Mark Your Calendars: Pokémon GO Tour 2026 Cities and Dates Unveiled

Niantic has officially announced the highly anticipated cities and dates for the Pokémon GO Tour 2026, an event that has become a global phenomenon for millions of Trainers. Following the immense success of previous years’ tours, which have transported players to the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos regions, the upcoming tour promises to continue the tradition of bringing the Pokémon world to life. The official announcement, made on September 18, 2025, confirmed a series of events that will kick off early in the new year, combining both real-world, in-person experiences and a grand global celebration accessible to all.

The Pokémon GO Tour series stands as a testament to the game’s enduring popularity and its unique blend of digital adventure with real-world exploration. Each year, the event focuses on a specific Pokémon region, allowing players to catch Pokémon from that generation, complete exclusive Special Research stories, and participate in unique raids. The 2026 event is expected to feature a new region, although details on which one are still under wraps. This strategic approach keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, generating significant interest and revenue for Niantic and The Pokémon Company International.

Pokémon GO Tour 2026: In-Person Event Details

For Trainers who thrive on the energy of physical events, the 2026 tour will host two major in-person gatherings. These ticketed events offer a one-of-a-kind experience, where players can explore a designated park and city, encountering rare and exclusive Pokémon, including those with special costumes or shiny variants, that are not available to the global audience. The confirmed dates and cities for these exclusive events are:

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

The selection of these two diverse locations highlights Niantic’s commitment to creating truly international events. Los Angeles, a hub for entertainment and gaming, offers a massive player base and a vibrant urban landscape for Trainers to explore. Tainan, with its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural spaces, provides a scenic and unique backdrop for the Pokémon adventure. These in-person events are known for their high ticket demand, with many players already planning travel and accommodation to secure their spot. The events are not just about catching Pokémon; they also foster a sense of community, allowing Trainers from all over the world to meet, trade, and battle together.

The Global Celebration: A Worldwide Finale

Following the conclusion of the in-person events, the Pokémon GO Tour 2026 will transition into a two-day global celebration. This worldwide event is an inclusive, free-to-play experience that ensures every Trainer, regardless of their location, can participate in the fun. The dates for the global event are:

• February 28, 2026
• March 1, 2026

During these two days, Trainers will be able to access a wide range of features from their own homes and local communities. The global event typically includes:

• Increased Spawns: Pokémon from the featured region will appear more frequently in the wild.
• Exclusive Raids: Legendary and Mythical Pokémon related to the featured region will be available in raids, often with the chance to catch a shiny version.
• Special Research: A new research quest will be available to all players, guiding them through a narrative and rewarding them with a Mythical Pokémon encounter.
• Bonuses and Rewards: Various in-game bonuses, such as increased Stardust, double catch XP, or special trade discounts, are often active.

The global component of the Pokémon GO Tour is critical for the game’s continued success, as it ensures that the majority of the player base remains engaged and feels like part of the larger Pokémon community. It also provides a significant boost in player activity and is a prime opportunity for Niantic to offer paid bonuses or a ‘Tour Pass Deluxe’ for players who want to enhance their experience, a model that has proven highly successful in previous events.

Anticipation and Speculation for the 2026 Tour

While the featured region for the 2026 tour has yet to be officially confirmed, the timing of the announcement has led to significant speculation among the community. Many players are predicting that the event will focus on the Unova region, which was the theme of the 2025 Tour, allowing for the introduction of its remaining Pokémon and the highly-anticipated Pokémon fusion mechanics of Kyurem, Black Kyurem, and White Kyurem. Others believe the focus could shift to another generation, such as Gen 9 from the Paldea region, or even the newly announced Mega Pokémon from the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A game. The mystery surrounding the theme is a deliberate marketing strategy by Niantic, keeping the community engaged and driving discussions across social media and gaming forums.

The economic impact of these events is also noteworthy. They not only generate substantial revenue through in-app purchases and ticket sales but also boost local economies in the host cities as players travel from around the world. The official announcement of the 2026 dates and cities is just the beginning. Trainers are eagerly awaiting more information on ticket sales, the featured Pokémon, and the specific gameplay details that will define this year’s landmark event. Stay tuned for further updates as we get closer to the start of the biggest Pokémon GO adventure yet.