Get Ready to Go: Pokémon GO Tour 2026 Cities and Dates Unveiled

In a highly anticipated announcement that has electrified the global community of trainers, Niantic has officially revealed the cities and dates for the Pokémon GO Tour 2026. This year’s event promises a captivating experience, blending in-person celebrations with a massive worldwide digital event, ensuring that players from all corners of the globe can participate in the festivities.

Following the successful Pokémon GO Tour: Unova, which concluded earlier this year, the next installment will be focused on the captivating Pokémon of the Kalos region. The in-person events will bring trainers to two iconic locations, while the global celebration will unite millions of players for a weekend of Pokémon hunting, battling, and trading. The official announcement has set the dates and locations as follows:

• Los Angeles, USA: February 20-22, 2026
• Tainan, Taiwan: February 20-22, 2026
• Global Event: February 28 – March 1, 2026

These dates align with Niantic’s previous patterns, placing the event in the lead-up to Pokémon Day, the annual celebration of the franchise’s anniversary on February 27. The two-city format for the in-person events allows for greater accessibility and a unique local experience for trainers in different parts of the world. Los Angeles, having previously hosted a GO Tour event, is a familiar and beloved destination for many trainers, while the selection of Tainan marks a fresh and exciting addition to the roster of host cities.

What to Expect from the Kalos-themed Celebration

While specific details on the event’s features are still forthcoming, the focus on the Kalos region, first introduced in Pokémon X and Y, has sparked considerable speculation among the community. The Kalos Pokédex, while smaller than some other generations, is known for its stylish and diverse Pokémon, as well as the introduction of Mega Evolution.

Based on past GO Tour events, trainers can likely anticipate a number of key features:

• New Pokémon Debuts: The event is a prime opportunity for the release of new shiny Pokémon and species that have yet to appear in Pokémon GO. The community is buzzing with predictions, with many hoping for the debut of fan-favorite shiny forms.
• Special Research Storyline: A signature of every GO Tour is the exclusive Special Research storyline that guides trainers through the event. These stories often lead to an encounter with a rare or mythical Pokémon, and trainers are eager to see which Pokémon will be at the center of this year’s narrative.
• Mega Evolution Emphasis: With the Kalos region being the origin of Mega Evolution, it is highly probable that the event will feature new Mega Pokémon debuts or special raids. The Mega Evolutions of the Kalos starter Pokémon—Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise—are a strong possibility. The possibility of the introduction of other powerful Mega Evolutions, such as Mega Gardevoir, is also a topic of intense discussion.
• Regionals and Rare Spawns: The in-person events and the global event are expected to offer increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon, including those that are typically regional exclusives. This provides a fantastic opportunity for trainers to fill out their Pokédex.

The Global Experience: A Glimpse into the Future

The global component of the Pokémon GO Tour 2026 is what truly defines the event’s reach. For two days, all trainers worldwide will have access to the event’s features, regardless of their location. This allows for a massive collective experience, with players everywhere working together to complete challenges and unlock rewards. The two-day format for the global event, from February 28 to March 1, 2026, ensures that players have ample time to participate and enjoy all that the tour has to offer.

The success of the Pokémon GO Tour series highlights the enduring popularity of the game and Niantic’s ability to create engaging, large-scale events that bring a sense of community to its player base. As a premier event, the GO Tour consistently drives a significant increase in player engagement and in-app purchases, making it a critical part of Niantic’s annual business model. The strategic choice of cities and the implementation of a free-to-play global event, alongside paid in-person tickets, cater to a wide range of players and budgets.

As the countdown to February 2026 begins, trainers are encouraged to follow the official Pokémon GO channels for further announcements and ticket details. With the cities and dates now public, the community is already buzzing with excitement, making plans, and getting ready for what promises to be one of the most significant events in the history of Pokémon GO. The future of the game looks bright, and the 2026 tour is set to be another milestone in its journey.