Pokémon GO Fest returns to Grant Park for the game’s biggest annual event this summer

This summer, thousands of Pokémon GO players will flock to Chicago for the game's biggest annual event, a press release announced. Pokémon GO Fest 2026 runs Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7, at Grant Park. Fans from around the world aim to catch rare Pokémon amid the city's skyline and Lake Michigan shores.

Early bird GO Fest tickets sold out fast, according to event organizers. General admission one-day tickets cost $33, available via the app's in-game shop. Times run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT, with park and citywide play varying by ticket.

Exclusive bonuses boost the hunt

Ticket holders score all-day perks across Chicago on event days. According to the website, these include up to nine daily Raid Passes from gyms, six special trades, half Stardust for trades, and halved egg hatch distance. Players also get 1.5 times hatch candy and Stardust, plus up to 50 gifts opened daily.

Other boosts feature two-hour Incense, double catch candy, and hourly field research. Trainer challenges count toward the Expert medal. Attendees face increased Shiny Pokémon odds, the website confirms, though not guaranteed.

Add-ons like Raid Lover, Egg-thusiast, and Citywide Gameplay enhance play. The City Explorer Pass offers city-only access without park entry. All gameplay stays exclusive to ticket holders.

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Mythical Pokémon debut awaits

In-person visitors lead the charge to discover a new Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon GO, the website notes. Special Research in Grant Park grants a Zeraora encounter, the Thunderclap Pokémon. It's included with every event ticket.

Trainers, grab tickets now through pokemongo.com/gofest/chicago or the app. The event blends real-world exploration with digital thrills in the Windy City.