Pokémon GO Fest Chicago 2026: Tickets, pricing and what to know
Jake Hamilton delves into the massive world of Pokemon Go
People all across the nation have become enamored with the new hit mobile game Pokemon Go. Jake Hamilton goes behind-the-scenes to see what all the fuss is about.
CHICAGO - Pokémon trainers, start charging your phones.
Pokémon GO Fest is returning to Chicago this summer, bringing thousands of players back to Grant Park for one of the game’s biggest in-person events of the year.
What we know:
In October 2025, The Chicago Park District approved a two-year permit allowing the immersive gaming festival to take over Grant Park this summer.
Organizers expect the event to draw up to 40,000 fans per day and generate an estimated $1 million in revenue for the city.
Attendees wearing Pikachu hats play Pokemon GO on their smartphones during the in-person Pokemon GO Tour: Kalos Los Angeles 2026 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, on February 20, 2026. Pokemon fans around the world continue to engage
The backstory:
The first Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago was held in July 2017 to celebrate the app’s first anniversary. That event was widely criticized due to technical issues and connectivity problems.
Since then, the festival has evolved into a global touring event, with recent stops including New Jersey in 2025 and international locations like Tokyo and Copenhagen in 2026
Local perspective:
Pokémon GO Fest 2026 will feature a mix of park-based gameplay and citywide experiences, giving trainers the chance to complete exclusive research, encounter rare Pokémon and participate in limited-time bonuses.
Chicago tickets start at $28 for early bird purchases and $33 for general admission. All standard tickets include a choice of a morning or afternoon park session and a full day of citywide games. Several addons will also be available.
The event will include interactive gameplay, themed photo opportunities, merchandise and concessions. Organizers say there will be no alcohol or live music at the event.
What's next:
More details about featured Pokémon and event programming are expected later this month.
The Source: This article contains information from Pokémon GO and previous FOX Chicago reporting.