Pokémon GO will be having the January Community Day and the return of GO Fest next year. The two major events also mark a strong start for the AR game in 2026. Trainers can expect to find Grookey during the celebration. At the same time, they will be able to join the festival in many cities.
January Community Day
At the heart of the first Community Day of 2026 is Grookey. During the event, the Chimp Pokémon will show up more often in the wild. Of course, lucky players get the chance to find its shiny version. This time around, they also have an opportunity to get one with a Special Background.
In the same way, a Rillaboom with the Charged Attack Frenzy Plant awaits players who evolve Thwackey. However, it will only be valid if done in the event or within four hours after it ends. The same character can even learn the Charged Attack Drum Beating.
Much like earlier Pokémon GO events, the new Community Day has unique bonuses, a special research, and a themed field research. Likewise, the event map will be available to help find other players, local parks, and Community Ambassador events.
GO Fest 2026
According to Niantic, the Pokémon GO Fest is making a comeback. It will be part of the tenth-year celebration of the popular mobile title and its global community. Particularly, this will feature three in-person events in different cities. Each one also has ticketed citywide gameplay. For the unfamiliar, this lets trainers gain special offerings.
Tokyo at Bay Area
- Event – May 29 (Friday) to June 1 (Monday)
- Ticketed Citywide Gameplay – May 25 (Monday)
Chicago at Grant Park
- Event – June 5 (Friday) to June 7 (Sunday)
- Ticketed Citywide Gameplay – June 4 (Thursday)
Copenhagen at Fælledparken
- Event – June 12 (Friday) to June 14 (Sunday)
- Ticketed Citywide Gameplay – June 11 (Thursday)
Reminders for Community Day and GO Fest
Just like any other offerings Niantic has in the past, they are once again telling players to stay safe while gaming. Since details can change, the developers also invite fans to enable push notifications to be updated.
Looking Ahead
With the Community Day and GO Fest on the horizon, Pokémon GO trainers around the world will continue to celebrate shared experiences. As seen in 2025 and the years before, Niantic has stayed committed to making sure players have fun. It continues to do so, as it said that Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global is coming back. For that reason, fans of the AR game should prepare for more exploring, catching, and battling.
