Save the Dates: Pokémon GO Tour 2026 Cities and Dates Officially Unveiled

In a highly anticipated announcement that has sent ripples of excitement through the global community of Trainers, Niantic has officially revealed the dates and locations for the upcoming Pokémon GO Tour 2026. This annual celebration, which focuses on a specific Pokémon region, is a cornerstone of the game’s event calendar and a major driver of engagement and revenue. Following the successful Unova-themed tour earlier this year, the 2026 event will highlight the Kalos region, introducing new Pokémon, shinies, and exclusive content for players worldwide. The official announcement from Niantic, made on Thursday, September 18, 2025, confirmed a series of in-person events and a subsequent global celebration, giving millions of players a chance to participate.

In-Person Events: Tainan and Los Angeles to Host

The core of the Pokémon GO Tour experience lies in its in-person, ticketed events. For 2026, Niantic is bringing the celebration to two distinct and vibrant locations, providing a unique experience for local and traveling Trainers alike. The two primary host cities are:

• Tainan, Taiwan: As a city rich in history and culture, Tainan provides a stunning new backdrop for the Pokémon GO Tour. Its blend of historic sites, modern cityscape, and natural beauty offers a perfect environment for Trainers to explore and discover Pokémon from the Kalos region. The event will take place from Friday, February 20, to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
• Los Angeles, California, USA: A familiar and beloved host city for major Pokémon GO events, Los Angeles will once again welcome Trainers to its sprawling landscape. The city’s iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods will serve as the perfect setting for a Pokémon-catching adventure. The dates for the Los Angeles event align with Tainan, running from Friday, February 20, to Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Tickets for these exclusive, in-person events are expected to be available for purchase at a later date. Players should stay tuned to official Niantic channels and the Pokémon GO website for more information on ticket prices, availability, and specific gameplay details for these events.

The Global Celebration: A Worldwide Adventure

As is now tradition, the in-person events will be followed by a massive, two-day global celebration that allows every Trainer, regardless of their location, to participate. The Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos – Global event is a free-to-play experience that brings the core event features to a worldwide audience, ensuring no one is left out of the fun.

• Global Dates: The global event will be held on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, 2026.
• What to Expect: While specific details are still under wraps, the global event typically includes increased spawns of Pokémon from the featured region (in this case, Kalos), special research tasks, unique raid bosses, and the debut of new Shiny Pokémon variants. This is often the first time that many Trainers get the chance to encounter these Pokémon in their shiny forms.

Predictions and Speculation: What’s in Store for Kalos?

The selection of the Kalos region for the 2026 tour is particularly interesting. As one of the smaller regions in the Pokémon universe, with only 72 new species, it presents a unique challenge for Niantic to create a full and engaging event. This has led to widespread speculation among the player base about what the event will feature. Here are some of the most popular predictions:

• Skiddo’s Global Debut: Trainers have been patiently waiting for the release of Skiddo, the Grass-type Pokémon. The Kalos Tour seems like the perfect opportunity for its worldwide release.
• New Shiny Releases: With a limited number of new Pokémon, the event is almost certain to introduce new shiny variants for several Kalos Pokémon. The Honedge line, Carbink, Hawlucha, and Klefki are strong candidates, with Hawlucha already being teased for a future shiny release.
• Shiny Diancie Masterwork Research: Following the trend of previous tours, a Masterwork Research quest for the Mythical Pokémon Diancie seems highly likely. This would provide a challenging, long-term goal for dedicated players and a path to obtaining a powerful and rare shiny Mythical.
• Mega Evolution Focus: The Kalos region is the birthplace of Mega Evolution. It is highly probable that the event will prominently feature Mega Pokémon, possibly with the introduction of new Mega Evolutions or special raids for existing ones.

The Pokémon GO Tour has consistently been a highlight of the gaming calendar, creating a surge in both active players and in-game revenue. The combination of in-person gatherings that foster a sense of community and the accessible global event for everyone else has proven to be a winning formula. As we approach 2026, the anticipation for the Kalos-themed celebration is already building. Trainers are advised to start preparing now, saving up PokéCoins, and keeping a close eye on Niantic’s official channels for further announcements and ticket sales. The adventure is just around the corner, and the Pokémon GO community is ready to catch ’em all!