July 2026 marks a significant milestone for Pokémon Go as the game celebrates its tenth anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, Niantic is launching a packed schedule of in-game events and raid battles throughout the month, including the free-to-access Go Fest 2026: Global event.
July 2026 Event Lineup
The month kicks off with the "Choose Your Path: Charged Embers" event running from June 30th to July 3rd, followed by a "Sobble Community Day" on July 4th. The tenth anniversary festivities begin in earnest on July 4th with a "10th Anniversary Party" event lasting until July 6th. This period will be followed by "Road of Legends" from July 6th to July 10th.
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations, Go Fest 2026: Global, will take place from July 11th to July 12th. This event is free for all players and will offer a Special Research quest that rewards a Zeraora encounter. Following Go Fest, a "Special Anniversary Pikachu Celebration" will run from July 13th to July 20th, coinciding with a "Raichu Super Mega Raid Day" on July 18th.
Other notable events include "Willow's Birthday Research" on July 21st, an unannounced event from July 21st to July 27th, "Ozone Ascent" from July 25th to July 26th, and "Choose Your Path: Fairy Trail" from July 28th to August 3rd.
Legendary and Mega Raid Schedule
July's Legendary raid schedule features a rotation of powerful Pokémon. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres will be available from July 1st to July 5th and again from July 13th to July 14th. Kyogre takes over the five-star raids from July 15th to July 21st, followed by Solgaleo from July 22nd to July 28th. The month concludes with Kyurem appearing from July 29th to August 4th. Players can obtain a shiny version of Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Kyogre, and Solgaleo.
The Mega Raid schedule includes Mega Lucario from July 1st to July 5th and July 13th to July 14th. Mega Sceptile will be available from July 15th to July 21st, with Mega Salamence appearing from July 22nd to July 28th. Mega Aggron rounds out the month from July 29th to August 4th. During Go Fest 2026: Global, players can also expect the global release of Mega Mewtwo X and Y, alongside Mega Raichu X and Y.
It is important to note that Mega Raids reward Mega Energy for a specific Pokémon and an encounter with its regular form, not the Mega Evolved state. Players are advised to focus on Mega Lucario this month, while also preparing for the special Mega Mewtwo and Mega Raichu releases.
Max Battle and Shadow Raid Updates
For players interested in the Max Battle feature, Chansey will be the featured Pokémon from July 6th to July 12th, followed by Deino from July 13th to July 19th. Trubbish will be available from July 20th to July 26th, and Hoothoot from July 27th to August 2nd. Acquiring a Dynamax Deino is recommended, as its final evolution, Hydreigon, remains a potent force in Max Battles.
Shadow Palkia will be the featured Pokémon in five-star Shadow Raids throughout July, and it can appear as a shiny variant. The ability to use Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids, provided players have sufficient PokéCoins, offers increased accessibility for participating in these challenging encounters.