Pokémon GO Fest is Coming Home: Chicago 2026!

Trainers, pack your bags and charge your battery packs: Pokémon GO Fest is officially returning to where it all began!

In a massive announcement for the game’s 10th anniversary, Niantic has confirmed that the global phenomenon will take over Grant Park, Chicago from June 5–7, 2026. After a long hiatus since 2019, the Windy City is ready to welcome Trainers back. We can Bayleef it! GO Fest is finally coming home!

Let’s Take a Peek-achu at the details: The City of Chicago and the Park District have greenlit a special two-year permit, locking in the 2026 dates and keeping the door open for a 2027 return (dates TBD). But this won’t be the same festival you remember from years past.

In a huge win for the local community, this year’s activation will feature an "open footprint" design. That means no perimeter fencing and no alcohol sales. Instead of walling off the fun, the event will seamlessly blend with the city, keeping Grant Park open and accessible to the general public while thousands of Trainers hunt for Shinies alongside regular park-goers.

Expect the energy to be electric! While the main event runs Friday through Sunday, the excitement kicks off early with ticketed citywide gameplay starting Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Attendees can look forward to:

• Immersive Gameplay: The classic habitats and photo ops that transform Grant Park into a Pokémon paradise.
• Citywide Quests: Adventures that take you beyond the park and into the heart of downtown Chicago.
• Local Flavor: An array of local food vendors and merchandise stalls to keep you fueled and geared up.

Wynaut join the celebration? This is a milestone moment for the community, and you won’t want to miss this historic return to Grant Park.

Don't be a Slowpoke—get your walking shoes ready, Chicago. We’ll see you there!

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