Save the Dates! Pokémon GO Tour 2026: Cities and Global Event Schedule Unveiled

In a highly anticipated announcement for the global community of trainers, Niantic has officially revealed the details for the upcoming Pokémon GO Tour 2026. This annual event, a pinnacle of the Pokémon GO calendar, will once again bring together millions of players worldwide for a spectacular celebration of a specific Pokémon region. Following the success of the Unova-themed tour in 2025, the 2026 event will shine a spotlight on the Kalos region, home to the captivating Pokémon of Generation VI, as featured in the games Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. The news confirms both the return of in-person, ticketed events and a major two-day global experience for all players.

The official announcement, released on September 18, 2025, confirms that the event will follow a similar format to previous years, with two distinct phases: exclusive, in-person live events and a massive worldwide virtual event. This structure provides dedicated players with an opportunity to travel and participate in a unique physical gathering, while also ensuring that trainers everywhere can join in on the fun from the comfort of their own communities.

Pokémon GO Tour 2026 Live Event Locations and Dates

The highly coveted in-person events will take place in two geographically and culturally significant locations. These events are designed to offer a unique, immersive experience, combining the hunt for rare Pokémon with the exploration of real-world cities. The announced locations and dates are:

• Tainan, Taiwan: February 20–22, 2026
• Los Angeles, California, USA: February 20–22, 2026

The choice of Los Angeles for a second consecutive year highlights the city’s popularity as a host for major Pokémon events. Meanwhile, the selection of Tainan marks a new and exciting venue for the tour, bringing the experience to a historic and vibrant part of Taiwan. Trainers attending these live events will likely gain early access to special features, exclusive research tasks, and unique Pokémon encounters before they are made available globally.

Worldwide Pokémon GO Tour 2026 Global Event

For the vast majority of trainers who will not be able to attend the physical locations, Niantic has scheduled the global portion of the tour. This event will be free for all players to participate in, with the option to purchase a ticket for additional, premium content. The dates for the worldwide event are:

• Global Event: February 28–March 1, 2026

This two-day worldwide celebration will serve as the culmination of the Kalos-themed tour, allowing players from every corner of the globe to capture and evolve Pokémon from the region. While specific details on the global event’s content are still under wraps, the Pokémon GO community can anticipate a variety of exciting features. Based on previous years, this will likely include increased spawn rates for Kalos-native Pokémon, the release of new shiny forms, special raids, and exclusive Field Research and Special Research storylines that delve into the lore of the Kalos region. The possibility of the global release of the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde, or new forms from the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, is also a hot topic of discussion among trainers and content creators.

What to Expect: The Kalos Region Comes to Pokémon GO

The Pokémon GO Tour 2026 will be the franchise’s biggest celebration of the Kalos region to date. With the recent release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the Nintendo Switch, the timing is perfect to integrate new mechanics and Pokémon from this latest installment into the mobile game. The Kalos Pokédex, though smaller than other generations, offers some of the most sought-after Pokémon for collectors and competitors alike, including the highly popular Froakie, Fennekin, and Chespin evolutionary lines. Here are some predictions and expectations for the event:

• New Shiny Pokémon: Several Kalos region Pokémon have yet to receive their shiny variants in Pokémon GO. The tour is the most likely opportunity for the release of shiny Honedge, Carbink, and Hawlucha.
• Mega Evolutions: With the focus on the Kalos region, it’s highly probable that new Mega Evolutions will debut. Players are eagerly anticipating the release of Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Heracross, and other Kalos-era Mega Pokémon.
• Mythical Pokémon: The event could introduce the Mythical Pokémon Diancie, along with a special research storyline to obtain it. Given the focus on Mega Evolution in Kalos, Diancie’s inclusion would be fitting.
• Exclusive Raids: Tier-5 raids will almost certainly feature the Legendary trio of Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde, offering players a chance to catch these powerful Pokémon.
• Special Bonuses: Players can expect a range of in-game bonuses, such as increased XP for catching Pokémon, double Stardust, and special trade bonuses.

The Pokémon GO Tour 2026 is poised to be another monumental success for Niantic. The announcement has already generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with trainers beginning to plan their travels and coordinate with friends for the global event. As we approach the start of the new year, more specific details regarding ticket prices, gameplay features, and the full Pokémon lineup for the event are expected to be unveiled. The hype for this Pokémon GO Tour is real, and the community is ready to catch ’em all in Tainan, Los Angeles, and everywhere in between.