Pokémon Go Fest 2026: Global is set to be the largest in-game event of the year, marking the game's tenth anniversary with a host of activities and bonuses, all available for free to every player. The event will run on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time each day.
Mega Mewtwo X and Y Arrive
The most significant highlight of this year's Go Fest is the long-awaited global release of Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. These powerful Mega Evolutions, first teased in 2021 and appearing in regional Go Fest events earlier in 2026, will be accessible to all players through Super Mega Raids. To obtain them, players will need to collect Mewtwo Mega Energy X and Mewtwo Mega Energy Y. Pokémon caught in these raids will start with an unlocked Mega Level, with a chance for Mega Level 2 or 3. Mega Mewtwo X will be available in raids on Saturday, July 11, and Mega Mewtwo Y on Sunday, July 12.
Special Research and Habitat Hours
Two new research quests will be available during Go Fest 2026: Global. The Zeraora Special Research quest will allow players to catch the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora and can be completed at any time. Players who attended in-person Go Fest events in 2026 will receive Zeraora Candy instead of a second Zeraora. A branching Timed Research quest focused on Mega Mewtwo X and Y will also be offered, providing an alternative way to acquire the Mega Energy for those who prefer not to battle in raids. This timed research must be completed before its expiration, and choices made within it are permanent.
The event will also feature Habitat Hours, with three types spotlighted during each one-hour block. There will be six Habitat Hours in total, three on each day. Saturday's hours are Stormfire Peaks (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time), Astral Tides (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time), and Dragonflight Summit (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time). Sunday's hours include Earthforged Domain (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time), Verdant Anomaly (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time), and Twilight Battlefield (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time).
Global Challenges and New Costumes
Throughout Go Fest Global, players can collectively participate in Global Challenges. Completing these challenges will unlock additional bonuses and contribute to future Ultra Unlock events, which typically include the release of new Pokémon. This year's event will also introduce new costume Pokémon, including Team Instinct Hat Pikachu, Team Mystic Hat Pikachu, and Team Valor Hat Pikachu. Furthermore, the Pikachu Visor forms of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle will be obtainable and evolvable, resulting in six new Pikachu Visor Pokémon.
Raids and Incense Encounters
Beyond Mega Mewtwo X and Y, five-star raids will feature every legendary Pokémon released to date, including various forms of Giratina, Dialga, Palkia, Deoxys, and Genesect. Regular Mega Raids will also host powerful Mega Evolutions. Trainers aiming to complete their Pokédex or hunt for shinies will have numerous opportunities.
Using Incense during the event will increase the chances of encountering all forms of Unown, along with the regionally exclusive Pokémon Tropius and Bouffalant. This presents a rare opportunity for players to complete their Unown collection and obtain these specific Pokémon outside their usual habitats.
Event Bonuses
Go Fest 2026: Global offers several bonuses for all players. From July 11 at 12 a.m. to July 12 at 11:59 p.m. local time, players can collect nine free Raid Passes daily from spinning Gym Photo Discs, perform six Special Trades per day (12 total over the weekend), and benefit from a halved Stardust cost for all trades. The daily gift opening limit will also be increased to 50.
During the active event hours (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on July 11 and 12), players will experience an increased chance of encountering shiny Pokémon, boosted wild spawns related to habitat hours, increased Incense effectiveness for specific Pokémon, Lure Modules lasting for an hour, and the activation of Party Play for nine hours.