September 2026 marks the beginning of autumn in Pokémon Go, bringing a packed schedule of events and raids. The highlight of the month is the Go Fest 2026: Mega Finale, which will see the return of Armored Mewtwo for the first time in six years, alongside the release of Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja.
September 2026 Event Lineup
The month kicks off with the "Mega Ascension" event from August 31 to September 4. Following this, the "Go Fest 2026: Mega Finale" takes place on September 5 and 6. The "Mega Squads" event, introducing new Gen 9 Pokémon, runs from September 8 to September 14. September 12 will feature a Gible Community Day Classic. Another event is scheduled from September 16 to September 22, with details to be announced. The "Phantump Catch Mastery" event begins on September 19, and the "Harvest Festival" event starts on September 29 and continues into October.
Legendary and Mega Raid Battles
In terms of Legendary raids, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel will be available until September 8. They will be succeeded by Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) from September 9 to September 15, and Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles) from September 16 to September 22. From September 23 to September 29, regional Ultra Beasts will appear: Xurkitree in Asia-Pacific, Pheromosa in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India, and Buzzwole in the Americas and Greenland. Xerneas will then headline the Legendary raids from September 30 to October 6. The author recommends focusing on the Go Fest 2026: Mega Finale for a chance to catch Armored Mewtwo, noting its unique stats compared to its regular form.
For Mega Raids, Mega Gyarados is available until September 8, followed by Mega Beedrill and Mega Houndoom. Mega Venusaur appears from September 16 to September 22, and Mega Malamar from September 23 to September 29. Mega Victreebel concludes the month from September 30 to October 6. However, the primary recommendation for Mega Raids is to participate in the Go Fest 2026: Mega Finale for the debut of Mega Mewtwo X and Y, Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja. After the finale, Mega Houndoom is suggested as the best available option from the monthly lineup.
Max Battles and Spotlight Hours
The Max Battle schedule features Eevee from August 31 to September 6, followed by Raltas and Rhyhorn. From September 21 to September 27, players can battle for the legendary birds: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Sobble will be featured from September 28 to October 4. These legendary birds are highlighted as particularly worthwhile encounters, especially for those seeking their first Gigantamax Pokémon.
Spotlight Hours offer unique bonuses. On September 10, Weedle will be featured with double transfer candy. Houndour will follow on September 13, also offering double transfer candy. An unspecified Pokémon will be the focus on September 17 with double catch stardust. Finally, Rattata will be featured on September 24, granting double evolution XP and an increased chance of encountering XXS Rattata. This month's Spotlight Hours include a special Sunday event and cover an entire evolution line during one session.
Shadow Raids
Shadow Giratina (Altered Forme) will be available in Shadow Raids until September 8, and can be shiny. It will be replaced by Shadow Incarnate Forme Thundurus, which will be available until October 6 and can also be shiny. The use of Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids is now possible, provided players have the necessary PokéCoins.