able to play within the event park. No Pokémon GO gameplay at all will be available within the event space to those without an active event ticket.
The fun doesn’t stop with the Park Experience—make the most of your City Experience and team up with fellow Trainers at Community Ambassador–led events, visible in the Campfire app.
For all three in-person GO Fest events, ticket-holding Trainers will receive four sets of Timed Research on their first day of citywide gameplay. Each Timed Research can only be completed in a different area of the city, called a City District. Trainers who explore at least two City Districts and complete the related tasks can earn the commemorative Pokémon GO Expert medal.
Make the most of your event weekend with optional add-ons! Check out the Raid Lover, Egg-thusiast, Citywide Gameplay, and Premier Access add-ons here.
- The Raid Lover add-on grants additional Raid Passes per day during the event, as well as additional XP and Candy when completing raids.
- The Egg-thusiast add-on grants bonuses for hatching Pokémon, an increased chance at receiving 10 km Eggs from spinning PokéStops and Gyms, and 1/4 Egg Hatch Distance for Eggs placed in Incubators during the event.
- The Citywide Gameplay add-on extends the Pokémon GO Fest fun throughout the city on the extra day—or days—of your choice!
- The Premier Access add-on includes 100 Premier Battle Passes, 100 Super Incubators, and more in-game items. Also, get access to an exclusive Premier Access Lounge onsite with upgraded restrooms, portable charger kiosks, and lockers.
During their park session, Trainers will be able to explore four skill-based zones, complete event-themed research, encounter a remarkable variety of Pokémon, take on Team GO Rocket in battles and Shadow Raids, and prepare for the end-of-session Super Mega Raid.
Be sure to check your in-game medal to confirm your Park Experience date and time.
If you ordered merchandise, remember that preorder pickup will take place during your ticketed event day at the park. If you still want to add merchandise to your order, you may be able to do so while supplies last.
Tokyo merchandise is available via preorder only and must be picked up at the park during your ticketed event day. Quantities are limited, and preorders are only available while supplies last. Trainers who already purchased tickets can still return to complete additional add-on purchases while supplies last.
Head out to Tokyo!
Citywide gameplay will continue beyond Tokyo Waterfront City, giving Trainers the chance to extend their GO Fest weekend and explore Chicago while progressing through Timed Research in four different parts of the city, called City Districts.
If you’re aiming for the Pokémon GO Expert medal, be sure to explore at least two City Districts during your city gameplay and complete the related Timed Research.
One important note for Tokyo attendees: The islands of Tokyo will not be included in citywide gameplay for Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Tokyo.
Visit the Tokyo In-Person Experiences page to find additional activities and programming taking place during Pokémon GO Fest: Tokyo weekend.
Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Chicago will take over Grant Park with a full in-person experience built for exploration, community, and high-energy gameplay.
As in the other host cities, Trainers can expect Special Research, four park zones, hourly Timed Research based on zone location, Team GO Rocket encounters, Shadow Raids, themed Eggs and research, photo opportunities, and a final Super Mega Raid battle to close out the park session.
Chicago, you can’t miss these!
- Battle Ground LIVE! Returns this year and can be found in the Recruitment Zone at Butler Field.
- Team GO Rocket didn’t want to miss out and hitched a hideout in Hutchinson Fields. Complete Shadow Raids and battle Grunts, Team GO Rocket Leaders, and Giovanni to save Pokémon from their dastardly schemes!
- A Premier Access Lounge that features upgraded restrooms, portable charger kiosks, and lockers for attendees who purchased the Premier Access add-on. Attendees with this add-on also get 100 Premium Battle Passes, 100 Super Incubators, and more in-game items. Add-ons can be purchased [here](https://tickets.nianticlabs.com/events/#/eventlisting?appId=pgo) while supplies last.
- Trainer Lounges across the city!
- Rate Field hosted by the Chicago White Sox (333 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60616)
- Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614)
- Field Museum (1400 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605)
- NEWCITY (1457 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642)
- The Pokémon Company International, Amazon, and Pokémon GO are teaming up for an exciting GO Fest 2026: Chicago experience! For the weekend, Trainers in Chicago can visit two Pokémon GO–themed lockers in the city for fun photo ops and giveaways at Butler Field or NEWCITY. Try your hand at winning some fun memorabilia!
- Exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, and activities can be found at NEWCITY (1457 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642) starting Saturday, May 30 through Sunday, June 7. Meet the artist, and a Loading Screen art gallery will also be at NEWCITY!
- Chicago merchandise is available via preorder and in the main event space at Grant Park. Chicago also offers additional shopping opportunities beyond the main event space at NEWCITY (1457 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642). Trainers attending may want to plan extra time for merchandise browsing and pickup.
Head out to Chicago!
Citywide gameplay will continue beyond Grant Park, giving Trainers the chance to extend their GO Fest weekend and explore Chicago while progressing through Timed Research in four different parts of the city, called City Districts.
If you’re aiming for the Pokémon GO Expert medal, be sure to explore at least two City Districts during your city gameplay and complete the related Timed Research.
Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Copenhagen will bring Trainers to Fælledparken for a vibrant in-person event experience full of themed gameplay, in-person exploration, and opportunities to connect with fellow Trainers.
During the park session, Trainers can enjoy Special Research, four skill-based zones, Team GO Rocket encounters, Shadow Raids, themed Field Research, and a large-scale Super Mega Raid at the end of the session.
Copenhagen, you can’t miss these!
- LEGO Play Zone: An official collaboration with the LEGO Group. Enjoy exclusive hands-on activities and imaginative displays. Meanwhile, LEGO retail stores are getting in on the action with both The LEGO Store Copenhagen and The LEGO Store Tivoli Gardens featuring event-themed PokéStops and in-store activities, including exclusive giveaways and LEGO-themed Pokémon sets.
- Embark on a special LEGO x Pokémon GO–themed stamp rally around Copenhagen. By visiting designated PokéStops and collecting digital stamps, you will earn an exclusive in-game reward that perfectly blends real-world exploration and in-app adventure. And as a souvenir, event-themed digital stickers can be collected at the participating LEGO Store PokéStops, so you can share the crossover fun with friends in-game.
- For the first time in Europe, Pokémon GO Fest: Copenhagen will also feature a Premier Access Lounge with a separate lounge area and lockers for attendees who purchased the Premier Access add-on. Attendees with this add-on also get 100 Premium Battle Passes, 100 Super Incubators, and more in-game items.
- The Pokémon GO Truck will make its appearance alongside other city hubs as part of the City Experience in Copenhagen—make sure to explore the wonderful city of Copenhagen during your journey!
- Merchandise for Copenhagen is available for preorder, or a Pokémon Center Store in the park. Quantities are limited, and preorders are available only while supplies last, so Trainers may want to finalize their plans early.
Head out to Copenhagen!
Citywide gameplay will continue beyond Fælledparken, giving Trainers the chance to extend their GO Fest weekend and explore Copenhagen while progressing through Timed Research in four different parts of the city, called City Districts.
If you’re aiming for the Pokémon GO Expert medal, be sure to explore at least two City Districts during your city gameplay and complete the related Timed Research.
Whether you are a resident of the event city or have travelled miles to get to the event, network connectivity is crucial not just to play Pokémon GO, but also to get around during your time in Tokyo, Chicago, or Copenhagen.
For the best possible gameplay experience at Pokémon GO Fest 2026, we recommend attendees purchase a SIM card with coverage provided by:
Tokyo: Softbank, Docomo, or KDDI
Chicago: AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon
Copenhagen: 3, Hi3G, Norlys, TDC
If you subscribe to a data plan that does not offer unlimited data, please ensure that you have sufficient data to enjoy the event. Keep in mind that wireless networks can sometimes struggle under high demand. Moving to a less congested area may help to improve your mobile experience.
Trainers attending GO Fest 2026, these were some pointers that you can refer to before and during the event to make the most of your time there.
Above everything else, remember to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy every moment at the grandest stage of Pokémon GO!
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