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

In an announcement that has set the global Pokémon GO community ablaze, Niantic has officially unveiled the highly anticipated cities and dates for the 2026 Pokémon GO Tour. This landmark event, celebrated annually in the lead-up to Pokémon Day, promises an unparalleled experience for Trainers worldwide. Following a highly successful 2025 event that focused on the Unova region, the upcoming GO Tour is expected to bring new challenges, exclusive Pokémon encounters, and groundbreaking features to the popular augmented reality game.

The 2026 Pokémon GO Tour will follow a hybrid model, featuring both exclusive in-person events and a massive, free-to-play global celebration. This strategy allows players to either immerse themselves in a live, localized event or participate from the comfort of their own homes, ensuring no one is left out of the fun.

In-Person Events: A Two-City Spectacle

For the first time, the Pokémon GO Tour will take place in two distinct international locations on the same weekend. The two-day in-person events are scheduled to occur from February 20 to February 22, 2026, offering a unique opportunity for Trainers to travel and experience the magic of Pokémon GO in a new setting. The confirmed host cities are:

• Tainan, Taiwan: As a cultural and historical hub in Taiwan, Tainan provides a stunning backdrop for the GO Tour. Trainers can explore the city’s rich heritage while encountering a diverse range of Pokémon.
• Los Angeles, California: A major metropolis and a popular location for past Pokémon GO events, Los Angeles will once again welcome Trainers from across the Americas. The city’s sprawling parks and iconic landmarks are sure to be packed with exciting Pokémon.

The choice of these two cities—one in Asia and one in North America—highlights Niantic’s commitment to reaching a broad global audience and provides convenient travel options for Trainers in different hemispheres. Attendees of the in-person events can expect special ticketed gameplay, exclusive research tasks, and unique Pokémon spawns not available to non-ticket holders, making for a truly premium experience.

The Global Celebration: Join the Adventure Anywhere

Following the in-person events, the Pokémon GO Tour will culminate in a worldwide celebration that is accessible to all Trainers, regardless of their location. This global event is scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2026. Unlike the in-person events, this worldwide tour will be entirely free-to-play, allowing millions of players to participate in the festivities. While specific details about the global event’s content are still under wraps, past GO Tours have featured:

• Regional Pokémon: An opportunity to catch Pokémon that are typically region-locked.
• Shiny Pokémon: Increased chances of encountering rare shiny Pokémon from the featured region.
• Special Raids: Unique Legendary or Mythical Pokémon raids.
• Exclusive Research: Timed or Special Research quests that offer valuable rewards and encounters.

This global format has proven to be incredibly popular, fostering a sense of community and shared experience among players from every corner of the world. It is the perfect conclusion to the GO Tour and a fitting way to celebrate Pokémon Day.

Speculation and Predictions: Which Region will be Featured?

While Niantic has not yet confirmed the featured region for the 2026 Pokémon GO Tour, the Pokémon GO community has been buzzing with speculation. The most popular prediction is that the event will focus on the Kalos region, the setting for Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. This theory is supported by several compelling points:

• Release Order: The GO Tours have traditionally followed the chronological order of the main series Pokémon games. With the Unova region (Generation V) as the focus of the 2025 event, Kalos (Generation VI) is the logical next step.
• Small Pokédex: The Kalos Pokédex is one of the smallest, with only 72 new Pokémon. This could lead to a highly focused event, potentially including the global release of Pokémon like Skiddo and Hawlucha, which have yet to debut in Pokémon GO.
• Mega Evolution: Kalos introduced Mega Evolution, a central mechanic that is already a key feature in Pokémon GO. It is highly probable that the event will introduce new Mega Evolutions, such as those for the Kalos starter Pokémon, further integrating the Kalos theme.

Other theories suggest the event could break the pattern and focus on a different region or even a unique theme. However, the momentum and logic point heavily towards Kalos. The official announcement of the featured region is expected in the coming months, likely with more details on the specific gameplay mechanics and Pokémon that will be featured in the events.

The reveal of the Pokémon GO Tour 2026 dates and cities marks a significant moment for the game’s future. The combination of targeted in-person events and an all-inclusive global experience ensures that the tour remains a cornerstone of the Pokémon GO calendar. With the promise of new challenges, rare Pokémon, and the excitement of a new featured region, Trainers are already counting down the days until the adventure begins. Stay tuned for more updates from Niantic as they release further details on ticket sales, special bonuses, and the highly anticipated Kalos lineup.