Prepare Your Poké Balls: Pokémon GO Tour 2026 Cities and Dates Unveiled

The highly anticipated details for Pokémon GO Tour 2026 have finally been revealed by Niantic and The Pokémon Company, sending waves of excitement through the global Trainer community. This annual celebration, which focuses on a different Pokémon region each year, is a cornerstone of the game’s event calendar, bringing together players for a weekend of rare Pokémon encounters, exclusive bonuses, and community engagement. Following the hugely successful Unova-themed event in 2025, the 2026 tour will spotlight a new region, featuring in-person events in two unique cities before culminating in a global, free-to-play event for all Trainers worldwide.

Event Locations and Schedule: A Global Adventure Awaits

The Pokémon GO Tour 2026 will take Trainers to two vibrant and culturally rich locations for its in-person events. The chosen cities for this year’s tour are Los Angeles, USA, and Tainan, Taiwan. This selection offers a fantastic opportunity for both long-time players and newcomers to explore new places while enjoying the full-fledged Pokémon GO experience.

• Los Angeles, USA: The tour will kick off in Los Angeles, a city that has previously hosted major Pokémon GO events. Known for its iconic landmarks and sprawling urban landscape, Los Angeles provides a perfect backdrop for an immersive Pokémon adventure.
• Tainan, Taiwan: For the first time, Pokémon GO Tour will visit Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city. This addition brings a fresh and exciting destination to the tour, allowing Trainers to discover a city renowned for its historical sites, temples, and culinary scene.

The in-person events in both Los Angeles and Tainan will take place from Friday, February 20, to Sunday, February 22, 2026. These live events are known for their enhanced gameplay features, including a higher chance of encountering Shiny Pokémon, special raid opportunities, and exclusive in-game content that can only be accessed by ticket holders.

Global Event Dates: A Celebration for Everyone

Following the conclusion of the in-person festivities, the Pokémon GO Tour 2026 will transition into a global event, ensuring that Trainers around the world can participate regardless of their location. The global portion of the tour will run from Saturday, February 28, to Sunday, March 1, 2026. This two-day event will be free for all players, offering a generous selection of bonuses, special research, and unique Pokémon encounters, making it an essential event for every Trainer.

Pokémon GO Tour: What to Expect

While specific details about the featured Pokémon and event bonuses are yet to be fully disclosed, previous Pokémon GO Tours offer a strong indication of what players can anticipate. These events are not just about catching Pokémon; they are designed to be a comprehensive and rewarding experience.

• New Shiny Pokémon Debuts: A hallmark of every Pokémon GO Tour is the release of new Shiny Pokémon. The 2026 tour is expected to introduce several new Shiny forms of Pokémon from the featured region, giving collectors a prime opportunity to expand their Shiny Pokédex.
• Mythical and Legendary Pokémon: The event will likely feature a new Mythical Pokémon as a reward for completing a special Masterwork Research story. Additionally, Legendary Pokémon from the featured region will be prominent in raids, offering a chance to catch powerful and rare creatures.
• Increased Spawns and Bonuses: Players can look forward to a significant increase in the spawn rates of event-themed Pokémon, along with valuable in-game bonuses such as a reduction in Stardust costs for trades, additional Special Trades, and other perks that enhance the gameplay loop.

Ticket pricing for the in-person events has not been announced, but it is expected to be in line with previous years’ pricing, which has typically been around US$30. While these tickets are a premium purchase, they grant access to the most immersive and bonus-rich part of the tour experience, often including additional perks and exclusive content.

The Impact of Pokémon GO Tour

The Pokémon GO Tour events are crucial for both the game’s ecosystem and the wider Pokémon franchise. They serve as a powerful tool for community building, bringing millions of players together, both online and in real-world locations. The tours also act as a major source of revenue and engagement for Niantic, with players purchasing tickets, raid passes, and other in-game items to maximize their event experience. The selection of new cities each year also provides a significant economic boost to the host locations, attracting thousands of tourists and driving business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops. The announcement of the 2026 tour is a signal of the game’s continued success and its ability to maintain a strong and dedicated player base years after its initial launch.

Trainers should keep a close eye on the official Pokémon GO website and social media channels for further updates. As the event dates draw closer, Niantic will release more information on the specific Pokémon, bonuses, and ticket sales. The Pokémon GO Tour 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable event, promising a fantastic new adventure for Trainers everywhere.