The "Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration Event" has returned to Pokémon Go for 2026, introducing a fresh set of research tasks and in-game bonuses. A key feature of the event is the debut of a new costume Pokémon inspired by the anime: the entire Charmander evolution line will be available wearing Friede's goggles.
The event concludes on Tuesday, September 22nd at 8 PM local time.
Research Tasks and Rewards
Players can complete various field research tasks to earn encounters with specific Pokémon. Tasks include catching 10 Fire-type Pokémon for a chance at Friede's Goggles Charmander, Fidough, or Wattrel. Making five Great Throws will yield an encounter with Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly. An Excellent Throw is rewarded with a Friede's Goggles Charmander encounter. Winning a raid offers a chance at Chansey or Lapras, while winning two raids provides an encounter with Cap's Hat Pikachu.
Event Bonuses
Several bonuses are active during the event. Trainers will have an increased chance of encountering Kecleon at PokéStops. PokéStop Showcases will feature a different category each day. Additionally, characters and Pokémon from Pokémon Horizons: The Series will photobomb trainer's Go Snapshot pictures.
Friede's Goggles Charmander Line
This event introduces three new costume Pokémon, all inspired by the anime character Friede. The Friede's Goggles Charmander can be evolved into Friede's Goggles Charmeleon and Friede's Goggles Charizard. Notably, Charizard, in its Friede's Goggles variant, is also available through three-star raids.
Wild Pokémon Spawns
Pokémon encounters in the wild vary depending on the time of day. From 5 AM to 5 PM, trainers can find Friede's Goggles Charmander, Cap's Hat Pikachu, Chansey, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Fidough, and Wattrel. After 5 PM and until 5 AM, the spawns shift to include Friede's Goggles Charmander, Cap's Hat Pikachu, Eevee, Rockruff, Hatenna, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
Raid Schedule
The event features a varied raid schedule. One-star raids include Cap's Hat Pikachu. Three-star raids offer Friede's Goggles Charizard, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval. Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles) is available in five-star raids, and Mega Venusaur can be found in Mega Raids.
Go Pass Collaboration
An optional "Go Pass Collaboration Celebration Event" is available from September 16th to September 22nd. This pass offers a free track with rewards like a Lure Module and event-themed Pokémon encounters. An upgrade to a Deluxe Track, costing $4.99 USD (or local equivalent), provides additional rewards including Premium Battle Passes and Rare Candy XL. Major Milestones are also part of the pass, offering bonuses such as double or triple catch candy at Tier 1, Lure Modules lasting an hour at Tier 2, and extra Stardust for catching Hatenna and Wattrel at Tier 3.